I  can’t remember when I first heard the phrase, “time flies when you’re having fun,” but throughout my life I have found that it is indeed true. However, it seems that these “flying times” are not only limited to fun times but also occur when the schedule is booked, or more accurately, crazy busy.

For the past year, life at Stonebriar has been both fun and busy. It’s hard to believe that a whole year has gone by since we launched the new Connection magazine-style format, but here we are once again preparing for the April/May edition. What is even more amazing is God’s faithfulness during this time.

Last April, we celebrated our first Easter in the new Worship Center and Atrium, then celebrated together once again in January 2010 with the addition of the new Children’s Building. It’s hard to believe that one year ago construction crews had just finished steel work for the building frame and were getting ready to pour concrete for the second floor. Today both buildings are in constant use by our ministries. In fact, almost each room on our campus is used every day for an event, class, or Bible study.

Our new Children’s Building is now providing space for growth and ministry to families of preschool and special needs children. Because of this addition, our kindergarten through fourth-grade children are enjoying new classrooms in the Education Building.  While these new facilities are the biggest physical additions to the church, many other significant additions have taken place. Since last April, 96 people professed their faith in Christ and were baptized, and 297 people have joined Stonebriar, bringing our church membership to 3,439. 

As a staff, we have focused on reaching out and connecting with our congregation and community in new ways. In addition to several new home adult fellowships, new classrooms for Sunday adult fellowships, and a new worship space for Stonebriar en Español, SCC has added a job-loss encouragement ministry, the ReEngage marriage ministry, and several community outreach opportunities through our Community Impact ministry that kicked off last April. During 2009, Stonebriar Missions hosted their first concert and banquet, and provided families an opportunity to participate in family missions for the first time.

It has truly been a fun and busy year. While listing every new ministry and change that occurred since last April would take more space than allotted for in this article, hopefully this quick glimpse of God’s faithfulness in twelve short but incredible months encourages you.

Times Flies When You're Having Fun
by Jennifer Brown

Feature Story:
ReEngage Your Marrage: Highlighting Coach Couples Don and Valmae Crosbie
by Susan Jacobson

Foundations for Marriages: encouraging couples before they say, "I do."

Heartsongs, A Three Part Spring Concert Series
This story highlights the upcoming concert presented by the Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra on May 15. 

Oh! What A Time! Stonebriar's Celebration Singers will host a concert in June. Learn more about this group as well as their upcoming set list.

More Than a Fresh Coat of Paint: The New Children's Building Murals

VBS Takes the Night Shift: Learn the theme of this year's Vacation Bible School.

Everything is Beautiful In His Time: This Stonebriar ministry has been encouraging women for more than ten years.