My friends...it has finally happened!
I have secured a place to live. I will send out my address once I have moved in just to make sure no mail goes there ahead of me. The process was challenging no doubt, but where I ended up seems to be the right place. Its an apartment on Brodie Lane; a main N/S drag through South Austin. I am surrounded by shopping and you can see one Starbucks from another. Heaven. ;)
The team is currently gearing up for our first Launch Team Meeting which happens in T-minus 3 hours and counting. We have been so encouraged by the the meetings so far and can't wait to see what God is going to do over the next 5 months before we launch.
I am beginning to acclimate to the weather down here. I say that now and I'll probably have heat-stroke in the middle of Spring, but I would like to think that I am beginning to adjust. I am still so engaged by the clashing of cultures down here. Its a difficult thing to explain and one that I am desperately trying to understand. The move into my apartment at the end of the month should help me dive in a bit and understand Austinites better.
One of the strangest things to get used to is the absurd amount of U-turn lanes in this city. You think you're turning left, and before you know it your going back the way you came. A strange little idiosyncrasy that I am beginning to enjoy...simply because I can drive around in circles (literally).
I miss you all, and I am sorry that blogging isn't my primary strength. I'm not even sure if anyone reads this! haha. I will try to be more faithful to update at least once a week.
Be blessed and stay in the Word.
L
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Location, Location, Location....
Good afternoon friends.
This past week has been full of highs and lows, filled with experiences, and brimming with hope. I have to admit, I miss you all so much. I feel like part of me is missing, and at the same time, a new piece of me is coming alive.
I never would have imagined it to be this difficult to find a place to live. Townhomes, apartments, houses....my brain is fried. Emotions are everywhere in the absence of normalcy and my ability to rationalize under pressuaurare is being tested. At the same time, I have found so much comfort in the unexplored. All of this is proving to be a chance to redefine my character.
Austin's surrounding area offers an entirely different mode of stimuli than Colorado Springs. Its a beautiful 75 here today and I write this to you from a bench overlooking Lake Austin. Flowers are beginning to bloom and some of the smells have been simply glorious. Although I do miss the crisp Colorado air, I am beginning to fall in love with the aura that is Austin.
As my search for a housing location is still underway, I ask for your prayers. I would love for this process to be over sooner than later, but I want to learn whatever it is God has for me in the process.
Also, I need your support now as much as ever; both through prayer and giving. Your donations are helping to keep me above water down here and I genuinely appreciate anything you are able to do. If you haven't given before, instructions are available on the right side of this page.
I love and miss you all very much. Keep me in your prayers as you are in mine.
L
This past week has been full of highs and lows, filled with experiences, and brimming with hope. I have to admit, I miss you all so much. I feel like part of me is missing, and at the same time, a new piece of me is coming alive.
I never would have imagined it to be this difficult to find a place to live. Townhomes, apartments, houses....my brain is fried. Emotions are everywhere in the absence of normalcy and my ability to rationalize under pressuaurare is being tested. At the same time, I have found so much comfort in the unexplored. All of this is proving to be a chance to redefine my character.
Austin's surrounding area offers an entirely different mode of stimuli than Colorado Springs. Its a beautiful 75 here today and I write this to you from a bench overlooking Lake Austin. Flowers are beginning to bloom and some of the smells have been simply glorious. Although I do miss the crisp Colorado air, I am beginning to fall in love with the aura that is Austin.
As my search for a housing location is still underway, I ask for your prayers. I would love for this process to be over sooner than later, but I want to learn whatever it is God has for me in the process.
Also, I need your support now as much as ever; both through prayer and giving. Your donations are helping to keep me above water down here and I genuinely appreciate anything you are able to do. If you haven't given before, instructions are available on the right side of this page.
I love and miss you all very much. Keep me in your prayers as you are in mine.
L
Thursday, March 18, 2010
I Have Arrived
Well good morning world, and hello Austin.
