people chain

Sunday was an absolutely awesome event.  It was pretty sad, it being the last services in our old Grace as we know it, but it was so incredibly exciting.  We were given a few minutes at the end of the service to say “goodbye” to Grace on 38th, however we saw fit.  I went down to the front and reminisced on all the memories in that building.  Children’s church, remembering the construction of the narthex and nursery area, all the many services being in that sanctuary, all the times I’ve been on stage…singing, dancing, acting…all the powerpoints I’ve done and watched be up on that rolled out screen, all the youth group memories and times I’ve been down front on my knees for my own problems or my fellow brothers and sisters…I remember standing up on the stage during one Insight (Youth Group) in high school where I gave a short testimony about my life as a “Christian From Birth”.  All the weddings I’d seen taken place in that church…how I always dreamed that MY wedding would be in there someday…

but then it was on to the new building. It was just a little chaotic at first, to decided if I was to drive Rachel and Dave around while they video taped and snapped pictures, but instead they decided to walk the 2-mile-ish trek with our very own Pastor Al.  I drove up there myself and took some pictures and video of the lines of people waiting to be passed the Bible and Cross to symbolize our move.  It was pretty neat.  Being in the new building…not quite “home” just yet…but filled with excitement and tears of exhaustion and anticipation…it was just…awesome.  it’s not quite home yet, though the amount of times I’ve been there and the other volunteers and staff, I’m surprised it doesn’t feel like it already.  I’m glad I got to help work on the project, so I know about the building, where things are, and feel somewhat comfortable in there already.  And it was amazing to have an almost packed-out house for our first “service” and worship there.  Incredibly cool.  I can’t wait till this weekend.