FEBRUARY 2023
“Different, But Together…”
First,
Let’s address the elephant in the room. I can’t be good at everything…If you read my last post, then you no doubt found out one of my weaknesses. If you know what I’m talking about, then you will be glad to hear that I have found a proof-reader for these updates moving forward. In fact, many of you volunteered! And while slightly embarrasing, it’s also wonderful to know that I have people willing to fill in the gaps where I fall short! Thanks to everyone for your patience, grace, and generosity!
CHURCH UPDATES
What does it look like to be unapologetically yourself as an individual, and yet at the same time, a part of something greater than yourself? And more so, how do you balance those two realities in a time where how you identify automatically implies so much about who you are to the world? Even harder, how as Christians do we battle those expectations, without compromising what we believe, while also correctly communicating our goal of breaking down dividing walls — not building up more barriers? How do we be different, but together?
This Februrary, Laura and I attended the Liberti Leadership Conference, during which pastor and author, Scott Sauls helped raise and respond to those exact questions. While there, we were also blessed to be officially commissioned as the next Liberti Church Planters. It was overwhelming to receive that affirmation and encouragement from our leadership and co-workers in the Gospel. We are thankful for the process over these last few years — and excited for all that is to come next.
You can CHECK OUT THE CONFERENCE HERE.
As far as Liberti Bristol goes, we are “full steam ahead” working through our launch calendar and watching God check boxes off our list. It is amazing to watch Him work! People are beginning to join us in what I call the “three P’s” of Prayer, Presence, and Provision. I’ve continued to build relationships with people in the Borough, and with every passing day that brings us closer to launch, I can feel my heart growing ever fonder of the place to which God has called us. BUT AS ALWAYS, I NEED YOUR HELP TO GET THERE. If you are reading this, it means in some way you are on our team! So here’s what I need from you: After reading this post, would you forward this email, or send the blog link to atleast one person that you think might be interested in supporting our cause? We can’t do this alone…and I’m not above asking for help! So do me that favor — introduce me to a friend, invite them to this team, ask them to check out our website and subscribe to stay in the loop. However you can, help me spread the word, so that we can have that many more people joining us in prayer, joining us in mission, and joining us in financially funding our church. However you choose to help, we appreciate you!
ON A PERSONAL NOTE
February was filled with blessings for the Knecht’s — our Liberti Communion conference was an all-around good time and Laura’s pregnancy has been healthy thus far! We feel nothing but gratitude for the ways that God has been providing for us and moving us into a season full of “firsts!” However, the month had its troubles too. In February, we learned our dog Heist has cancer and she is now healing from a one-time surgery — in hopes that it didn’t spread and won’t return down the road. In that same week, our neighbors caught people checking out our house and property before kicking them out of the yard, only to have those same people return the following week. One police report and a security system installation later, we are trusting God to protect us in an uncomfortable situation outside our own control. Would you join us in prayers for safety and health?
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Partner With US
Liberti will be a church in the heart of Bristol with a heart for Bristol — who seeks to live, speak and serve as the very presence of Jesus to our neighbors there.
PRAYER
Would you commit to including Liberti Bristol in your prayers? Would you pray for softened hearts? Would you pray that God would open doors and opportunities for us to be ambassadors of His kingdom? That we would have eyes to see opportunity and the willingness to pursue it — even when it’s difficult?
PRESENCE
We desperately need your prayers, but we also need your presence! Liberti Bristol needs mission-minded people like you; willing to do the work and take the risks to participate with God in the expansion of His kingdom! If you'd like to consider joining our launch team, then I invite you to stop by our house on a Wednesday night. Every Wednesday from 6:30 - 8:30PM, our team comes together as a family — adults and children — for a time of fellowship and prayer. Come meet us and see if this is where you belong!
PROVISION
And finally, provision. Listen, we believe that God will provide for that which He has ordained. Liberti Bristol isn't a project of our own, but rather it's our effort to be obedient to God's call on our lives and to be his ambassadors and priests, declaring the good news of God's Kingdom; inviting others to repentance and to come and see that He is good. And so, we believe that God will provide for us. But we believe He'll do it through people like you! Would you consider being a part of God's provision to us? Be it a monthly, annual or even a one-time donation? We need your help to make Liberti Bristol the church that this neighborhood needs it to be!
