Sovereign Grace Ministries Family News

Virginia church celebrates 20 years of God’s faithfulness

2008-01-29T22:52:53Z

Chesapeake, VA >> The year 2007 marked the twentieth anniversary of Sovereign Grace Church (SGC). Members new and old devoted an entire weekend in October to remembering God’s goodness. All the former pastors and the original church-planting team joined in the festivities. Highlights included a musical that took the audience on a “history tour,” a time to honor those who stepped out in faith to plant SGC, and a message from Steve Shank, the pastor who planted the church, envisioning the congregation for the next 20 years. You can read the story and see photos at the church's website.

Grace Church escapes fire damage

2007-11-01T13:07:19Z

San Diego, CA >> Thank you for your prayers for Grace Church and their community during last week’s wildfires. Although many members’ homes were close to the fires, by the kindness of God none were lost. The building the church is preparing to move into also escaped damage. But there are many needs in the San Diego area, and Grace Church is already beginning to serve their community. Please pray for gospel opportunities, and for protection for the area as the dry, windy season continues.

San Diego church members evacuate, request prayer

2007-10-23T22:54:06Z

San Diego, CA >> As wildfires rage across San Diego county, members of Grace Church are among the thousands evacuating their homes. Also in danger is the new facility Grace Church is about to move into. Senior pastor Mark Lauterbach writes, “Grace Church is seeking to make sure our members are cared for and to represent our Savior to our neighbors. Would you pray for us in this time of need and opportunity?”

Mark has been posting occasional updates at his blog, Gospel Driven Life. Please join us in praying for Grace Church and their community.

Pennsylvania churches gather for joint workday

2007-09-27T19:22:31Z

Philadelphia, PA >> On Saturday, August 11, 38 people from Grace Community Church (Souderton, PA) traveled to northeast Philadelphia to join with over 20 people from Grace Bible Church for a workday at GBC’s facility. Ed O’Mara, pastoral intern at Grace Community Church, sent this report.

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Grace Bible Church (GBC) is a church re-plant led by Ian McConnell, whom God has been using to ignite a passion in the church. In this process, Ian reached out to Sovereign Grace Ministries, and through this new relationship the idea for a joint workday was birthed.

The team co-labored on several tasks, and spent a significant amount of time removing trees and brush from the rear of the parking lot. Previous to the work day, local youth would gather behind the church and throw empty bottles and cans into the lot, eliminating this as a viable parking area. After the Sunday following the workday, Ian told us:

As I glanced over the back parking lot there was something very different, very wonderfully different—there was no sea of glass from broken bottles, there was no can collection, there were absolutely no signs that the usual Saturday night party had been held on the back hill of our church parking lot....Your kind and gracious serving last week accomplished exactly what we had hoped. More of your brothers and sisters from GBC and more of those whom God is drawing to the gospel in northeast Philly have a place to park their cars so they can encounter the grace of God through the Lord Jesus Christ this morning.

What a joy it was to see God at work through brothers and sisters united by the gospel!

First Pastors College student from Frederick, Maryland

2007-08-23T17:25:45Z

Frederick, MD >> One of the newest churches in Sovereign Grace is sending a student to the Pastors College of Sovereign Grace Ministries. Trav and Cindy Neumann of Sovereign Grace Church of Frederick (SGCF), along with their youngest daughter, Emmie, will move to Gaithersburg, Maryland, this summer so Trav can attend the Pastors College. A brand-new church doesn’t normally send someone to the Pastors College so quickly, but Trav and Cindy have prepared over time to make this move. Their goal is to be trained in ministry and then return to serve the Frederick church.

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In 2002, the Neumanns began attending Covenant Life Church (CLC) at the invitation of their adult son, Ben. (Besides Ben and Emmie, the Neumanns have another daughter, Julie, who is married and lives in Smithsburg, MD.) Trav and Cindy made the more than 100-mile round-trip commute every week for four years. “We just fell in love with Covenant Life,” Trav says. “We continued to pray for a church closer to our area and served at Covenant Life with all our hearts.”

In 2005, Trav and Cindy began leading a caregroup at CLC. Thus, they were well prepared to lead a caregroup in the brand-new Sovereign Grace Church of Frederick when the church-planting team was sent out from Covenant Life last year.

