7 Year LifeShare Church Anniversary Weekend
Our 7 Year LifeShare Church Anniversary weekend was unforgettable!
Having Uncle William, Aunt Lane, Bret, and Little William all the way from Charlotte, NC was really special. I worked for them at Owl Music Company between the years of 2004-2008 and earned my Master’s In Life degree It’s a vending amusement business that my cousin, Bret Thevaos, now runs. This kind of business where I serviced jukeboxes, pinballs, and arcades took me to some interesting places and allowed me to meet some interesting people. Growing up in church sheltered me from some of the types of people I met and the music I learned, but it was good in my mid twenties to connect with my Thevaos roots, wrestle with my pastoral calling, and share the good news of Jesus with a crowd I would have never met otherwise. Also spending 4 years with my grandfather Theodore P. Thevaos and my dad’s side of the family was priceless. Now, every time I prepare for a message or sit to offer counseling, I can’t help but reference the wisdom I gained from that season of my life. I remember one morning at Owl Music when either my aunt or uncle asked me, “Were you speeding on Independence Blvd?” I honestly answered, “I don’t think so!” Well they proceeded to hand me a letter and picture from the police department citing me for speeding. It was impossible to dispute the evidence. The picture was of a White Dodge Dakota Truck, with my license plate, and a large clear plastic trash bag of Plush Bus Crane stuffed animals They said, “We’ll cover the cost of this one, but the next one is on you!” I wish I could say I learned to never speed again. I tend to move fast to make the most out of life. All this to say, this season with the Thevaos family was integral to us being prepared for church planting and lasting 7 years to the glory of God. So having the William Thevaos Family include us in that season of their lives and then celebrate in this season of our life and church was extra special and meant to be. Never underestimate the season of preparation the Lord has you in on the journey to your ultimate calling. Every relationship, every word, and every experience with everyone you love matters. They are eternal life-giving seeds that will bear fruit and reap a harvest if you love like Jesus loves. “Love casts out fear, builds faith, never fails, and always works. God is love!” Thanks for coming Thevaos Family and loving on us
I also want to thank the Vela Family, my mom’s side, for celebrating with us at our banquet and Sunday morning. Oma reminded us, “Don’t forget the Holy Spirit at 94 years young!” And to have my parents and grandmother there to see our dreams come true is a gift from God. We are living to make our Heavenly Father and our parents proud Uncle Fred, Aunt Velia, Uncle Rick, and Aunt Cynthia celebrating and singing worship for us was extra special. They’ve been faithful to pass on a legacy of worship and experiencing the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. We love you for that. And my parents Pete and Rosalind for hosting all of our family with such a fun spirit is second to none. To have my parents help us plant LifeShare and broaden the generations has given great credibility for us having a multigenerational church. My parents have led me and my sisters and grandchildren with blessing, love, and courage. Only positive words of faith and a strong presence of support that undergirds our vision and leadership. We could have never done it without you! Love you mom and dad!
And Pastors Sam and Nichole McKern are simply the best friends and church planting coaches we could have ever asked for. Having us visit them and their church in Ft. Worth to learn and share our hearts has been life-building. We’ve known each other for 30 years, but the past 12 years of phone calls and visits has set us up for success. Every leader needs friends they can trust and talk to on the good days, celebrating the wins, and on the bad days, seeking a solution. Sam and Nichole have been that for us. And then to have them travel down to LifeShare Church again on our seven year anniversary in our new building was priceless. The time playing golf , visiting with family, and them motivating our church for the next 7 years was simply the best. Because of their faithful sacrifices and investment into our lives, they were perfectly positioned to bless us into the future. I encourage you to keep sharing life with the few leaders that you can really get to know that are blazing a trail ahead of you, like Sam and Nichole. And then share your life with a core group of people that are willing to follow the vision the Lord has given you. Everyone we meet in ministry is valuable to us, but we could have never lasted and will never make it long term without close family and friends. Jesus had Peter, James, and John - the three - and also the other 9 disciples. He had his confidants, his comrades, and the crowd. Everyone of these groups are invaluable to the Kingdom and we are thankful to everyone that has made LifeShare Church our Dream Church! Love you family and friends, you’ve made our dreams come true!
