the walk

This week we are moving from our current facility on West 38th to our new one at Grubb Road. We had an incredible ribbon cutting and ceremonial walk there this weekend... You can see photos down below!

I started by taking pictures of the current facility and then the walk, then moving along to the new one. I couldn't believe how emotional we all were. It is definitely the term "bittersweet" to be sure. It is so exciting, and it's been such a long time coming, which I think is what makes it insane and so moving. When we walked in I turned to Derek and said... "This is it. This is where we're going to be for the rest of our lives."

That was a crazy realization.

We've Got Seats!

It's really wild to see these things going in! They look really cool.

weary

Well here we are. The last week in our current facility - it's so weird to think that next week at this time I'll be setting up my new office on Grubb Road. Everyone here is weary. It's a good weary, but weary nonetheless. This has been a really long and really amazing process. The staff and key volunteers have been amazing through this process. But just recently you can see the droopy eyes, the sloughing shoulders, the somtimes quick reactions and even short tempers! Yeah - we're a church - but we're very real people too. This week I'm excited to see the tired emotions start to give way to the excitement of all the possibilities that we've been dreaming about for years. We're moving. It's a new day. God is up to something. Buckle up and get ready for the ride...

visit to the building on october 28

Hey everyone!

I was lucky enough to get another chance to visit the new facility... the hardwood floors and clouds have ben put into the worship center. It is so beautiful! Check out these pics :-)

Honoring the Workers

We had a lunch today for the guys who have been working on our building - some of them for over a year! It was cool to have them all in one place. I have gotten to know most of them either by name or by face over the course of this project. Each one has a life and story and a spiritual journey. I'm so thankful for their efforts - and whether they are conscious of it or not, they are all extending God's kingdom in Erie because of the excellent work they're doing. Our staff served the meal and a number of wonderful volunteers provided the food and the big hit - the homemade pies! There wasn't much fanfare, these are quiet blue collar guys who were probably put in a weird spot by being publicly thanked by our meal. It wasn't immediately clear that they were moved or even grateful for our effort today. But after everyone was cleared out, after the tables and chairs were gone, as they went purposefully about their business, one by one with tremendous sincerity many of them approached me and offered a heartfealt thanks a handshake and a smile. Deep down, they experienced the love of Christ today as extended by the people of Grace. Thanks to all who participated.

A visit to the new building

On Sunday, the worship and technical ministries got together at the new facility to discuss some changes with the sound system, music, etc and pray over the worship area. We were able to tour the building as well and go up in the lighting booth and see the incredible sanctuary from a birds eye view. I hadn't been in a month or so, and I was struck by the simplicity and beauty of the building. Especially when you go into the lobby area in the front...t he sense of light and air is almost palpable - holy... I just can't wait to be there. The worship center is so cool too, with it's black ceiling. I can't wait to get a new set of pictures after the floors are all put in - I bet the difference will be staggering. A lot of things are close to being done but you can't really tell because of the cement floors. Here is a slideshow of the visit... feel free to click on the link and also view many other grace albums. I've FINALLY figured out the best place to get them all in one spot.

The Power of All of Us

During the last couple of weeks we launched a effort to recruit many needed hands and feet to help during this transition process. People with construction skills and cooking skills and children's ministry skills and assembly skills, it's an all out effort. I'm pleased that about 120 people responded and made themselves available to help during this really crucial time. Many of those people are very new to the church and looking for a place to get involved. That was one of the secondary benefits of this effort. Allowing folks who are new to Grace to serve side by side with regular Grace folks and get to know some people. I'm a little disappointed that more Grace folks did not respond. It could be because they're already involved, or feel like all the effort is being covered right now. But we need EVERYONE! So we're making one more push this weekend. If you're reading this and would like to look at the opportunities check them out here.
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