Here they come...

In complete unity, the elders asked Matt Strader to join us on staff at Grace. Matt will be assuming the role of Youth Pastor upon graduating from Grace College (May 6, 2006). Matt will be wedded to Isabel Hutchins on June 3, 2006.

Personally, I am totally excited for Matt's arrival. From the first meeting, it has been evident that Matt is a great fit for our Body. This was only confirmed by responses from elders, parents, students and youth staff. I truly believe our student ministry will be stronger with his arrival.

I'm sure I'll post more on Matt and the "transition" in the future, but I thought I'd list a few distinctions between Matt and myself, so you can get to know Matt better.

1. Skill versus bracket. Matt played two years of basketball at Grace College (while the closest I came was watching three years of basketball at Grace College). However, I clearly have the better bracket for this NCAA Tournament between the two of us.

2. BA Biblical Studies versus BS Youth Minstry. Matt is getting his degree through The National Institute since CE National waited to start the program til after Danny graduated (not that I'm bitter about that).

3. Guitar. Matt plays it, while Charity let me carry her guitar once...in the case.

4. Fantasy Basketball. Matt is competitive in a fantasy basketball league that he has been in for four years, while Danny has been in a league for 12 years and has probably never been considered competitive.

5. Border War. Since the family hails from Ann Arbor, Matt is a Michigan fan, while Danny can't bring himself to actually hyperlink to their site (go back and check where it is linked...same difference). Before you freak out, Gary, remember, as long as we have Tressel, it's going to be fun to abuse Matt every November.

So set out the welcome mat to well...welcome Matt (yes I've used that pun before). We've been praying for you since the Lord laid the transition on our hearts. It's finally nice to have a couple to match up with those prayers!