Eric Offstage

Florida, the Vote, and Dodge Ball

FLORIDA:  This is Kelly blogging for Eric, because he is busy suffering in Florida this week with Dave, Chris (Zim campus pastor), and Eric Whitman (from the Exchange Church) at the Exponential Church Conference.  I suppose sunny and 85 is pleasant to some people, but I personally prefer windy and 48.  You?

THE VOTE:  Saturday night's Crossing members voted unanimously to purchase the old Alliance Church building.  Well, almost unanimously.  One witty staff member voted "or".  If you wonder why that's funny, you must have missed this weekend's talk, and it'll be online soon for you to catch up.  Barring any complications, we anticipate full possession of the building around June 1.

DODGE BALL:  Student Ministries Pastor John Hill held his first event for high schoolers on Sunday night.  The dodge ball tourney was a roaring success, with 80+ in attendance.  If you know a student who attends The Crossing (or should), tell 'em to hook up with John--at the weekend services (just ask around), or call 651.366.0508.  And today's his birthday, so feel free to flood his voicemail with birthday wishes.

OK, I'm off to get a quote for paint for the building!

A Building? What's Up With That?

At all our weekend services we announced that the Crossing might buy the old Alliance Church building where we do our Saturday services.  Before I explain this whole deal, let me put the emphasis on POSSIBLY!! It is all up in the air right now. 

But the reason why we announced it this past weekend is because according to Minnesota law and our church constitution, for us to purchase land or buildings, we are required to announce this to our membership 4 weekends in a row. 

So on the chance we might actually get to buy the thing, we thought it would be good to get our 4 weekends over with sooner rather than later. 

Ok, now on to why we are considering this.

1.  We have outgrown the theater.  It is now too small a space for us to keep reaching people.  The Alliance gym, on the other hand, can accommodate up to 400 in a service if we squeeze. (The theater can only seat 220.) 

2.  Rivers Christian Academy (which owns the building) needs to sell it immediately.  Right now they are a school board with no school and no income.  That is a bad spot to be in, so they need to sell the building quickly.  We, on the other hand, love the office space and worship space on Saturday, so it is a very good fit for us. 

3. The price is right.  That is all I will say about that right now, but God seems to really be opening up some doors.  Pray that the bank agrees, if this is God's will.

4.  Strategic location.  The building is located in the heart of Elk River, directly across the street from the high school, and our church is totally geared to that age group. 

5.  We can reach more people with this piece of property.  We are not about buildings we are about people, but this building can keep us in the heart of Elk River and give us an ability to keep reaching people.   

OK, so that is why we are doing this, and all I can tell you right now. 

If you are a Crossing member in good standing (you attend a small group; serve on a ministry team; tithe a portion of your income; and bring your friends) we have an informational meeting and vote on Saturday April 18th after the 7:00 service. 

Please pray about this. I'll keep you posted.