I love connecting with you in the midst of a Legacy Series where we are learning so much about the beautiful tapestry represented in God’s redemptive plan of salvation.  This season also underscores how he works in and through us as the local church to be part of his story and the multiplying impact or our obedience to God’s design.

I want to provide you with a quick update on where we currently stand with expansion projects; you have invested so much time, prayer, and resource into this vision over the past few years.  While I will transparently say we hoped these projects would be further along at this stage, I can confidently declare God is continuing to move mountains as proof that he is at the center of the future of True North.

As most of you are aware, we have been embroiled in a almost two-year long process of getting a Wetlands Transition Permit to begin site work and construction on the Wellness Center.  Recently, as we were finally able to meet with the primary DEP engineer on the project a few weeks ago, it became clear that the agency will only continue to place more obstacles in front of us, to draw out our ability to move forward.  In fact, the best-case scenario, as described to us by our professionals, would see this drag out for at least another 12-14 months minimum.

Just last year, we were able to acquire another 2.5 acres to the south of the current Wellness Center parcel.  While at the time we believed this would only be for future expansion of the center, it has now presented an opportunity for us to regain control of the project and timeline.  Our plan is to move the Wellness Center slightly more to south and out of all of the potential disturbance to any wetlands.  This would take the project out of the jurisdiction of the DEP and we would only have to complete subtle redesigns and engineering adjustments before going back to the municipality for a quick approval.

We are very excited about this decision and its impact on our ability to expediently move forward with building a place that will be such a blessing to our church and the surrounding communities.

True North continues to grow and I am focused on listening to God and being diligent in finding ways to meet the need for greater biblical community in South Jersey.  The Phase II Expansion, adding a 1650-seat auditorium, parking, and turning our current footprint into exclusive space for Compass Kids, has and is still something we are heavily pursuing. One of the biggest challenges we face is expanding our sewer for Phase II and I met with the DEP just yesterday on the matter.  The result of that call was promising, but they requested additional time to review data and connect with Gloucester County Utility personnel to get a better understanding of a potential timeline for tie-in.  The DEP team conveyed they understood the uniqueness of our situation and were inclined to help, but could make no guarantees at this juncture.  We have a follow up meeting scheduled in two weeks.

I feel equally called, beyond enlarging the footprint of the Mullica Hill campus, to also forge ahead in launching new campuses in other communities around South Jersey.  The vision has always been to plant new church locations, but the tension of a growing campus and delays with Phase II has moved this opportunity to the forefront.  God will always order the steps and we are diligently gathering information to determine possible locations to launch a mobile campus, and construct a permanent facility in the future. It’s all about reaching more people in the name of Jesus!

The circumstances we have faced have not deterred us from continuing to see God move and work here in the lives of our church family.  In times like these, God reminds us that we are fully dependent on him.  Many have inquired in this season of Legacy, the best way to continue to sow into our next steps at True North.  Candidly, what I am asking from you is the foundation of Legacy here at our church:

Continue to pray for God to work out the details of every project that has faced delays and opposition.  Pray for favor as we pursue new strategies to surrender to God’s heart for this house and make the great vision he has breathed into True North become a reality.  Pray for clarity of direction for me as I lead our church and for our team as we continue to serve God obediently to reach people for Jesus and disciple them intentionally.  Pray about what God is calling you to give.  We want to be financially positioned and prepared to move when God says “go” and we believe this season of waiting is an opportunity to further resource even more opportunities he will present in the near future.

Continue to sow into the impact we are all blessed to witness because of the biblical community God has established here.  So many have already given sacrificially to the Legacy Offering and I am so thankful for your continued investment in future generations. If you are still planning your gift, you can give online by selecting “Legacy” from the fund dropdown or you can give via check or in service, by marking “Legacy” on the envelope and memo.  The offering will be open through Sunday, March 31st. Our collective generosity is making an eternal difference and I appreciate how the Legacy Team leads the way and encourages the rest of our church.

There are a few ways to engage beyond praying and giving within the remaining days of Legacy.  First, take a moment to read through our 2023 annual report.

Celebrate the impact we have seen in decisions, baptisms, and testimonies of how lives have changed because of an encounter with Jesus here at True North.  Also, we have provided a link to our Legacy Survey.  This survey will help our team gather more data to help inform future church location launches and the level of engagement we could expect from individuals who may have a passion for being a key part of that. You, as the Legacy Team, have first access to that and it will be made available to the rest of the church on Easter Sunday.

Again, my gratitude for what God is doing here at True North is hard to fully articulate in mere words.  I am thankful for a thriving church family with leaders like you who reinforce the significance of God’s faithfulness displayed through the local church.  Your legacy is part of a growing tapestry that our wonder-working Savior is weaving and it is one of my greatest privileges to do this alongside you!

Blessings,
Ps. Jesse