The last two weeks have been full of "handshake" moments between Catalyst and the Great Northwest. It's been such an honor for me to have this opportunity to be a part of these connections. Today we met Jon Cobler (Next Generation Pastor at Church of Living Water in Olympia, WA) and experienced an outpouring of grace and encouragement. It felt more like an embrace from a brother than a handshake from a friend.
Something Jon said during our time together continues to linger in my mind, "you know LV, one thing I have learned on this journey is that the Lord NEVER turns away from the repentant...from the broken." Not your typical leadership lesson, but the most influential leaders I have met are those that walk with humility...a humility birthed from a simple awareness of how much they need help. After our morning gathering Jon took us to lunch at the best sandwich place ever, 5th Avenue Sandwich Shop in Olympia. Thanks again Jon!
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Wednesday Morning Leaders Gathering
Hosted by Jon Cobler & Bill Ranes at The Youth Connection - Olympia, WA
Church of Living Water - Olympia, WA
Jake Broerer, Administrative Pastor
Eric Matthews, Young Marrieds
Reality Church - Olympia, WA
Paul Jones, Pastor
Calvary Chapel - Olympia, WA
Daniel Williams, Youth Pastor,
Youth Connection - Olympia, WA
Bill Ranes, Executive Director
Anthem School of Ministry - Olympia, WA
15+ Students from Anthem, quality insight from young leaders!
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Random Connection!
On our way to Puyallup for our afternoon gathering we pulled into a Starbucks off I5 when a guy walked out in the parking lot and flagged us down to say hi because he recognized the Vanagon...I remembered him from Catlayst 2007 - he was on our volunteer team! Kyle Lewallen & Derek Thomas are now church planters in DuPont, WA. It was great to see the guys, and I am so glad that Kyle came out to say hi!
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Wednesday Afternoon Leaders Gathering
Puyallup Church of the Nazarene - Puyallup, WA
Chris Rodes is the College/Youth Pastor at Puyallup Church of the Nazarene and an Ironman Hero! He completed his first Ironman in 2008, has summitted Mt. Rainer 4 times, and has a beard that could intimidate the best of men. He showed us around their church and highlighted something that their college group started - a 24/7 prayer room (pictured below). Chris shared stories about how this collective attitude of prayer has given way to a spirit of service in the community. Such an amainzg room full of notes, art, and personal expressions of worship.
Our leaders gathering was small and gave way to great conversation with personal stories from Kyle Lewallen (Pastor, Life Church in DuPont), Derek Thomas (Pastor, Life Church in DuPont, WA), Chris Rodes, & Rod Stephens (Men's Ministry, Calvary Community Church in Sumner, WA). It was great to spend time with these guys and hear more about what is happening in DuPont and Puyallup!
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Thursday is my last day in Seattle, highlights from my final day in The Emerald City soon...
LV
(taken from just inside the 24/7 Prayer Room at Pyullap Church of the Nazarene)
