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!