I arrived here safe and sound Tuesday afternoon and its been great. I met all manner of weather on my trip down; snow, sleet, fog, rain, sun, wind...some beyond the ambit of what I would have expected my southern course to provide.
I spent the night in Lubbock on Monday with Jim and Radene Fuller. Their house is a perfect half way point between The Springs and Austin. I believe the term "southern hospitality" was birthed at their house. There can't be many other people as generous as them. I got a hearty night sleep and was on my way again bright and early the next morning.
"So what is your course of action now that you have arrived in your new city?" you might ask. Let me take you on a journey to explain the answer.
Yesterday, I searched for a place to live. Today, I am searching for a place to live. Tomorrow, however, I will be (yes indeed)...searching for a place to live.
I have been so blessed to have Tony and Carrie Black open their home to me for a brief time while I search for other living quarters. They have been awesome to get to know and have provided me much sound wisdom about Austin.
There is so much to take in and so much to accomplish. I am pleased that my waiting period is over and that I am now able to dig my feet in and get my hands dirty. What will the next years hold? My hope: whole-hearted abandon for a city who's time is yet to come.
"Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation that you believe to be the will of God." ~ Jim Elliot
I arrived here safe and sound Tuesday afternoon and its been great. I met all manner of weather on my trip down; snow, sleet, fog, rain, sun, wind...some beyond the ambit of what I would have expected my southern course to provide.
I spent the night in Lubbock on Monday with Jim and Radene Fuller. Their house is a perfect half way point between The Springs and Austin. I believe the term "southern hospitality" was birthed at their house. There can't be many other people as generous as them. I got a hearty night sleep and was on my way again bright and early the next morning.
"So what is your course of action now that you have arrived in your new city?" you might ask. Let me take you on a journey to explain the answer.
Yesterday, I searched for a place to live. Today, I am searching for a place to live. Tomorrow, however, I will be (yes indeed)...searching for a place to live.
I have been so blessed to have Tony and Carrie Black open their home to me for a brief time while I search for other living quarters. They have been awesome to get to know and have provided me much sound wisdom about Austin.
There is so much to take in and so much to accomplish. I am pleased that my waiting period is over and that I am now able to dig my feet in and get my hands dirty. What will the next years hold? My hope: whole-hearted abandon for a city who's time is yet to come.
"Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation that you believe to be the will of God." ~ Jim Elliot
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
I'm Back
It is from the same Starbucks, on the same street, at the same time of day, sitting in the same chair with the same beverage that I write you my next update!
This trip has already been wonderful. It was super dumb trying to get here though as the Austin Airport ran out of de-icing fluid. Why in the WOLRD would AUSTIN of all places run out of fluid that takes ice off of planes and runways. Something just doesn't add up.
So Spero and I arrived to our hotel sometime around 7 PM...12 hours after we had left our houses. We went out and grabbed dinner at an amazing sports bar called "Tully's" and then proceeded back to the hotel to grab some sleep.
This morning found me starting my day at Mozart's Coffee shop; a modest little place sitting right on the river.
I then decided to take my incredibly indecent pair of flip flops for a nice long walk...around 10 miles. I trekked across the city (literally) and my ventures landed me back here. Starbucks is a safe haven for people everywhere. Its like a CIA safe house or PETA for neglected critters. (Insert sarcastic political comments here)
So after 5 blisters and several cuts, I have decided that Austin is beginning to feel like home. Although I have to laugh at how many strange looks I'm getting today for wearing a t-shirt, shorts and flip flops in 50 degree weather. I have seen no more than 2 people today without a long-sleeved shirt or coat and everyone is complaining about how cold it is. The ornery part of me wants to stand up and start asking, "Is it hot in here? Can you turn up the AC?"
I feel like I'm beginning to understand the layout of the city and getting a better feel for the people also. I can't wait to move down here in a little over 2 weeks! We have our interest meeting tomorrow night on the 17th floor of the Hyatt Regency which overlooks the city lake. Its going to be a beautiful view. It seems I have left my camera cable at home, but I will upload pictures as soon as I can.
