We are packing our bags!

A couple of things made March 20th special. First we brought our new baby Ezra home from the hospital. And second, our Pastors Jose and Debbie visited with us and shared  some exciting news.

They told us that a day or two before, our church pastors were approached with an offer to buy a church property on 2 acres in the country on Stanton Road. We hadn't been looking to move from our rented location, but this offer deserved some consideration. They were full of excitement about this property, but really wanted to hear from the leaders and most of all God about this. 

Ezra was only a week old when we, along with the other staff and key leaders went  to check out the property. Since then. the last three months have included lots of prayer and fasting as we have sought the Lord concerning this opportunity. We also had a trial run service at the property and work day cleaning it up.

There has been an overwhelming number of indicators that God is directing us to move to this new property!! The decision was made last Thursday and announced on Sunday morning!

I am beyond excited because I have wanted this decision from the beginning (maybe it was my birth high hormones that made me think it was such a good idea).  Our church is currently located in an industrial complex and the extent of Children's ministry outdoor area consists of the parking lot and cemetery across the street (yes we have utilized the cemetery!). 

With the decision comes a big responsibility for our church family to step up. Pastor Jose (main pastor, not my husband) has called for the congregation to sacrificially give (we have to come up with $20,000 in immediate expenses for moving costs, inspections, and renovations and another $30,000 down payment by December 1st).  We also need the church family to step up and give of their time, energy, talents and resources- many hands make light work!  So for those of you FCV blog lurkers I'm talking to you!!

My mind has been racing with ideas for the children's ministry building! My pinterest boards are filling up with inspiration! My kids slept for 3 hours so I can search the internet (if that isn't God's favor, I don't know what is)! I may not be the next Design Star, but I have some good copy cat skills and I'm chomping at the bit to get the paint rollers out! Admittedly I was once the girl who dreamed her house would be green gingham and sunflower theme (come on don't judge,  that was circa 1997), but I think I have found some beautiful ideas for the new church building.  So...one more time FCV friends, in case you didn't hear....I need YOU. Your time. Your help. Your ideas. Your money.  (And for those of you other non-Five Cities Vineyard friends I can use you to. After all it is furthering the work of the Kingdom!!).

Ok so join me on a look at some of the ideas I have up my sleeve...

How cute is this for Tiny tots (nursery)?

 Think Tiffany Blue walls, yellow changing table, bright pastel accents, bunting banner, and an alphabet wall. 

 

Do you know where I can find this pillow fabric??? Anyone out there who can sew some curtains??

Anyone have any cute letters hanging around?

color scheme

Pre-k will be an extension of the colors, but not so babyish. We've already talked to a muralist who may help with a large tree painting and we will use kids hand prints for leaves. Paper lanterns, and some additional fabric banners will complete this room.

K/1st room is actually in really good, cute shape and may not need a makeover. Whew!

Our 2nd-5th grade (by the way...looking for a new name for this group. Ideas??) will get the same look we currently got going which is a City theme. Some gray paint, road signs, and if I can ever find a traffic light lamp (help??) will round out the look. In the long run (prayerfully short run!) a wall is coming down to double the size of this room.

Jr.High....OH Jr.High. I am so excited for this!  I read a really compelling article about the need for attention to aesthetics for the teenager’s ministry.  I want the room to be "theirs". What better way to make their mark on the room than a large chalk wall (and what better way to be able to censor/erase/ veto than erasable chalk!) I found some great posters, I'm looking at cool lighting, fun seating.... yes!

So there you have it. Anyone as excited as me yet??  We can do this church! We got 60 days to "Pack up our junk and get out there!" (in the words of Pastor Jose).THANK YOU JESUS!