Through the foresight of certain members of the congregation, through the generosity and trust of the church, and through God’s kind provision, we were able to acquire the house and property adjacent to the church several years ago. While we had no immediate plans for the property, it was strategic to future plans for a more formal sanctuary and eliminated the need for a costly retaining wall for that future project.
The house had been vacant and crumbling since before we purchased it, and increasingly it became a hazard. So the Session, through John Lenham’s faithful leadership and work, secured a demolition company to clear the lot. As you drive by on Peace Haven Road or as you visit the church campus, you will see the progress of the break down and haul away – including the privacy fence. Our own Davis Mooney has taken some great drone footage and pictures, if you are interested to see the process from up close and high above!
As Ecclesiastes teaches, there is “a time to break down, and a time to build up.” We are in the breaking down time, but I ask you to pray and dream with the Session as we consider what the “build up” piece might look like – how it could be a blessing to Hope Church but more so to the immediate community and the wider mission of our church. Perhaps it is sky-boxes and luxury suites for the outdoor services during the pandemic: Cool in the summer yet warm in the winter. Probably something a bit more Kingdom-minded . . . Though, what?
As with every last thing that comes into or goes out from our lives, God is sovereign and blesses us so that we can, in turn, be a blessing. Blessed in order to bless again.
As we “break down” this blessing, let’s ask God, who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or can imagine, to show us how to “build up” for an even greater blessing to our congregation and far beyond!
Grace and peace,
David