Trav, 52, a successful businessman, sold his company in order to attend the Pastors College. “My motivation to get out of business for the past three years has been to either go into ministry if called, or do ‘tentmaking’ work so as to serve the local church,” Trav says. “God has so changed my affections and desires for him and the local church that everything offered in the marketplace pales by comparison.”

Though invited to attend the Pastors College in 2006, Trav and Cindy deferred attending for a year in order to participate in the Frederick church plant. This year, the offer was extended again, and they were of faith to move forward with the call. “I want to be equipped to serve my senior pastor in a way that frees him to focus on preaching the gospel and leading strategically, knowing that the flock is well cared for and the administrative details are covered,” Trav explains.

At a recent small-group meeting, emotions ran high as members read letters thanking Trav and Cindy for their love and service:

Trav and Cindy opened their lives to us and led by example when it came to sharing difficult times. They went out of their way to draw each of us out and point us in the right direction. —Louise Cooke

You did not shout down to us Scriptures from the mountaintop to remedy our situation. Instead, you began the humble descent to the darkness where we were living neck-deep in unbelief, despair, hopelessness and fear. You postured yourself according to God’s Word to mourn with those who mourn…you recounted, often in tears, your own “swamps of life” and reminded us of God’s faithfulness while pouring out compassion and gentle correction. You spoke God’s Word to us again and again while pointing us back to the ever-faithful, ever-present cross and our Savior. —Mike and Kim Sharp

Trav, we respect you so highly for giving up your successful business life for the gospel. You have been faithful with earthly treasure, and now you are joyfully investing it in the kingdom of God....Cindy, you are showing courage and faith as you follow your husband into this new adventure. Your sweet spirit and caring nature bless all those around you. You bring honor to your husband. —Darryl and Tawn O’Connor

We admire Trav and Cindy's resilience and their ability to unflinchingly ask the tough questions. They are others-centered people whose specific care for us during tough times has been invaluable. —Vince and Amy Norman

You have been a clear example of what it means to be a working part of God's body. You walk the talk, and your path is heading straight for God's heart! We love you dearly, and we will be committed to praying for you during this time at the Pastors College. —Mark and Karen Keller

Cindy and Travis, your cards, notes and phone calls have always been comforting and timely. Both of you are shining examples to us of compassion and tender care for God's people and deep devotion to the Lord. —Jaime and Rita Holguin

You have challenged us in the area of personal holiness and modeled both humility and genuine caring. —Steve and Deborah Parlato

You displayed such a heart of love, care, and concern—and kept pushing us to examine what was going on in our hearts. You reminded us of the gospel, and what transforming grace can do when we are willing to humble ourselves before our Savior. —David and Mary Freeman

Trav's ten months at the Pastors College represents a sacrifice on the part of Sovereign Grace Church of Frederick and its senior pastor, Chris Silard. Trav has served on Chris's leadership team, carried out administrative duties, and led a caregroup from the beginning.

On August 12, Sovereign Grace Church of Frederick prayed for Trav, Cindy, and Emmie as they sent them to the Pastors College. Chris Silard prayed, "Pastoring is not only about gifting, it is just as much about character, and we thank You for the proven godly character of this man."

Story by Tawn O'Connor

For more about Trav and Cindy Neumann, read a story they wrote in 2006 about joining the Frederick church-planting team.

Orlando church hosts ladies’ conference on joy—audio available

2007-08-21T21:34:28Z

Orlando, FL >> Metro Life Church hosted a women's conference for regional churches in June. Titled Joy Inexpressible, the conference included teaching from Danny Jones (Metro Life’s senior pastor) and Jenny Detwiler (wife of Brent Detwiler). Metro Life Church sent this report.
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On June 14–16, Metro Life Church (Casselberry, FL) hosted Joy Inexpressible, a ladies’ conference attended by over 800 women from Sovereign Grace churches in Florida. For three days the building was filled to near capacity with ladies greeting, laughing, worshiping, and learning from early in the morning until, well, early in the morning again. Throughout the retreat ladies were showered with gifts for everything from arriving on time to a reputation for loving thrill rides. At each session, selected ladies from each church were honored for demonstrating joy in various seasons of life. And the retreat ended with drawings for great prizes including Disney park tickets.

Metro Life’s senior pastor Danny Jones opened the conference, ending his message with “Don’t think it’s okay to have less than God wants for you!” Jenny Detwiler followed with three sessions on the source of true joy and sinful hindrances to living a life of joyful obedience to God. Her encouraging and convicting messages elicited much dialogue between and after the sessions.

