More ministry, less money among benefits for Sioux Falls congregation
Christ Community Church, a Mennonite Brethren church plant in Sioux Falls, SD, will settle into a new facility this month. Christ Community Church is a project of Mission USA, the church planting arm of the U.S. Conference, and the Central District Conference.
The congregation was meeting in a public elementary school under a lease that is ending due to school system limits, so a move was inevitable. The new facility is well suited to the growing congregation and comes with an affordable rent.
The congregation will be able to expand ministry to youth, children and families, and “by God’s grace we can focus energies on people over ministry costs,” says pastor Rod Anderson.
Anderson describes the new facility as “awesome.” It includes an inviting worship center, coffee area, kid’s chapel and nursery and toddler rooms. The childrens' areas are a particular plus, allowing the church to offer “safer and more appealing” childcare, says Anderson.
Whereas the school was available only four hours per week, the congregation will be able to use the new facility full time. Rent for the increased space and increased availability will be significantly less. And because a church previously used the facility, it required less preparation before move-in.
The congregation hoped to raise about $60,000 to cover improvements and furnishings. Some of that came from a fund established by Carson MB Church, Delft, Minn., when it closed. “God has been very gracious in providing,” Anderson says.
In addition to a prayer of dedication on their first Sunday in the facility, the congregation will celebrate their new home with an open house on Palm Sunday afternoon April 5. Friends from the community and area churches are invited. Resurrection Sunday in the new facility, April 12, will feature services at 8:44 and 10:30 a.m. “If you are in the area, join us,” Anderson says.—CCC
