On Sunday, May 31, the congregation of Sharondale Church of Christ enjoyed our first service in the new sanctuary. The new sanctuary took a little over a year to construct and seats 244 with the ability to add additional pews for a larger capacity. The sanctuary is more than large enough for our first Sunday's attendance of 170. The worship service opened to the keys of the piano playing – another first in Sharondale's history. Song leader Bruce May took the seat for his debut as the church's pianist. Minister Bob Werntz led the choir in song. Bob spoke of his vision for a new church building coming to fruition – a dream 30 years in the making. He mentioned how people must have visions, for without them, we would perish. During Bob's message, he spoke of the changes that the buildings have undergone throughout the years. When he came to the area in 1974, the church consisted of 3 separate buildings. Bob wanted to see the three buildings wrapped in the same outside coverings. But it did not happen until an elder suggested the church be wrapped in brick and contributed money to the building project. In the 1980's the church was going through a rapid growth. The church added on another wing, consisting of classrooms. One building has been finished, yet the vision continues. Plans down the road include remodeling the former sanctuary into our new Fellowship Hall. Our current Fellowship Hall, which also serves as the kitchen, is simply too small to suit the needs of the congregation. Former elder Clinton Layne was present at the service. Clinton's parents were the first to be baptized in the new baptistry in our former sanctuary. Clinton ended the service with the benediction. A formal dedication service will be scheduled once the final touches have been completed. More pictures of the New Auditorium can be found here . |