I love you all! Be blessed.
L
This trip has already been wonderful. It was super dumb trying to get here though as the Austin Airport ran out of de-icing fluid. Why in the WOLRD would AUSTIN of all places run out of fluid that takes ice off of planes and runways. Something just doesn't add up.
So Spero and I arrived to our hotel sometime around 7 PM...12 hours after we had left our houses. We went out and grabbed dinner at an amazing sports bar called "Tully's" and then proceeded back to the hotel to grab some sleep.
This morning found me starting my day at Mozart's Coffee shop; a modest little place sitting right on the river.
I then decided to take my incredibly indecent pair of flip flops for a nice long walk...around 10 miles. I trekked across the city (literally) and my ventures landed me back here. Starbucks is a safe haven for people everywhere. Its like a CIA safe house or PETA for neglected critters. (Insert sarcastic political comments here)
So after 5 blisters and several cuts, I have decided that Austin is beginning to feel like home. Although I have to laugh at how many strange looks I'm getting today for wearing a t-shirt, shorts and flip flops in 50 degree weather. I have seen no more than 2 people today without a long-sleeved shirt or coat and everyone is complaining about how cold it is. The ornery part of me wants to stand up and start asking, "Is it hot in here? Can you turn up the AC?"
I feel like I'm beginning to understand the layout of the city and getting a better feel for the people also. I can't wait to move down here in a little over 2 weeks! We have our interest meeting tomorrow night on the 17th floor of the Hyatt Regency which overlooks the city lake. Its going to be a beautiful view. It seems I have left my camera cable at home, but I will upload pictures as soon as I can.
I love you all! Be blessed.
L
Friday, February 5, 2010
Crunch Time...
Well, this Sunday is the Superbowl. Yet another season coming to a close!
As I think about football, I realize that I, in a way, have run my life like a football team; always striving toward the big goal without looking beyond what lies there.
For the longest time I had my mind set on specific goals as if they were my "superbowl of achievement" and every season leads to either success or failure. Yet each season also brings with it new sets of experience. Skills are developed, limits are pushed, excellence is expected and self is denied.
The end of this season has given me a chance to draft new talent (i.e. new goals and standards). This is a chance to dig into the ultimate playbook and find my purpose through this transition.
I glanced at my calendar today only to realize that I am 37 days away from my move. Time is flying by and anticipation is rising at exponential rates. Its amazing how one thing can be the cynosure of life for so long, that when it comes time to change focus, it almost feels like a letdown. However, its the unknown; the invaluable chance to see beyond the realm of ones own experience that leads to a heightening of spiritual awareness. I have experienced the presence of God more strongly in the past 5 months than I can ever remember and I am more than willing to let Him coach me no matter where it may lead...superbowl or not.
My challenge to you: Be mentally awake. Don't trade wisdom for a habitual state of mind. Listen to the calling of the LORD.
L
P.S. On the right side of this page I have a list of upcoming dates that you can be praying for. Our trips and meetings will be listed with details of what we need you to cover in prayer.
As I think about football, I realize that I, in a way, have run my life like a football team; always striving toward the big goal without looking beyond what lies there.
For the longest time I had my mind set on specific goals as if they were my "superbowl of achievement" and every season leads to either success or failure. Yet each season also brings with it new sets of experience. Skills are developed, limits are pushed, excellence is expected and self is denied.
The end of this season has given me a chance to draft new talent (i.e. new goals and standards). This is a chance to dig into the ultimate playbook and find my purpose through this transition.
I glanced at my calendar today only to realize that I am 37 days away from my move. Time is flying by and anticipation is rising at exponential rates. Its amazing how one thing can be the cynosure of life for so long, that when it comes time to change focus, it almost feels like a letdown. However, its the unknown; the invaluable chance to see beyond the realm of ones own experience that leads to a heightening of spiritual awareness. I have experienced the presence of God more strongly in the past 5 months than I can ever remember and I am more than willing to let Him coach me no matter where it may lead...superbowl or not.
