We've Launched!

Hello friends!  So much has happened since our last update!  We are pleased to announce that we had a wonderful launch Sunday on February 13th (which also happened to be Steve's 30th birthday!).   Below you will find some pictures and captions to give a glimpse of what Sundays at Ignite Church are like.  We would love to be in your prayers - you can find our prayer requests and praises on the left side of this blog.

(Big thanks to Shelby for most of these pictures!  You're great!)

 On launch day our set up crew was happy to have great weather for unloading the trailer at 7:00 am.  The mercury climbed to the mid forties that day.  (What a blessing!  We were so thankful!) 

 Yes, we are meeting in screen 2!  For those who may not have heard, we found a great place to have worship services on Sunday mornings.  We are meeting in a movie theater that comes with many important amenities; huge parking lot, good location just off hwy 94, roomy foyer area, the use of any screens in the building we'd like, space to accommodate numerical growth, areas for children's ministry, plenty of bathrooms, built-in serving area for our coffee and donuts... and we don't have to haul in chairs!

As I mentioned, set up each Sunday begins at 7:00 am.  We have a great bunch of men who rise early to help unload our trailer and set up equipment in the theater for worship at 10:00. 

We've been exited to see new faces at church each week, with an average attendance of 58!

Eddie helps with our sound and does a great job.

Here's Tyler playing keyboard.  The worship team does a great job and is a tremendous answer to our prayers! We hoped for at least one gifted musician... what a blessing to have a whole team of talented people!

Steve Hinman is the worship leader at Ignite.  (Ironically, Steve is related to all the Hansons back in Fosston! We didn't know this when we first met him last fall!)

Tim plays guitar and also does a great job leading when Steve H. is gone.

Newest member of the band, Blake, on right sings and plays bass.

 

Praying before the service.

 Erek and Anna, two of our awesome hospitality team.  You can usually find them helping serve coffee.

Speaking of coffee... our restaurant-grade brewer and grinder turns out some great stuff!

This photo doesn't do our nursery area justice.  Samantha has done a terrific job transforming an area in the theater into a safe, clean, fun, God-focused area for the littlest Igniters!

Kiddos four years through third grade are dismissed after worship time to come to Children's church with me.  :)   After hours reviewing many great curriculums and getting feedback from others, Steve and I decided to use "Children Desiring God".  We are already pleased with that decision and enjoy seeing what the kids learn each week!

Pastor Steve... loving that we have launched and now are at the point where he can preach every week!

 "The Huddle" has been a big success!  Each Sunday after the service ends, Steve invites men age 16 and up to join him at the front of the room.  In America, men are three times less likely than women to attend and engage in church.  Ignite is proactively aiming to close that gap.  With "The Huddle" they are challenged to step into the purposes of God in a way that engages a man's heart and mind.

So many of you have played a part in the birth of Ignite Church.  We are so humbled and thankful that you have invested your finances and prayers in this new work of God!  

 Check back here in about a month for our next update!