In many ways, June is a culmination of our year. For one, school lets out in June, so it feels like the culmination of the school years. For another, graduations occur in June, so it feels like the culmination of an entire school system.
 
June is no less than that for us at GracePoint, for in many ways, June is the culmination of our year that we started in September. In particular, June is the culmination point for membership and baptisms. Fourteen or so have been in the membership process by going to the class, going through the elder interview process, and cementing their faith through baptism. In fact, on June 7th at the Boutiette home, four adults and one pre-teen was baptized to cement their faith in Jesus. (Check out their pictures in the newsletter!)
 
This whole process with these prospective members has been really amazing as I have listened in on their reasons for coming to GracePoint, their reasoning in continuing to come to GracePoint, and their strong desire to become a part of the community in membership. They all have their unique reasons and experiences with God and GracePoint, but each of them have been led here by God and many of them want to become members.
 
Their membership process will culminate on June 14th, when we have our first full business meeting with these new members on board. Recall, last year we had an abbreviated one to vote on the elder board and the nominating committee. This year we will have our first full business meeting where we'll hear about some achievements during this past year, vote on our budget, and vote on newly nominated leaders.
 
This business meeting is important because in it, we not only welcome in these new members but also affirm together a course to bring more to faith in Jesus and to welcome more into membership. All of that is reflected in what we did over this last year, what shape our budget takes, and what leaders come on board.
 
So if you are member of GracePoint or a new member, I want to encourage you to come to the business meeting on June 14th after the service on that Sunday to participate in it. If you consider GracePoint to be your home and you are interested in the business of the church, I encourage you to come too albeit abstaining from the voting portion. Why? Because the business meeting will reflect the business of GracePoint in how our next year will unfold in how we seek to advance God's kingdom here on earth and open up more space for people as members.
 
So mark your calendar: June 14th. And pray for God to lead us and to guide us in all we seek to do and have done for his glory!
 
Looking forward to this bold step with you,