1. God called the people to follow Moses out of slavery – COME.
2. God taught them his laws while they traveled – GROW.
3. They rededicated themselves to God before entering the land of freedom – CELEBRATE.

A. Jesus and his first followers – "the new Israel."

1. They grew by person-to-person invitation – COME.
2. Their numbers grew and they gained understanding of Jesus and their own power to do his work – GROW.
3. They rejoiced when they understood what God was doing in their midst (Mark 1:28 – "At once his fame began to spread…") – CELEBRATE

1. Congregations began coming together all over the ancient world, and invited a diverse array of people – COME.
2. Paul and others like him helped people to apply their faith in all aspects of life – GROW.
3. The Apostles brought the people together (Acts 2) for teaching, prayer and fellowship around "the breaking of the bread" – CELEBRATE.

A. Bishop Roberts, founder of Good Shepherd 50 years ago.

1. Ignored retirement to found a new congregation – COME.
2. Built up the membership from a few families to a developed congregation – GROW.
3. Build and dedicated their new sanctuary – CELEBRATE.

B. Fr. Robert & Maggie Wright (40 years ago).

1. Brought in young, growing families – COME.
2. Membership and ministries expanded – GROW.
3. Built the Christian Education wing of the church and burned the mortgage – CELEBRATE.

C. 2003 Parish Goals

1. Growth of membership across age ranges – COME.
2. More Christian Education, Lay Ministry and Outreach – GROW.
3. Fellowship – a greater joy and vitality in coming together as God’s people – CELEBRATE.

A. What’s in our way

1. Our split-level building presents hardship for many people. Our words say "COME" but our building doesn’t.
2. Our lack of air conditioning drove people out of classes and worship last year. Our words say "GROW" but our building doesn’t.
3. Our roof is overdue for replacement and we are making no effort to protect our sanctuary. Our words say "CELEBRATE" but our building soon won’t.

B. What’s in our favor.

1. Power – Jesus and his authority over all things if we will invite him in. Miracles can and do happen with Jesus.
2. Passion – I came here because I believe that you truly mean to grow, and because the growth of a church is what fires me up. You my heart invested in the growth of this church.
3. Plan – today we launch a three-year campaign for over $200,000 to put in our elevator, air conditioning and new roof.

   - We are already underway with a great leadership team and lead gifts of $63,000 from four families.
   - The Vestry and Campaign Team members are now prayerfully considering their pledges to  this
      campaign.
    - We will be communicating with all of you and working together as a congregation through April to
       make our sacrificial pledges.

    4. Pattern – all through history, we see God prospering those who COME, GROW and
        CELEBRATE. We can expect blessings if we jump on what God has set in motion.

IV. Let us pray:

Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd. Your voice calls people to "Come" to God’s love, to "Grow" in faith and good works and to "Celebrate" together with joyful expectation. Breathe the Holy Spirit on us so that we can work together as your body on earth. Let us build up this sanctuary so that many people will "Come, Grow and Celebrate" with you here. This we pray in your Name, for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.