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I’m excited to be writing this of many monthly ConnectDinners Newsletters. It feels like every day we’re seeing another door open or another provision made, and it’s so clear that God’s hand is on this new work. I’m truly humbled by the opportunities He is placing before us. I’m confident that together, we are creating a place of radical hospitality where our community can genuinely connect with Jesus.

Here’s a look at some of the exciting things that have been happening and where we’re headed:

Ministry Milestones

  • 501c3 Status is a Game Changer: We have officially been granted our 501c3 non-profit status! I’d like to thank Dan Gunther for the time he has committed to getting Connect CotN approved as a 501c3 non-profit. This is a huge administrative victory and represents continued stewardship of the gifts given to us, allowing more of our resources to go directly into ministry. Becoming a 501c3 saves us over $2,000 in the first year alone through free and discounted services:
    • Tithe.ly: Our entire church management system, website, and app are now free for a full year (a $1,428 value).
    • Google & Canva: We get Google Workspace and Canva Pro for free, forever. This saves us over $370 annually and gives us professional-grade tools.
    • Text-In-Church & Zoom: We’re receiving significant non-profit discounts, saving us hundreds more.
  • Online Giving is Live and Tested: Our online giving platform is officially up and running. I ran a $1 test deposit myself, and can report the process was seamless—from the donor receipt to the weekly deposit into our new business bank account.

Team & Leadership Development

  • Pastors and Spouses Retreat: I'm so excited that for the first time, both Marcy and I are able to and will attend the NW District's Pastors and Spouses retreat. Beyond being a time for personal refreshment, it’s an opportunity to network with pastors from other district churches, share the vision of Dinner Church, and potentially build partnerships for financial and volunteer support. I’m grateful that the District has covered $350 of the $450 registration.
  • Dinner Church Summit: Another opportunity for personal growth and networking is the Dinner Church Summit. This November, I will join Dinner Church pastors and staff from around the US as we come together in the suburbs of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania for a 3-day conference hosted by Verlon Fosner and the Fresh Expressions team. As part of the District’s commitment to church planters, my expenses are paid-in-full. I look forward to sharing my experience upon my return.
  • Launch Team Progress: Our launch team has been meeting on most Monday evenings, and the discussions have been great. We’ve been working through Verlon Fosner’s book, "Welcome to Dinner, Church," which has grounded our team in the history and theology of the Dinner Church model. More than just logistics, we’re prayerfully designing the experience. We've decided to seat 5-6 people at a table instead of 8 to foster better conversation and prevent anyone (especially introverts) from feeling lost in the crowd. Based on this, we can comfortably seat 90-120 people in the sanctuary.

Financial Update

  • Funding on the Horizon: We expect the initial $5,000 from the NW Distric, along with the first half of their annual support, to arrive any day now. This will allow us to purchase all of our equipment.
  • A Grant for Growth: Dan and I are also pursuing a matching grant of up to $10,000 through the Hope Grant. The district office is looking into whether their initial funding can serve as our matching funds. This additional grant would be a massive blessing, allowing us to invest in a mobile storage option for our tables and equipment. I’d prefer a mobile solution, like a trailer, over a stationary shed, as it positions us for growth and potential multi-site ministry in the future.
  • Non-disposable Plans and Purchases: I discovered a website that provides quality kitchen supplies at discount prices. I’ve purchased and should receive six chafing dish serving sets along with a variety of full-sized and half-sized pans with lids. I have been researching additional items like tables, coffee pots, cold liquid servers, a carpet shampooer and others. I plan to review these items with the launch team for their input.

Community Engagement & Outreach

  • An Exciting Youth Partnership: I’m thrilled to announce that Justine Wilks, the Youth Pastor at SFNaz, approached me and asked if their youth group could "take over" our October dinner. This is an incredible opportunity on so many levels. It gives the majority of our regular volunteers a well-deserved night to relax, it brings in the younger generation we're working so hard to attract, and it may open doors for collaboration with her husband Lake's young adult ministry. My vision is for our volunteers to mentor the teens during the evening, forming a true partnership.
  • Personal Connection through Technology: I’ve set up an account with "Text-In-Church" and have been issued a texting number – 509-509-2231. My goal here is not automation, but facilitated personal connection, like sending a personal video greeting to every single person who connects with us for the first time. This system helps with reminders and allows all communication to come from a central number or email rather than our leaders personal accounts. It’s high-tech, but with a high-touch, personal approach. I plan to introduce this to our neighbors at Monday’s dinner.
  • Giving as a First Impression: I believe strongly in fostering an atmosphere of giving. So, instead of a welcome mug for our first-time guests, we’re donating $5 to a charity of a new guest's choice. It immediately says who we are. I’ve chosen charities that reflect our heart: supporting NWConnect’s food bank, non-food bank and Kid’s Zone plus the Kiatine Orphanage and Bibles for Kenya project that are so near and dear to me.
  • Laundromat Ministry: As I’ve considered additional ways to serve the underprivileged in our community, an idea I saw online for a "Laundromat Ministry" really resonated with me. It feels like a perfect fit for the Dinner Church ethos. It’s a tangible way to meet a need—providing quarters and soap—while creating a space to simply sit and build relationships with single moms, the elderly, the homeless and any of our neighbors.
  • Spreading the Word: We’re taking a multi-pronged approach to advertising. I had a conference call with the marketing company "Church Candy," but felt their "launch big" model wasn't the right fit for our relational approach (and the cost was prohibitive). As a nursing student, my internship was invaluable. I’ve committed to allowing others the same opportunity, so I am actively pursuing hiring a graphic arts student from NNU, Gonzaga, or Whitworth as a paid intern to manage our social media. I would much rather mentor a student than hire an agency. Just today, I received a reply from an NNU student interested in submitting work for review. I pray we are well matched and they can take over some of the weekly tasks I’ve been doing. We also have sandwich boards to be placed along the street on dinner nights and have been approved to advertise on NWConnect's new digital sign when it’s installed.

As we look ahead, my focus is on setting meetings with local community leaders, hiring a social media manager, growing our launch team, and ordering the rest of our non-disposable supplies once funding arrives.

More than anything, I ask for your constant prayer. Please pray for the vision God has given me—that it would become a reality where people from every socioeconomic level truly come together as one family. Please also pray for me personally. Marcy and I knew this would be a demanding season, and I am asking for prayer for balance as I juggle being a husband, father, and grandfather with my roles as a bi-vocational pastor and church planter.

There is a sense of urgency, as our official launch date of January 19th will be here before we know it. My goal is to put solid processes in place now that will alleviate some of the busyness later, freeing up more time for the heart of the ministry – connecting with people. I am so grateful for each of you and can't wait to see what God does next.

Pastor Victor Morrison