My challenge to you: Be mentally awake. Don't trade wisdom for a habitual state of mind. Listen to the calling of the LORD.
L
P.S. On the right side of this page I have a list of upcoming dates that you can be praying for. Our trips and meetings will be listed with details of what we need you to cover in prayer.
Friday, January 22, 2010
My First Visit
I am currently sitting in a Starbucks on the corner of 6th and Congress in downtown Austin...what a perfect place to write my next update!!!
As most of you know, the team came down to Austin this week to have an interest meeting, get to know the city, and look for housing. The interest meeting was last night and was a huge success. We had 50 in attendance and the Lord showed up in a big way. I have spent most of today just getting to know the area. Ross and Aimee are off looking at houses. Spero, Brent and Greg are looking at housing and possible locations for the church and I have been walking around downtown for the past 2 hours.
I must admit, I am beginning to fall in love with this city. The diverse cultures combined with the feel of a metro area similar to Denver is a reassurance that this will feel like home. It amazes me to see college students, politicians, musicians and homeless all living amongst each other...and what amazes me even more is that they seem to co-exist without as much as a notice of each other. As I've been walking there hasn't been more than 3 people that have made eye contact with me and only one responded to a "hello".
My heart is breaking for this place and now I better understand what it will take to love these people. I believe it will be hard for me to go back to the Springs tomorrow as this already is beginning to feel like home but I am excited to walk through the process between now and March that will lead me here. More than anything, I am waiting in great expectancy to see God move in this place.
Thank you for your prayers. I love you all dearly.
L
As most of you know, the team came down to Austin this week to have an interest meeting, get to know the city, and look for housing. The interest meeting was last night and was a huge success. We had 50 in attendance and the Lord showed up in a big way. I have spent most of today just getting to know the area. Ross and Aimee are off looking at houses. Spero, Brent and Greg are looking at housing and possible locations for the church and I have been walking around downtown for the past 2 hours.
I must admit, I am beginning to fall in love with this city. The diverse cultures combined with the feel of a metro area similar to Denver is a reassurance that this will feel like home. It amazes me to see college students, politicians, musicians and homeless all living amongst each other...and what amazes me even more is that they seem to co-exist without as much as a notice of each other. As I've been walking there hasn't been more than 3 people that have made eye contact with me and only one responded to a "hello".
My heart is breaking for this place and now I better understand what it will take to love these people. I believe it will be hard for me to go back to the Springs tomorrow as this already is beginning to feel like home but I am excited to walk through the process between now and March that will lead me here. More than anything, I am waiting in great expectancy to see God move in this place.
Thank you for your prayers. I love you all dearly.
L
Thursday, January 14, 2010
What's Next...
For the past several years I have felt as if I have been in a state of change or transition. A friend encouraged me some time back to be preparing for "what is next" whether or not I knew what the next thing was. I had no idea how to prepare, but God was with me every moment that led to that day in September when Ross approached me. It has been since then that I have found a new vision and purpose for my life; my calling has been renewed.
The book of Isaiah has been on my heart lately and I believe Isaiah 61 describes the purpose of what we, as the church in general, are being called to.
I believe with all that I am that God is going to do something in the hearts of the people of Austin. Every day I get closer to moving, my heart breaks a little more for the people that we will be ministering to. It is my hearts desire to see Austin stand as an "Oak of Righteousness".
I would ask you to be praying for the people of Austin:
I am so excited and blessed to have all of you praying for us and to have some of you supporting us financially. I look forward to updating you often on the work that the Lord is doing in Austin.
L
The book of Isaiah has been on my heart lately and I believe Isaiah 61 describes the purpose of what we, as the church in general, are being called to.
