Until December our property included a vacant gravel lot (two homes including the parsonage were removed in 1997) and on Sunday, June 27, we had a prayer circle (do you still have your rock?) to ask God’s blessings on the construction process, finances and future ministries in our community—now we have a brand new building on that land. Last year we had a facility of about 13,000 sq. ft. (with limited storage) which could accommodate only a couple of functions at the same time—soon we will have 30,000 sq. ft. of space (with lots of storage) in which many different activities will be able to happen simultaneously. In 2004 we had nine classrooms, five offices spread throughout the building, and not enough rooms for our VBS program (remember the tent?)—in 2005 we will have 16 classrooms, offices all in one area (plus a designated work room for various projects), and plenty of space for VBS (we won’t need the tent!). Our nursery used to be a small room (with no windows)—now we will have twice the space (where the offices are now) with new clear windows and lots of floor space for our little ones. Previous fellowship events could barely get 120 people around tables in our Fellowship Hall—we now have a space that will comfortably seat 300, plus we won’t have to share this area with our Sunday School classes. For 20 years we have had a small lift to allow handicap access to the basement—our new facility will have a real (self-operating) elevator to all three levels of our building. Last year much of our ministry space was in the basement (also no windows)—this next year most of our functions will be above ground (with lots of natural light!). Yesterday we had a vision of what could be—today we near the completion of those dreams—tomorrow we will be realizing the possibilities of ministry and service for our Lord that this new facility will provide.

            Isn’t it amazing what changes have happened in the past year? Isn’t it exciting to see how far we have come? So as we stand on the threshold of completing this project, let us look ahead, pray for and prepare for:

• New families who will come to be a part of this church because of the new ministries we are able to do in a new facility;

• Opportunities for increased community involvement that a larger building will provide;

• Children and youth who will have their lives changed by the message of Christ because they come here to learn of Jesus;

• Future ministers or missionaries who will be taught the Gospel in this place, and be prepared to go into all the world to make disciples;

• Blessings you will receive as you give of yourself financially and in service to Christ;

• Spiritual growth you will experience as you study the scriptures and teach the Ways of Jesus to others;

• Numerical growth as individuals and families respond to the Gospel;

• The impact we as a congregation will have on this community, county, state, and yes, the whole world, because of our faithful obedience to God’s Word and His call to serve in the Name of Jesus!

            Yes, much has happened in the past year. Yes, we have much thanksgiving to offer to God. But we are not at an ending, just a transition. We haven’t fulfilled our vision, but only accomplished a short-term goal as we continue to build His Church so more will inhabit the Kingdom of God. Let us rejoice in where we are today, while we continue to look ahead to all that God seeks to do through His people here at Gladstone Christian Church.