One night of the retreat was devoted to a time of worship and ministry led by Metro Life worship leader Todd Twining. Three hours of near-nonstop worship were interrupted only for prophetic ministry and the exercise of spiritual gifts. One participant said, “This was the highlight of the retreat for me. How often does a busy mom have the chance to worship the Lord undistractedly for several hours?”

The conference closed with an insightful and humorous original musical called Finding Joy Faire, which shed light on some unbiblical areas in which we ladies sometimes search for joy. Afterward, no one seemed to be in a hurry to leave, and genuine joy was evident on many faces. The powerful messages of this conference and a renewed awareness of the joy found in the Lord will surely have far-reaching effect after the ladies have returned home to families, friends, and churches with “joy inexpressible.”

Free downloads of audio messages, and additional pictures, are available at the conference website: www.MetroLife.org/Joy.

Metro Life launches new worship conference and CD

2007-06-05T15:30:00Z

Orlando, FL >> Metro Life Church has announced both a new worship conference and a worship album, both titled Glorify. And while you'll have to wait until August 9–11 for the conference, the album is available now. Read on for links to free song clips from the CD, and to get details on topics, speakers, and registration for the conference.

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Out of a desire to glorify God and a passion to share the message of the gospel, Metro Life Church developed two new projects that we invite you to share with us:

A conference: designed for pastors, worship leaders, vocalists, musicians, songwriters, technical team members, and anyone who desires to grow in response as a worshiper of God.

An album: collaborated on by members of Metro Life Church and affiliated churches with the goal to produce gospel-centered music that exalts God.

The Conference: Glorify will take place August 9–11, 2007, at Metro Life Church in Orlando. Main sessions covering the subject of glorifying God at church, in song, and in life will be taught by Bob Kauflin and Todd Twining. Over 25 seminars will be offered, each intended to equip people to serve in local churches for the glory of God. Seminar topics are diverse; a small sampling includes “Leading Worship in a Small Group,” “Congregational Worship as Pastoral Care,” “Improving Your Vocal Technique,” and “Prayer That Glorifies God.” A special track will be available for songwriters with Steve & Vikki Cook. Whatever your interest or talent there are sure to be seminars that both appeal to you and stir up your love for God and his amazing work on the cross.

The CD: Glorify is filled with twelve new and original tracks. These songs of worship grew out of our relationship with God and with each other. It is our sincere desire that God be glorified through our songwriting, and we attempt to accomplish this goal by sharing in each song the most important story ever told—the gospel. Songwriters include Todd Twining, Steve & Vikki Cook, and Pat Sczebel. This CD provides an exciting way to bring an atmosphere of congregational worship into your home, car, or office!

Visit our website to learn more about the CD and the conference. You can register for the conference online, purchase the album, listen to clips of every track, and read about those who put it all together.

Church celebrates Mark Altrogge's 25th year as senior pastor

2007-03-29T15:00:01Z

Indiana, PA >> Many people know Mark Altrogge as the writer of more than 200 songs for worship, including “I’m Forever Grateful” and “I Stand in Awe.” But what some don’t know is that Mark has served as senior pastor of Lord of Life Church in Indiana, Pennsylvania, for more than 25 years. Last November Lord of Life honored Mark and his wife, Kristi, for their faithful service. Recently Larissa Whitely, who is part of Mark’s church, wrote to us about some of the many ways God has used Mark and Kristi over the years.

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He used to wear bell-bottom jeans, even when they were completely out of style. For his first teaching job, he found a bunch of cheap disco clothes, complete with platform loafers. He had long hair, adored the Beatles, and played in a rock band.

Luckily for the members of Lord of Life Church of Indiana, Pennsylvania, the bell bottoms and long hair are gone. But what’s not gone is the remarkable presence of their humble pastor and compassionate leader, Mark Altrogge.

In 1978 Mark was led to Indiana Christian Fellowship, a Bible study group that was meeting in a small hotel in Indiana, Pennsylvania. In 1979 Mark was approached by Brent Detwiler (now a member of the Sovereign Grace leadership team), who asked him to consider becoming a pastor of the church that was formed from the Bible study. In 1981, Mark received his ordination and joined the pastoral team. Twenty-five years later, Mark, along with his wife Kristi and five children, is still faithfully serving Lord of Life Church.