1THE SPIRIT of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound,(A)
2To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [the year of His favor] [a]and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,(B)
3To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion--to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit--that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
I believe with all that I am that God is going to do something in the hearts of the people of Austin. Every day I get closer to moving, my heart breaks a little more for the people that we will be ministering to. It is my hearts desire to see Austin stand as an "Oak of Righteousness".
I would ask you to be praying for the people of Austin:
- That their hearts would become soft to the calling of the Lord
- That they would be prospered in their families and jobs
- That their relationships would grow strong and that they would be able to experience community
- That the Lord would provide us with influence to speak into the lives of His people
- That provision would come for everyone involved as we move
- That we would be able to develop a strong sense of community between us
- That dissension would have no place in the work we will be doing
I am so excited and blessed to have all of you praying for us and to have some of you supporting us financially. I look forward to updating you often on the work that the Lord is doing in Austin.
L
Monday, January 11, 2010
January Newsletter
Hey Friends,
Below is the January Newsletter from ONEchapel. Take some time to read it and learn about the heart and vision of the church!
L
Hello ONEchapel friends,
It’s hard to believe it’s been one month today since we made our announcement to plant a brand new church in Austin, TX called ONEchapel. This is our first email newsletter update for all of you who are praying for us and supporting this new venture. Aimee and I pray that you are entering this New Year, as we are, with the joy and faith that only God can give!
As 2010 begins for the Parsley family and ONEchapel, we have great expectations for what the Lord is going to do! We are incredibly grateful for the faithfulness that God has shown us as we enter this season of transition. We have also been overwhelmed by the love and encouragement of so many friends who have pledged their support and prayers for us as we embark on this amazing adventure called church planting! Thank you.
During the last several weeks I have been engaged in preparing for our New Life Church Christmas Eve services called “Wonderland.” It was a wonderful experience for the entire New Life family as well as many guests who came from all over the city. We had somewhere near 14,000 people who joined us in threes services as we worshiped, laughed, celebrated and honored the miracle of the Christ child who came into our world to bring us life.
On Sunday, December 27th, I spoke in all three services at New Life Church for the last time before we leave for Austin, Texas. I spoke on “Courageous Footprints” from Joshua 1 and challenged us all to go into this New Year with a commitment to taking bold steps and claiming the territory God has waiting for us. If you want to catch it, here’s the link http://www.newlifechurch.o
Aimee and I have been working towards solidifying our schedule for the next month as we work out our timeline for moving down to Austin. We are finalizing the sale of our house, (as many of you know—a miracle) which is scheduled to close on February 1st. We certainly feel like we are in the great “in-between” as we finish up here in Colorado Springs and prepare for our move sometime in late February. The following are some prayer points, updates and calendar events you won’t want to miss.
FAMILY
Aimee is narrowing down the search for the online school that our kids will use for home-schooling during this next semester. This type of program is relatively costly but we feel like this is an important season for our kids to continue the great education they’ve received at TCA, here in Colorado Springs, and we want them to feel secure and steady as their world shifts to a new environment and atmosphere. Pray for our whole family to navigate this change with confidence, courage and peace—mommy’s heart needs this most.
INTEREST MEETING
We are hosting an “interest meeting” here in Colorado Springs for those who would like to hear more about the progress and vision of ONEchapel. It will take place on Sunday afternoon, January 10th at 4:00pm in the Theatre at New Life Church. We’ll bring people together who want to pray for us, support us and/or are considering joining us in launching ONEchapel in Austin, TX.
LAUNCH TEAM
Several families from New Life Church and from Austin have already contacted us and expressed desire to pray about joining the Launch Team of ONEchapel. We believe God is drawing people to be part of something special in Austin and so we ask you to pray that God will lead the people who He wants to be on the team. As you may or may not know, it is quite an adventure to plant a church and there are many pitfalls and challenges for all who join in. So, pray that the Father will draw the right people.
