Great Things of 2007 — Pat Dryburgh

So 2007 was one of the most exciting, challenging, and overall amazing years of my entire life. I grew in my character, in my faith, in my leadership abilities, and in my health. I have seen great things and I have seen horrible things. But, through it all I can say that God has been so faithful through it all. Here are some highlights from the last 12 months:

In early January, I received a phone call from Trinity Community Church, asking if I would be interested in a music director position they had available. After 4 interviews, an audition, and co-leading with the former music director, I was hired as the Associate Director of Music. This was my first full-time ministry position ever. My first day was on my birthday.
In May I visited North Park Community Church for the first time.
That same week, I attended The Orange Conference in Atlanta. It was an incredible experience and I really learned a lot.
I was assaulted on Canada Day weekend. I ended up with a fractured orbital bone and a broken bone to the right side of my right eye. This may not seem like a highlight to most people, but it was the first time my girlfriend Sara and I went out. I ended up in the hospital for 16 hours, and she stayed by my side for 10 h. A month later, we started officially dating.
The next week I spoke at Camp Ke-mon-oya, the place where for the previous 6 years I had been a camp counselor and worship leader. It was awesome to see the leaders who were just starting out when I was there really take ownership of the whole camp experience.
In July, Patrick Voo, Jonathan Wagner, and myself attended the Willow Creek Arts Conference. Highlights were Donald Miller and The Mosaic Team.
In August I started officially dating Sara Denomy. Today is the 6 month anniversary of our first date (back in July).
On August 26th, Trinity held its congregational meeting to decide whether or not to dissolve Trinity as a congregation in the Presbyterian Church of Canada. Of the almost 400 people that voted, 97.7% voted in favour of leaving the PCC.
In September, I handed in my resignation to Trinity Community Church effective October 31st. I was in the same company as Carey Nieuwhof, Patrick Voo, and the rest of the Trinity staff and elders.
On October 9th, the Presbytery of Barrie voted against dissolving Trinity Community Church. This meant we had to leave our $1.6 million building to follow the vision to launch multiple campuses throughout Ontario to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus.
On October 31st, we walked away.
Throughout November, I was part of the team launching Connexus Community Church. Our plan was to launch two campuses in two cities in 7 days. On December 9th, we had achieved our goal.
At 22, I have now worked for one of the largest Presbyterian churches in Canada, and have left that church to launch two church campuses in a week. I am so grateful.
I have lost 17 lbs in the last 4 weeks.

I am really proud of what I have accomplished in the last 12 months, and am so grateful to God for the opportunities he has put before me. I have grown so much this year, more than any year before. I cannot wait to see what 2008 has in store! And, I can’t wait to share it all with you here.

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