New Beginnings

March was a busy month here in Bend, and it's going to stay busy for a while!  The Parkway congregation had at least 33 auxiliary pioneers, and I was told there were a few more who hadn't been announced.  We were able to get our territory covered with the Memorial Invitations with 3 days to spare, and some in the congregation were able to help other congregations finish their territory.  Having that many auxiliary pioneers certainly helped the spirit of the congregation.  All month long there was a high level of enthusiasm for the ministry and a strong sense of camaraderie.

And then last night on our Local Needs part we found out that the Branch has approved the forming of a new congregation to begin operation on May 1st, the Old Mill congregation.  Because the territory boundaries had to be changed in order to make room for the new congregation, many of the Friends now live in the territory of a different congregation, and we have been strongly encouraged to serve in whatever congregation whose territory we end up in.  It's going to be exciting to see how Jehovah blesses these new arrangements!