Dear Watermark Family,

As we reflect upon the last year, we have much to be thankful for, and it is only appropriate that we celebrate the Lord’s faithfulness. We are reminded of the lesson from Luke 17:11-19 when only one of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed returned to give Him thanks. “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?” Jesus asked (17:17). With this lesson in mind, we give thanks to the Lord for what He has done in and through our church this year.

In September, we asked for you to pray with us over three primary initiatives:

  • Strengthen our leadership team
  • Re-engage the body back into the life and ministry of the church
  • Equip the church for a changing world

God has provided to these ends in stunning ways.

We are grateful for how the Lord has provided Blake Holmes to be our Lead Pastor. In this role, Blake is “responsible for leading the staff and church body in carrying out the purpose and values of the church and overseeing the church’s ministries.” The Lord also raised up and confirmed Todd Anders and Ben Caldwell as Elders, and He helped us identify two gifted Teaching Pastors, John Elmore and Timothy “TA” Ateek, who will play a significant role in preaching God’s Word on Sunday mornings. Todd Anders and Ben Caldwell were instrumental in helping identify and confirm these men for their roles. We humbly ask that you pray for these men that they may be faithful shepherds for you, our church family.

After experiencing a season of social distancing and communicating through screens, we also celebrate being able to gather freely, both on Sundays and throughout the week. Thank you for the many ways you have cared for and shepherded each other through times that have often been difficult. We are grateful for how you have jumped in to serve, both inside and outside of Watermark, demonstrating the love and hope that we have in Jesus.

We pray the Lord strengthened and encouraged you through our recent Uncompromised message series, equipping classes, and life stage and recovery ministries. We plan to offer more equipping opportunities to help you confidently address the questions of our day.

Church, we are grateful for you. The statistics in the Year End Report are only meaningful because of the stories that they represent. Be encouraged at the way God is using each of you to care for one another, transform our city, bring healing to a broken world, and spread the good news of the gospel. Thank you for stewarding your time, talents, and treasure to be on mission here at Watermark. Great things lie ahead for us, and we look forward to see what God has planned for this family in 2022 and beyond.

Let’s go, church!

Gratefully,
The Watermark Elder Team
Todd Anders, Ben Caldwell, Mickey Friedrich, Blake Holmes, and Kyle Thompson

Read The Year In Review