We are driving through Downtown Boston right now trying to find I90 West to New York, traffic is crazy!  (time to catch up on our blog!)  I wanted to share a little about our time Monday morning with Ed Marcelle & Phill Taylor from Terra Nova Church in Troy, NY.  We found ourselves driving along the eastern bank of the Hudson River amidst 19th century architecture...it was absolutely beautifu!  You may remember the movies Age of Innocence, The Emperor's Club, & Scent of a Woman - all were filmed in Troy.

Revolution Hall, one of the coolest concert clubs I've ever seen,  plays home to Terra Nova Church every Sunday morning at 11AM.  The story of Terra Nova follows the story of their lead pastor, Ed Marcelle.  As we sat around enjoying coffee and a couple of ham, egg, and cheese wraps from a small breakfast joint right next to the club with Ed, Phil Taylor (executive pastor), and Dave Lewis (another pastor from Troy whose heart is for the inner city).  We asked Ed about his story..he is not shy about his past, and is so transparent that we felt immediately safe and free to share in the reality of where we've been and the extent to which the Lord has transformed our lives.  Ed has an ability to connect with ANYONE because of his love for others - he loves Troy and has a huge heart for the city.  Check out this very well written article written about Terra Nova Church published in Metroland Newspaper, a weekly publication NOT known for their gentle and affirming position towards evangelical churches.  Yet this article seems to embrace Terra Nova as part of the city, and an important part!  Ed knows the author and has since become good friends with this man who often laughs at Ed's faith yet continues to share life.  Culturally aware, firm yet sensitive, inviting, loving - that is Ed, and that is Terra Nova Church. 

Check out this video highlighting more of what is happening in Troy, NY: