01 April, 2021

More Than a Building

Blessings abound this Holy Week! Just a little over five years ago our small mission church began worshiping in shared space in the beautiful chapel of a local funeral home. We developed a wonderful relationship with the staff there as we came together every Sunday morning for more than 250 services. Life was good, but it wasn't our own space. As a congregation we dreamed big and prayed for that day, somewhere in the indeterminable future, when we might have a space to call our own. In the meantime, the church went about being God's faithful people; supporting missions, gathering for study, growing together in faith and praying as a body of Christ. We planned too: the church purchased (and paid for) a building lot when it came available, always looking to the future. But, as we all know, even the best laid plans are nothing compared to God's master plan! Just one year ago we met, and ultimately called, our first full time pastor; a young and energetic shepherd to guide the flock. We rejoiced in this blessing and carried on. Just six weeks ago yesterday our congregation learned of a church building for sale. By God's grace another scenario was presented, a divine plan; the church keys were handed over on Tuesday and at 7:00 last evening Grace Lutheran Church came together to hold a worship service of dedication, for a church building to call our own! As our pastor reminded us in the sermon, church is more than a building; yes, that's so true. We have been a church all of this time without one; but, how much more can we do as God's church with a space in a thriving community to call our own? We haven't yet even scratched the surface of ways and opportunities that exist to let our light shine as a church, giving all glory and thanks to Him! You may remember the hand and finger rhyming game we played with our children when they were small: "here is the church and here is the steeple, open the doors and where are all the people?" Last night we know where the people were: they were gathered in the NEW Grace Lutheran Church, giving thanks that God's plan is greater than we could ever hope! There's a sign that's posted over the sanctuary doors where one enters from the fellowship hall: "Make No Small Plans", it reads; no small plans indeed!


God's blessings continue as we move forward into a space to call our own, into a church that's SO MUCH MORE than a building! We move forward in faith. Oh, and that piece of land that the church purchased to build a "someday" church? It was offered up for sale and went under contract on Monday! God's grace. Welcome home, Grace Lutheran, "....open the doors and there's all the people", welcome home; thanks be to God!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,
 plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
-Jeremiah 29:11

Life is Good!
 

11 comments:

cityquilter grace said...

how exciting and wonderful....so often we put God in a box not realizing how much he is able to do great things...blessings to your new space!

Katy said...

God's Good Plans! Your message on Maundy Thursday is so important for all of us remember. I will pray for you and your congregation that you continue to do his good work. Thank you for sharing.

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

Got tears in my eyes reading this, GF.

Frog Quilter said...

Congratulations and you will have many great services!

Marie said...

I am so happy for al of you to have this beautiful church to have for your own, so many blessings will multiply for sure. Easter blessings, Marie

vincenzo126 said...

Amen.
-Jean
❤️

Quiltdivajulie said...

Grace indeed. What a picture perfect building and new home for your growing congregation.

Sheila said...

Oh my! This had God's fingerprints all over it! And what a beautiful time of the year to start worshiping together in this special place.

Debbie B said...

How wonderful that your congregation now has a place to call "HOME". I'm sure it will be filled with tons of love and joy for years to come.

Needled Mom said...

That’s fantastic! Our little ones still do the “Here’s the church” with their hands.

jude's page said...

Congratulations, onwards and upwards, a verse I claim also.