LEAD TEAM
There is already a Lead Team that has been forming to go with us. Greg and Belinda Sanders are from Fort Collins, CO and are going to come with us to be our worship leaders. They have two boys: Christian (11) and Thatcher (6). Landon Arnold, who is a long-time “New Lifer” and a graduate of the New Life School of Worship will be going with us to help with all kinds of things including marketing, administration and worship leading. I am excited about Brent and Maria Parsley who are also joining us in the role of overseeing Children and Student Ministries. It is really special to have one of my brothers coming with his sweet family, Aurora (4), Ewan (2) and Reese (1). Spero and Jennifer Stavros who are long-term family friends, round out the Lead Team with their four kids: Matthew (15), Danielle (13), Alexa (10) and Samuel (3). They will be heading up administration. Several others are praying about coming, so we’re excited that God is putting together a fabulous team. Pray for Greg and Belinda’s and Brent and Maria’s houses to sell, for each family’s transition, and for Landon who is leaving everything he has ever known to go with us.
FINANCES
We are currently raising money for the launch of ONEchapel. There is a very loose budget for our first year of operation on the website www.ONEchapel.com. To help raise funds, I will be connecting with people throughout the spring to ask for their help in starting ONEchapel, speaking at churches and sharing the vision with anyone who will listen. Pray for open hearts, open ears and strategic appointments! I have a tremendous confidence in God’s provision for our family and for the church. If you want to help us financially, you can give online at www.ONEchapel.com. You will have to create a login and password to give through our sending church, New Life, but soon enough, we will be up and running to receive donations ourselves where we will also be raising personal, monthly support for our family.
FIRST AUSTIN GATHERING
We are having our first “interest” meeting in Austin with people who have heard that we’re coming and have expressed an interest in hearing more about ONEchapel. It will be Thursday, January 21st at 7:00pm in the Ashton building in the 2nd Street district in downtown Austin (101 Colorado Street, Austin, TX 78701). We’ll be meeting in the “Clubhouse” right next to concierge desk. We know there are believers in Austin that God is calling to be part of something new who will join us as we connect with the other established churches already there to build God’s kingdom in that city. We want all who will hear the call to come. Please pray for a Spirit-led encounter for this first gathering in Austin.
UPCOMING DATES
January 10th: Colorado Springs “interest meeting” at New Life Church
January 17th: ONEchapel prayer meeting at 7pm at Parsley’s house – 1313 Hazeline Lake Dr C/S 80921
February 1st: Parsley’s house closes and they move in with their friends, the Jones’ (pray for them!).
February 1st: ONEchapel prayer meeting at 6pm at New Life Church (location TBD).
February 15th: ONEchapel prayer meeting at 6pm at New Life Church (location TBD).
February 21st: Parsley’s sending out service at New Life Church with reception following each service.
February 22nd: The Parsley’s pull out of town and move to Austin, TX.
February 25th: 2nd Austin gathering with people who are drawn to ONEchapel.
March 25th: 3rd Austin gathering with people who are drawn to ONEchapel.
As always, get the latest updates by joining us on facebook.com/onechapel and twitter@onechapel.
Thank you for taking time to read this and pray with us as we discover our part to play in God’s kingdom in Austin, TX. We’ll be sending out updates every couple of weeks because we value your support in walking with us on this faith-filled journey! HOOK ‘EM HORNS!
With gratitude and faith!
Ross Parsley
ONEchapel
Austin, TX
Below is the January Newsletter from ONEchapel. Take some time to read it and learn about the heart and vision of the church!
L
Hello ONEchapel friends,
It’s hard to believe it’s been one month today since we made our announcement to plant a brand new church in Austin, TX called ONEchapel. This is our first email newsletter update for all of you who are praying for us and supporting this new venture. Aimee and I pray that you are entering this New Year, as we are, with the joy and faith that only God can give!
