Good News Chapel, How do I love thee?

Good News Chapel

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

-Elizabeth Barrett Browning

As I made the rounds after the amazing baptism service today, ... no, let me back up. Shawna picked the closing song. As we all sang, lifting voices and hands, there were tears in my eyes as I marvelled at the splendor of our 2 year Good News Chapel Anniversary. It was a truly memorable moment.

So picture Shawna giving praise to Jesus for saving her and being her all. And ears were riveted to Chantel's testimony as she spoke of her chest being broken in the shape of a cross. Of five drug overdoses. Of God's continuous quest to draw her to Himself. And of finding the Lord so recently with the help of her new husband, one of our LifeChange alumni, Vince Wolf.

And the moment those girls pass from death to life in symbolism of the resurrection, and the day the Lord shall return! And so, Shawna's song:

I'll Fly Away

Some bright morning when this life is over
I'll fly away
To that home on God's celestial shore
I'll fly away

I'll fly away oh glory
I'll fly away (in the morning)
When I die hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone
I'll fly away
Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly
I'll fly away

Oh how glad and happy when we meet
I'll fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet
I'll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then
I'll fly away
To a land where joys will never end
I'll fly away

And as I mingled pastors and friends of all ages and walks of life were smiling and giving praise to God for this little chapel in North Central and the wonderful baptismal celebration today.

Happy Birthday, Good News Chapel!