Dear Ren Family and Friends,
When I was in Bible college, many years ago, I think my teachers overlooked telling me just how many random tasks I’d be doing as a pastor. Today I spent the day assisting one of our contractors framing out our new space in East Providence. I’m covered in sawdust, and every muscle in my body aches. But it was a very fun day! Today was day number one of building.
Before I give you an update on the new space I want to, first, mention water baptism. On the last Sunday of June (June 30th 10 am) we will be having a water baptism service followed by a celebration meal. I believe six people have expressed interest in being baptized. If you would like to be baptized please respond back to this email (or click the link below) and let us know.
On Sunday June 23rd, right after service, there will be a short get together for those getting baptized in the back of the sanctuary to go over the logistics and theology of water baptism. What qualifies someone to be baptized? Anyone who has made a profession of faith in Christ and has committed to following Christ. So if that’s you, and you have never been baptized—let us know. Also, if you have questions about baptism feel free to respond to this email.
By this time, I imagine almost everyone on our newsletter knows that the building we’ve met in for the last decade is being sold. Thankfully, after much searching (and prayer!), we found a space in a section of East Providence called Riverside. I’m actually writing this letter a few minutes from the space at beautiful Crescent Park overlooking the bay. After being located for so long on one of the busiest intersections in Rhode Island, I’m excited for the Ren community to enjoy being in a quieter setting. The building we are leasing is at 10 Tripps Lane, and it’s in the far back corner of the property. It seems like the Lord has moved us from the chaos out to a remote location. It makes me think of how Moses set up what was called the Tent of Meeting outside the chaos of the camp. I think of how John the Baptist conducted his ministry out in the wilderness and people came out to hear him. I think of how Jesus taught the crowds out in fields or on mountainsides. Even the first century Christians met in secluded catacombs. Sometimes God builds things away from the chaos. But, after he pours out his Spirit in these places, then he scatters his people all over to be salt and light.
Now that the ball is rolling (and we have a building permit) we will start having “Ren Volunteer Days” on Saturdays. In June we’ll have two: Saturday June 22nd and June 29th from 1-5 pm. There is an ever-increasing punch list of tasks to be done. Some tasks might require some skill, but many tasks are simple enough that anyone can do them. Some examples are sweeping, sanding, painting, cleaning, cutting wood, and organizing. We will put you on a task you are comfortable doing. Sign up below for one or both of the volunteer days in June.
Lastly, let me talk frankly about the costs of this renovation. Thank you to those who have given generously to the Spring Offering campaign. We’ve raised a little over $60,000 so far! We’ve been working hard to find the most affordable and reliable contractors to do the work that needs to be done. I plan on giving several days each week to laboring at the space to keep labor costs down. But we need to raise a lot more than $60,000. We have not gotten estimates yet on all the various work that needs to be done, but we’ve gotten enough estimates to realize that it’ll end up being $150,000-$200,000. And these numbers are for a very modest build out. There are a lot of things we’d like to do but are not doing. We are trying to do this as cost-effective as we possibly can. Because our capacity will be over 500 the fire marshal is requiring certain things (like installing a 3rd exit) that will not be cheap. So I’m putting the need out there again. Any amount you can give is appreciated. Click on the link below to give. Be sure to mark your gift “Spring Offering.” Thanks!
—Pastor Scott