Grace Transforms :: Previous Updates
written by Executive Pastor, Ray Anderson
 10.30.08 :: "I Spy" … Seeing God's Provision
When my children were young we played a game called "I spy." At dinner each night we would each share something that happened that day that helped us see God at work in our life. It could be anything from a sense of peace in a hard situation, an act of kindness, an opportunity to minister or an unexpected surprise. Our family exercise helped us to tune in to what God was doing in the midst of the ordinary.
The concept of this exercise has never left my way of thinking. So I thought I would share a couple of "I spy" moments I had in the last week regarding the construction process of the new Worship Center.
I spied God's provision in the midst of delays we have experienced in completing the landscaping and site work around the property. This work should have been done by September. We have had to re-design the landscape plan, the cross tower and the handicap parking. So instead of the project looking complete to the public it still looks under construction. During my prayer time this past week as I was asking the Lord to resolve these matters I was reminded of a concern that Matt Cassidy and I had shared at various meetings last February during the phase 2 capital campaign. We were concerned that the exterior would be finished months before the interior and this could cause space problems in the worship service as new people started to come before we had additional space. Could it be that the Lord knew how this would all work out along? "Observe how the lilies of the field grow, they do not toil nor do they spin." Matthew 6:28 "I spy."
Second, I spied the Lord in taking care of an issue before it became a problem. A few weeks ago I heard from company that we had ordered 700 new stackable chairs for the floor of the worship center. They could not give a delivery date because the yarn factory that produces the yarn for the fabric for the chairs had declared bankruptcy. This could mean that we would be delayed in having the new chairs or we would have to choose a new fabric. The problem is the fixed seating (1220 chairs) is already in production with the original fabric so the chairs would not match in the room. I got another call this week that they had found the yarn and could move forward with the order. This is small work for a great God. "I spy."
So when we as a congregation go into this new worship center I want us all to realize that we stand to worship in a place that is a testimony of thousands of "I spy" moments in which our God has shown Himself to be Faithful and True. Recounting His good work on our behalf will stir a greater sense of worship.
 10.22.08 :: It’s Flooring Time!
This week, the exciting new next step toward completion is that the flooring is being installed. They started laying carpet at the entry foyer and then fanned out from there. Using two carpets, one with brown tones and one with green tones, the installers are creating a border and a field. There will be some areas, like the stage, a prep room, a coffee bar area and the current foyer, that will be covered with a vinyl plank that will look like wooden floors.
After months of concrete slab the carpeting adds so much definition to the space and you can begin to get a feel for the finished look. So keep taking a peek in on Sunday mornings through the windows and see how it is coming together.
 10.15.08 :: Its OK to Peek In
This past Sunday I was encouraged to see that much of the outer construction fence has come down and that we can walk on the new sidewalks. It was fun for me to see several people peeking in the windows to see into the new worship center. Its OK to peek in. Click here to see last week's progress in pictures.
They are finishing the ceilings and painting the walls. The goal is to clear these trades out so that the flooring can be installed beginning next week. It is very fun to see the progress and to view how beautiful the space is. As I walk around the main room to see it from different angles, I have two spiritual responses. First, I am very thankful for the Lord's work to fulfill the construction of this space. This has been years of work and prayer. I imagine the days ahead when we can fill the rafters with praise for His great work in and through us.
Second, I pray for the many people who will come through the doors of this worship center looking for meaning for their lives and healing for their hurts. I pray that they find hope, not in a building, but in the people of Grace they meet when they come into that building. And in finding hope, they will join us in our praise.
Thank you for your continued generosity to provide the funds for this project and for your partnership in prayer for the ministry that will happen within its walls.
10.08.08 :: Progress in Pictures
The new Worship Center is looking more & more complete, but there are still so many details ...
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framing ... welding ... caulking ... painting ... staining ... lighting ... electrical engineering & more! |
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10.1.08 :: Getting Noticed
I met someone in the community this week and the conversation came around to our new worship center. They commented on how beautiful the building was. Then they asked, "Did you intend for the face of the building to look like a crown with facets in the glass or did it just turned out that way?" It was fully intended and is getting noticed. Just like in life, it is nice to be noticed. During this week the outer layer of glass has been put into place on the Crown window. My favorite view is to stand under the crown and look up through the spires with the blue sky above.
The contractors continue to do the concrete work around the building and have begun grading to prepare for landscaping. On the interior, doors have been hung and lighting is going in along with the cabinetry. It is looking great! Pray that the multitude of finishing details get done well and things stay on schedule. Pray for your friends, neighbors and coworkers to be responsive to join you at your church when those doors open next year.
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