I had a couple ask me to say the following at their wedding: “If any of you has a reason why these two should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace.” It was a strange request. I’ve done a couple hundred weddings. Never said that before and haven’t since. It’s too risky and too awkward and doesn’t add anything. But it was their wedding. I worked it into the liturgy. I gave people about five seconds to object. I prayed nobody would say anything. My prayer was answered and the wedding was wonderful.
This morning, immediately following the 10:30 worship experience, WE are going to have an all-church meeting. Dan Flanagan, our District Superintendent, is going to ask a question something like: “If any of you have any reasons why WE should not proceed with our building project, speak now or forever hold your peace.” The motion before us will be:
The Church Conference of The Water’s Edge United Methodist Church approves the architectural plans, cost estimates, and the financial plan for the proposed church building on the property at 195th and Harrison Street.
- The Building Team is authorized to proceed with the construction of the building including obtaining bids for the project.
- This Church Conference also authorizes The Water’s Edge United Methodist Church to borrow $4,750,000 from the Texas Methodist Foundation secured by a lien on the Ministry Center (18035 Oak Street) and 23 acres (195th and Harrison Streets).
- The Leadership Team is authorized to negotiate the terms and conditions of the loan and officers of The Water’s Edge Church are authorized to execute the required documents on behalf of the Church required to obtain this loan and for future modifications which may be required.
Once WE vote to move forward, there is no turning back. Millions of dollars are at stake. Money you have sacrificially given.
Something more important is at stake though. The Water’s Edge has a rare opportunity in front of us to do something significant for the Kingdom of God. A church will forever stand in a new and busy part of our city. A place of hope and recovery and forgiveness and growth and new beginnings.
WE don’t need a building to be a church. WE have done quite well being a church for the last ten years. The building will help us do better in loving God and serving our community. WE will reach more new people. WE will worship better. WE will gather more frequently. Our excellent kid’s and youth ministries will improve. Our friendships and relationships will be enhanced. This new facility and our entire campus will be a blessing to God, our community, and future generations.
I encourage you to stay and participate in this important meeting. It will be a historic day in the life of our church as WE move forward in faith together!
A western view of the new church from Harrison Street.
