Devotional from Pastor Dave May 8, 2024

As a church congregation, we are embarking upon an energetic endeavor to “refresh, regenerate, and rejoice” in our life and witness together to the grace of God in Jesus Christ. On one level, this is a campaign to raise money for several capital improvement projects here at the church, foremost among which is to replace the sanctuary roof and skylights (which were last replaced thirty years ago), along with replacing the roofs of the chapel and the parsonage. Both the sanctuary and the Crest need new lighting, and the sanctuary needs new carpet. Our church bus also needs to be replaced. So there is much room for physical refreshment.

But on another level, this campaign represents a continuation of the church’s spiritual refreshment and regeneration that has been building over the past few years. This church has weathered a worldwide pandemic, denominational struggles, and multiple transitions in pastoral, staff, and lay leadership. But more people are coming back to worship, and new people are getting involved in the life and ministries of the church. In our worship services these past two weeks alone, we have seen the impact of this church’s ministries in the lives of our children and youth and young families for Christ. This church is experiencing a season of refreshment and regeneration, for which we can indeed rejoice!

These capital improvements are an opportunity for our generation to ensure that future generations can come to know the life-saving grace of God in Jesus Christ here at Signal Crest, just as previous generations have ensured that opportunity for all of us here today.

I am always inspired when I read in this church’s history about the faithful and generous church members back in 1967-69 who supported the construction of the magnificent sanctuary in which we worship today. I am additionally inspired when I read about the capital improvements the Trustees undertook in 1993-95, some of which are the same projects we are undertaking today (new roof, skylights, carpet, and bus). And I am also inspired by this church’s captivating vision of the Crest center in 2009-2011 that has enriched this congregation’s worship and extended its presence in this community. This church has a history of regularly refreshing, regenerating, and rejoicing in its ministries!

The words of my younger son Wesley this past Sunday also inspires me. He was one of the six graduating seniors who spoke in the worship services. In his closing remarks about the impact of this church on his life and faith, he said, “I think the biggest thing that I learned was that it’s not always about what we can get from something, but rather about what we can give.” I’m so proud of Wesley. He gets it. And he got it from you here at Signal Crest.

I hope you will plan to attend one of the information sessions about these projects, either this Sunday, May 12 at 10 am or next Wednesday, May 15 at 6:15. Both sessions will be held in the Crest Center, with refreshments!

And I hope that you will prayerfully consider generously supporting this effort to “refresh, regenerate, and rejoice” together in the ministries of Signal Crest for Jesus Christ.