Click here to view the photos from our Countdown Celebration gathering last Sunday. Thanks to everyone who came, we had a huge turnout!

“Today, if the Pope is in residence, we will attend the weekly Papal Audience. We will also visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran which is the oldest of the major  basilicas and ranks first as the actual “parish church” of the Pope (Bishop of Rome). There we will learn about the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs). Tradition has it that these steps, said to be the staircase leading once to the praetorium of Pilate at Jerusalem, are sanctified by the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Martin Luther made a point of ascending them when call by the Pope to Rome. Next, we’ll see the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls which was founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine I, over the burial place of the Apostle Paul. Other sites on today’s itinerary may include the oldest road from Roman times (the Appian Way), the Baths of Caracalla, the Arch of Drusus, and the ancient catacombs of Rome located on the outskirts of the city where early Christians hid themselves to avoid  persecution. Tonight will be our final evening in the Eternal City.”

Here’s what we’ll be doing:

• Pastor Wayne and Paul Lam will update us on how to prepare for the next year
• Single roommates will be able to meet each other (if not, roommate assignments will be made early next year)
• Meet the others already committed to the tour. In October 2012, you’ll have already met others on the tour and maybe even become old friends!!
• We’re having a Greek and Italian potluck… Yum-O!
• For those not yet committed we’ll have people available to answer questions and concerns, and also take in applications

See you at the Lead Center (Sand Island) on November 20th! Bring your favorite Greek or Italian dishes to share!

Thank you to all of you who attended our meeting last Monday night at the ministry center. Check out the meeting video posted above, so you can watch it if you missed it, or share with a friend who may be interested in joining us. GREAT NEWS! There are some seats still available, and we are capping it at 250, so sign up soon, before you miss out on this incredible opportunity. We also just posted photos of the meeting on our Facebook page, so check it out and “tag” yourselves if you were there! Look out for future meeting notices.

You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any question and meet the others that will be traveling with us. There will also be others in attendance that are still considering whether to sign up and join us. If you have a friend who may be interested, please share this and invite them. We hope to see you there!