Friday, September 23, 2011

Construction Continues!

 In the last two weeks alone, major progress has taken place in our sanctuary!  New catwalks are installed and painted, and equipment is being hung.  The stage area at the front of the sanctuary has been extended, and the baptistry is being installed to the left.  More rows have been added to the balcony, and that means more space for more people!  There is even fresh paint on the walls near the Choir Room.  Landscapers have begun planting new trees and plants around the outside of our campus, creating a warm and inviting environment for both guests and members.  As the weeks pass by, more and more changes are becoming visible! 

We are so excited about the lives God is going to touch through Silverdale Baptist, and we're so thankful for the extra space we will soon have for God to fill with new individuals and families.  Thank you again for your flexibility during this transition time!  

Enjoy the pictures below & be sure to share your thoughts here on the blog or on our Facebook page.  We want to hear from you!

Sanctuary renovations

New catwalk for sound & lighting equipment



Beginning the balcony expansion



Expanding the stage area

Extension on balcony





Entrance near Choir Room

Catwalk for sound & lighting equipment


Balcony extension


New stage area

Adding rows to the balcony

New baptistry to the left of the stage


Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Embracing Change

Our staff was recently encouraged by a church member's contribution to the September women's ministry newsletter, and we would like to share it with you. The article encourages us to view the changes taking place on our campus as investments in the Kingdom! We hope you will be encouraged too, and that as our campus changes, we will each allow God to change us from the inside out as well.

CHANGE

Everywhere you look change is taking place. A big change for me is my eyesight. What was once clear is blurred without my reading glasses. But change doesn’t always have to be bad.

Our church is going through a big change as builders prepare the new worship center. We need the kind of change that takes place when we come into the Lord’s presence. The church body needs each other (Heb. 10:24-25), for God knows we are better together. We need to love, encourage and stimulate one another.

In the movie National Treasure II, a document was unreadable until 3-D glasses were used. The glasses brought what could not be read into clear view, and the mystery was revealed.

I wonder if we need a pair of spiritual 3-D glasses as we prepare to enter our new worship center. Our spiritual 3-D glasses will help us see clearly that we need to make room for new people. There are many who need Jesus and the changes He brings to lives. It is not about new seats, a new stage, or new lights, where we park, or what we wear, but it is about changed lives. Worship is where real change takes place. Our loving Father takes our unforgiveness so we are able to experience forgiveness. Our hate is replaced with love, our disobedience is turned into willing obedience, and our bitterness is removed to make room for peace.

As I become older, things that used to matter do not matter anymore. What matters are those things that will make eternal significance: Kingdom work! So grab a pair of 3-D glasses as you walk into the new building and embrace the change as we worship, grow, love and serve new people into the Kingdom.

Mary Sue McDowell