"The beginning is the most important part of the work," observed Plato in the fourth century B.C.

As such, we look forward to new beginnings. There is usually a sense of expectation and eagerness associated with the launch, opening, or start of something new and different. A new relationship, a new birth, a new job, a new chance sets the stage for all kinds of new hope.

But there is also much to learn and experience from endings.

Last Sunday marked the 673rd Sunday New Community Church has met in our auditorium. That means I've stood before our church family in this building, leading and teaching, almost 1,300 times. It is an understatement to say it has served us well these past 13 years.

To some it is simply a building; bricks and mortar that resemble a huge pink hang glider or wedge of cheese. To some it's been a roof over our heads and a floor beneath our feet.

But to so many others it has been a place of unforgettable life-change.

Countless people have experienced God in this auditorium. Literally thousands have lived through defining moments, spiritual turning points, and rubber-meets-the-road experiences within these four walls.

In this building over the past 13 years, people have come to faith in Christ, marriages have been restored, forgiveness has been gifted, mercy has been sought, and truth in love has been spoken. We've laughed and cried and prayed and sang and argued and loved and served and dreamed and hoped.

While this past Sunday marked our final day in this auditorium before it is converted into our children's and student's auditorium, it would appear we are just beginning to hit our stride.

On Sept. 7 we will transition into our new facility as we invite some 35,000 households to join us for a new season at New Community. If everyone shows up it could get slightly crowded.

The truth is most of us love openings. Openings foreshadow beginnings and beginnings offer hope. What wife doesn't long to open an anniversary gift free of cords and warranty? Opening the garage door the morning after purchasing your first new car can reduce a grown man to tears.

Opening a new deck of cards at the start of a No Limit Texas Hold'em tournament with good friends leaves one giddy with anticipation. Or what about opening a fresh pack of No. 2 pencils in hopes of writing a perfect exam? Or best yet, opening the seal on a fresh box of Krispy Kreme donuts – that's heaven on earth.

God has used and is using so many churches in our community to infiltrate our culture with the good news of his grace. As we approach our new beginning, I can't help wonder how he will use this next season to expand his kingdom program as well.

May the churches in our city continue to stand as beacons of God's hope and grace and truth. May those who follow Christ among us continue to irresistibly teach and live God's word, thoughtfully reach those still far from him, and humbly worship our leader and forgiver, Jesus Christ.

Jesus wasn't just wishfully thinking when he said, "I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not be able to overcome it."