01/26/07 :: Abundant Grace Community Church breaks ground for new building
Gainesville, FL>> Abundant Grace Community Church had reason to celebrate. After 18 months of delays, they received final approval from their Development Review Committee in December to move forward with construction on a new church building. To get things started, the church held a groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday, January 14. Pastor Mike Gilland, who has been overseeing the building project for the church, sent us this report on Abundant Grace's "Groundbreaking Sunday."
The groundbreaking tent held the church’s first Sunday gathering on their property, located on 39th Avenue in Northwest Gainesville
From Mike Gilland:
After more than three years of planning, prayer, and financial sacrifice, the members of Abundant Grace Community Church (AGCC) in Gainesville, Florida, held a "Groundbreaking Sunday" service on January 14, 2007. Around 240 members, neighbors, friends from other Sovereign Grace churches, and special guests gathered for a wonderful, God-glorifying celebration that highlighted AGCC’s “story of God’s faithfulness and grace.” A lineup of testimonies highlighted the church’s history, starting with its inception when senior pastor Phil Courson; his wife, Kay; and their family, along with numerous other committed families, were sent out from Metro Life Church. Together they left behind their Orlando homes, jobs, friends, and relatives in order to move to Gainesville to plant this church.
Dave and Kim Klinger share their testimony
As each couple represented a different aspect of the church’s life and growth, the thread of God’s grace became apparent, and faith for the future was strong.
Some members of the AGCC worship team
Playing drums for the worship team was our own #42—Billy Latsko, starting fullback for the national champions Florida Gators. Mike asked Billy—a very humble young man—to wear his football jersey as we honored him for his involvement on the team the last four years.
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Several of AGCC’s small-group leaders joined Phil and Mike in turning the dirt. Included were (L–R): Rick Jablonski, Rick Applegate, Phil Courson, Bud Mayfield, Mike Gilland, Doug Taulbee, and Tim Blakemore.
It was our honor to have representatives from our major contractors for our project also take part. Amanda Swisher, from our civil engineering firm (Causseaux and Ellington), and our building project manager, Keith Journey (Scherer Construction), joined us for the groundbreaking.
Phil and Mike pose with the gold shovels
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Following the Sunday service, our church enjoyed a great feast and picnic on our grounds right next to the tent.
This rendering shows how the building will look when completed. It will sit just behind the spot where the tent was placed for the groundbreaking.
Our day was both inspiring and memorable. Another highlight for me was an event that took place the night before the Groundbreaking—we had a prayer meeting that night in the tent with those in our church that have been used regularly in prophetic ministry. Joining us were Lewis and Susan Seifert and Tom and Debi Walter from Metro Life in Orlando. What a joy to be there in the tent at nightfall on the eve of Groundbreaking, praying for our church, for the city, and for those to whom we will be privileged to share the gospel.
To God be the glory!
Mike Gilland
Curious to know more background? Follow these links to learn the back story:
November 29, 2005: "Building project back on track after delays"
September 29, 2005: "Building project hits delays"