Ministry snapshots - Acts 2 occupies new space
The people of Edmond-Acts 2 Church are on the move spiritually and literally.
July 27 was Transition Sunday for the congregation that meets at Northwest Pennsylvania and Covell Road.
First they crowded into their original sanctuary, built in 2006, and shared memories. Andrea Aggarwal recalled her grandfather’s funeral and her own wedding in that space.
Gary Kizziar spoke of his transformed life; his children swayed him to attend Acts 2 with them. He treasures Disciple Bible Study.
"I see a light leading me somewhere. I think ya’ll know where," Kizziar told the standing-room-only audience.
Then the newly baptized Ranes family led a sidewalk processional to the brand-new sanctuary building on the property.
Ben, Crystal, and their three sons cut a wide red ribbon, and all the people flooded into a beautiful space that will seat 500 worshippers. The original sanctuary accommodated about 240.
Senior Pastor Mark Foster carried in a cross-topped carved staff and a walking stick, which he brought home from a personal spiritual retreat years ago.
Surveying the new setting, he spoke warmly of members "who didn’t take vacations in order to buy chairs," etc. The Building Committee was recognized. The project cost more than $3.2 million.
A Bible was placed in the foundation when concrete was poured Nov. 13, 2013. The original sanctuary will become multipurpose space. The church’s parking and educational space has doubled. A covered walkway links the original and new structures. Attractive landscaping is installed.
And a paved driveway extends south, connecting Acts 2 with Frontier Elementary School, on adjoining property.
In the new sanctuary July 27, Associate Pastor Andy Nelms blessed the Communion elements as a big-screen video portrayed Jesus serving his disciples.
Adding to God’s blessings that day, Rev. Foster baptized a man.
The project at Edmond-Acts 2 is due completion in a month.
On July 27, the Ranes family – Ben, Crystal, and their three sons – cut the wide red ribbon to officially open the new sanctuary building for Edmond-Acts 2 UMC, located at Northwest Pennsylvania Avenue and Covell Road.