As 2010 begins for the Parsley family and ONEchapel, we have great expectations for what the Lord is going to do! We are incredibly grateful for the faithfulness that God has shown us as we enter this season of transition. We have also been overwhelmed by the love and encouragement of so many friends who have pledged their support and prayers for us as we embark on this amazing adventure called church planting! Thank you.
During the last several weeks I have been engaged in preparing for our New Life Church Christmas Eve services called “Wonderland.” It was a wonderful experience for the entire New Life family as well as many guests who came from all over the city. We had somewhere near 14,000 people who joined us in threes services as we worshiped, laughed, celebrated and honored the miracle of the Christ child who came into our world to bring us life.
On Sunday, December 27th, I spoke in all three services at New Life Church for the last time before we leave for Austin, Texas. I spoke on “Courageous Footprints” from Joshua 1 and challenged us all to go into this New Year with a commitment to taking bold steps and claiming the territory God has waiting for us. If you want to catch it, here’s the link http://www.newlifechurch.o
Aimee and I have been working towards solidifying our schedule for the next month as we work out our timeline for moving down to Austin. We are finalizing the sale of our house, (as many of you know—a miracle) which is scheduled to close on February 1st. We certainly feel like we are in the great “in-between” as we finish up here in Colorado Springs and prepare for our move sometime in late February. The following are some prayer points, updates and calendar events you won’t want to miss.
FAMILY
Aimee is narrowing down the search for the online school that our kids will use for home-schooling during this next semester. This type of program is relatively costly but we feel like this is an important season for our kids to continue the great education they’ve received at TCA, here in Colorado Springs, and we want them to feel secure and steady as their world shifts to a new environment and atmosphere. Pray for our whole family to navigate this change with confidence, courage and peace—mommy’s heart needs this most.
INTEREST MEETING
We are hosting an “interest meeting” here in Colorado Springs for those who would like to hear more about the progress and vision of ONEchapel. It will take place on Sunday afternoon, January 10th at 4:00pm in the Theatre at New Life Church. We’ll bring people together who want to pray for us, support us and/or are considering joining us in launching ONEchapel in Austin, TX.
LAUNCH TEAM
Several families from New Life Church and from Austin have already contacted us and expressed desire to pray about joining the Launch Team of ONEchapel. We believe God is drawing people to be part of something special in Austin and so we ask you to pray that God will lead the people who He wants to be on the team. As you may or may not know, it is quite an adventure to plant a church and there are many pitfalls and challenges for all who join in. So, pray that the Father will draw the right people.
LEAD TEAM
There is already a Lead Team that has been forming to go with us. Greg and Belinda Sanders are from Fort Collins, CO and are going to come with us to be our worship leaders. They have two boys: Christian (11) and Thatcher (6). Landon Arnold, who is a long-time “New Lifer” and a graduate of the New Life School of Worship will be going with us to help with all kinds of things including marketing, administration and worship leading. I am excited about Brent and Maria Parsley who are also joining us in the role of overseeing Children and Student Ministries. It is really special to have one of my brothers coming with his sweet family, Aurora (4), Ewan (2) and Reese (1). Spero and Jennifer Stavros who are long-term family friends, round out the Lead Team with their four kids: Matthew (15), Danielle (13), Alexa (10) and Samuel (3). They will be heading up administration. Several others are praying about coming, so we’re excited that God is putting together a fabulous team. Pray for Greg and Belinda’s and Brent and Maria’s houses to sell, for each family’s transition, and for Landon who is leaving everything he has ever known to go with us.
FINANCES
We are currently raising money for the launch of ONEchapel. There is a very loose budget for our first year of operation on the website www.ONEchapel.com. To help raise funds, I will be connecting with people throughout the spring to ask for their help in starting ONEchapel, speaking at churches and sharing the vision with anyone who will listen. Pray for open hearts, open ears and strategic appointments! I have a tremendous confidence in God’s provision for our family and for the church. If you want to help us financially, you can give online at www.ONEchapel.com. You will have to create a login and password to give through our sending church, New Life, but soon enough, we will be up and running to receive donations ourselves where we will also be raising personal, monthly support for our family.
