At the same time, children from their families receive age-appropriate instruction through a variety of activities geared to their age group. This holistic program, serving more than 75 people, is offered Mondays and Thursdays and is funded entirely by donations and grants.

Family Literacy's program continues to grow and expand, and there has been an increasing need for more classroom space. At the same time, our Latino ministry has grown exponentially since the first worship service in Spanish last Pentecost Sunday.

In the midst of all the growth on those two fronts, there appears to be new energy and a desire to grow and reach out to the younger families of the Anglo community as well. We have reached the point where we are running out of space, not having room to grow if changes aren't made.

As difficult as it was for me to bring the news to Richard that we soon need to reclaim space used by Family Literacy, last week, I was the messenger carrying that news to him. The council didn’t make the decision lightly when they decided it was time to ask Family Literacy to find a new home by next fall.

We all strongly en-dorse their program, both in terms of need and of quality. However, if we are to have room to grow, the added space and the ability to have programming Monday and Thursday evenings is essential.

Our building is a tremendous asset for ministry, and we need to keep assessing and reassessing how we can be the very best stewards of our building and the green space surrounding it. As we see the opening up of space for musicians in the front of the sanctuary, we acknowledge that what we already have can be put to even better use.

I would like to personally express my gratitude to all who have volunteered their time and talents to make upgrades and improvements to our building and grounds. And, a word of thanks is due to all who see the big picture and graciously share space with our ministry partners. That is what brings life and allows new growth in this place.

Who knows what new life is ahead? During this Lenten season we wait expectantly.