Its Funny How Things Sometimes Come Full Circle
It’s funny how things sometimes come full circle. I started my ministry at Liberty (United Methodist Church) and I may very well end my ministry at Liberty (High School). Our situation regarding a place to begin worship this fall has gone through several changes in just the last few days. And it’s still not settled. The story may yet have another chapter – and possibly a different ending. Let me fill you in.
Originally we had set our sights on Westwing Elementary School. We had been trying for months to work out an arrangement for our church to share the school facility with Prince of Peace Episcopal Church. But it was becoming increasingly clear that wasn’t going to be a viable option. On Sunday morning I had stopped by the Vistancia school to meet with a couple of people from a church that is meeting there and learned that Coyote Hills Elementary School might be available. So Monday morning, bright and early, I placed a phone call and learned that was indeed the case and made arrangements to stop by the school to pick up a rental agreement form.
I fired up Google Earth to see where Coyote Hills was located. As I was scanning the area I saw what appeared to be a large school nearby complete with a stadium, ball fields and a large campus. Come to find out it was a new (2 years old) high school named Liberty, located on the corner of 96th Avenue and Deer Valley Road. I had no idea this school even existed! So, when I drove to Coyote Hills I also drove by Liberty, just to get a feel for it. I followed up with a phone call and made an appointment to see the auditorium, which I did this morning.
The auditorium is beautiful, as you might expect, seats over 500 and has a large, professional stage. Unfortunately the auditorium is still undergoing some construction and won’t be available for at least another year. But that’s not the end of the story. It turns out you enter the auditorium through a cafeteria. This space is quite large (and not the eyesore you might expect) and has the added benefit of a raised platform that serves as the entrance to the auditorium itself. My first thought was that this area could easily serve as a temporary worship space until the auditorium becomes available. The principal was willing to rent the cafeteria and gave me the name of the school district facilities coordinator to complete the necessary paperwork.
So far, so good – right? Well, Mr. Reay was very cordial and helpful, but cautioned that three other churches had put their names on a waiting list to use the high school, one as far back as 2004 before they had even broken ground. He told me that he would contact each of the three other churches and see if they wanted to use the high school. If so, I would have to wait my turn. If none of the other churches wanted it, then they could go ahead and process our application.
So that’s where we stand as of today. I know, it’s a long story – and probably a few chapters yet to go. I just have a feeling that God is behind all of this. Please say a prayer that this will all work out for our church and for the glory of God.
Blessings,
05-03-08 11:58 PM
Steve,
Isn't it wonderful to be flexible! The steps the Lord continues to place before us are so much fun to travel. I just know that he has plans and when you listen and look around you never know what to expect.
Our prayers always include Spirit Song and the path we are on...you keep up the good job of following His paths and we will all find our way.
Blessings,
Barb