FIRST AUSTIN GATHERING
We are having our first “interest” meeting in Austin with people who have heard that we’re coming and have expressed an interest in hearing more about ONEchapel. It will be Thursday, January 21st at 7:00pm in the Ashton building in the 2nd Street district in downtown Austin (101 Colorado Street, Austin, TX 78701). We’ll be meeting in the “Clubhouse” right next to concierge desk. We know there are believers in Austin that God is calling to be part of something new who will join us as we connect with the other established churches already there to build God’s kingdom in that city. We want all who will hear the call to come. Please pray for a Spirit-led encounter for this first gathering in Austin.
UPCOMING DATES
January 10th: Colorado Springs “interest meeting” at New Life Church
January 17th: ONEchapel prayer meeting at 7pm at Parsley’s house – 1313 Hazeline Lake Dr C/S 80921
February 1st: Parsley’s house closes and they move in with their friends, the Jones’ (pray for them!).
February 1st: ONEchapel prayer meeting at 6pm at New Life Church (location TBD).
February 15th: ONEchapel prayer meeting at 6pm at New Life Church (location TBD).
February 21st: Parsley’s sending out service at New Life Church with reception following each service.
February 22nd: The Parsley’s pull out of town and move to Austin, TX.
February 25th: 2nd Austin gathering with people who are drawn to ONEchapel.
March 25th: 3rd Austin gathering with people who are drawn to ONEchapel.
As always, get the latest updates by joining us on facebook.com/onechapel and twitter@onechapel.
Thank you for taking time to read this and pray with us as we discover our part to play in God’s kingdom in Austin, TX. We’ll be sending out updates every couple of weeks because we value your support in walking with us on this faith-filled journey! HOOK ‘EM HORNS!
With gratitude and faith!
Ross Parsley
ONEchapel
Austin, TX
Monday, January 4, 2010
Could it really be happening?
Well on Saturday I started packing my first boxes. Reality has finally set in. No longer am I just talking about going or telling everyone that something is changing...its actually happening. I counted today, and if all goes correctly, I am 70 days away from my move.
I am currently searching out someone to live with for a month so I can find my own place and find a job. I am photographing a wedding the third week in April and I plan to have everything in place so I can grab all my stuff and make the move directly afterward.
God has been so good in providing for me through this process...I have booked several weddings for photography and have a couple of speaking engagements as well. I am still on the fundraising path and trying to explore all of my options for that also.
If you know of a family that would be willing to let me stay with them for a month, those connections would be invaluable to me. Also, if you are praying about supporting me financially, I am beginning to put those funds away so that I have a decent amount to move with.
I covet all your prayers through this process...it is starting to weigh on me. I have been reminded lately of a scripture that the Lord gave to me several years back. I haven't understood it until now. Jeremiah 1:5-10. I believe that He has been preparing me for this, and I can't wait to see the fruit that will come from it!
Blessings on you all in this new year!
L
I am currently searching out someone to live with for a month so I can find my own place and find a job. I am photographing a wedding the third week in April and I plan to have everything in place so I can grab all my stuff and make the move directly afterward.
God has been so good in providing for me through this process...I have booked several weddings for photography and have a couple of speaking engagements as well. I am still on the fundraising path and trying to explore all of my options for that also.
If you know of a family that would be willing to let me stay with them for a month, those connections would be invaluable to me. Also, if you are praying about supporting me financially, I am beginning to put those funds away so that I have a decent amount to move with.
I covet all your prayers through this process...it is starting to weigh on me. I have been reminded lately of a scripture that the Lord gave to me several years back. I haven't understood it until now. Jeremiah 1:5-10. I believe that He has been preparing me for this, and I can't wait to see the fruit that will come from it!
Blessings on you all in this new year!
L
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