It seems an impossible task to capture even a glimpse of the ways that Mark and his family have affected the church throughout the years. Mark is not perfect or sinless, as none of us are, but God has gifted him with many attributes that together build a wonderful pastor. This man who has dedicated his life to the Lord’s work has been an example to the hundreds of people that have walked through his church’s doors. And not only has he faithfully delivered countless sermons and delivered compassionate pastoral care, but he has used his gift of music to write worship songs that are now sung in churches all over the world.

Even while it seems futile to strive to capture Mark’s legacy, 25 years cannot go unnoticed. There are many stories within the church that tell of how God has used Mark as an instrument in so many people’s lives. God’s grace and wisdom have been unfolded to the church’s members through Mark’s life. The following are but a few stories of God’s work in various members’ lives through Mark and Kristi:

“Words seem to escape us when we think of putting together a fitting tribute to Mark and Kristi’s kindness, generosity, leadership, compassion, and friendship. They have become to Maria and me more than a pastor and his wife; they have become our dear friends. Until we met Mark, we did not have a true example of how a godly pastor should lead his congregation. However, under his guidance, we know (for the first time in our lives) true godly care. We have flourished exponentially under his leadership. In fact, we have grown more in the last two years than we did in the 25 years that preceded our arrival on his doorstep where, might I add, Mark accepted us with arms wide open. The Lord has graciously used Mark and gifted him to clean our wounds. He poured out his fresh wine through Mark, so that we can once again enjoy the Lord’s presence. My entire family has been dynamically changed by his care and leadership. Our sons are delighting in God because of God's giftings through Mark, and we are all stirred in our hearts to love and serve the Lord and his people as a direct result of Mark’s influence in our lives.”
-Tony Versace

“Many people have been instrumental in helping me to know and love the Lord, but nobody more than Mark and Kristi. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to be allowed to serve as Mark’s secretary for the past thirteen years. He is one of the most gifted men I have ever met, but what affects me more is his humility. I’ve observed his steady wisdom, extreme generosity, his passion and love for the Lord and this church, and his sacrificial and unconditional love for his family. He has many times made me laugh and has made the office the most fun place in the world to work. Kristi’s counsel has always pointed me toward Christ; her absolute trust is in Christ. I want to love Jesus like she loves Jesus. I want to know his sweetness like she knows his sweetness. She is one of the wisest women I know and I can’t believe I get to be her friend.”
-Kathie Kearney

“Mark has not only been my pastor for the past sixteen years, but he is also a father figure to me. I have had the privilege of growing up with his children, specifically Beth who is like a sister to me, and have been affected by the way he so humbly leads, cares for, and provides for his family. When I would stay at his house during my mom’s workdays for homeschooling, I had so much fun hanging out with his family. It was at his house that I first began to like coffee after drinking the amazing coffee coolers he would make for us! When he would come home for lunch, his servant’s heart was evident, and everyone was always so excited to see him. Often, he would take his kids out to lunch, and bring me along without a second thought. Growing up in a home with a single mom, it has been a great blessing to have such a godly male figure in my life. His care for my mom and me over the years will have an eternal impact.

"Kristi is a walking example of a godly wife and mother. Her humility, submissive spirit, servant’s heart, selflessness, and wisdom are such an example to me. Her diligent care and tender love for her children are obvious. My mom and I have had the benefit of seeking wisdom from her on many occasions, and this has affected the decisions I make today. She is not only a great friend of her children, but to all of us in this church.”
-Sarah Kearney

The members of Lord of Life Church have indeed been blessed by Mark’s faithfulness and wisdom. May he and his family continue to walk in the ways of the Lord and delight in his presence.

Larissa Whitely

Minnesota churches gather for marriage retreat

2007-03-27T21:11:14Z

Roseville, MN >> Earlier this month, Sovereign Grace churches near Minneapolis and St. Paul hosted a marriage retreat. Over the weekend, couples learned how to apply the gospel to marriage, fight discontentment, and embrace God-given roles for men and women—plus how to swing your partner and do-si-do. Sovereign Grace Fellowship administrator Peter Thorpe sent this report.
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On March 2–3, Sovereign Grace Fellowship (Bloomington, MN) and Sovereign Grace Community Church (Stillwater, MN) hosted Passionate Partners for Life: A Marriage Retreat with Steve & Janis Shank. More than 175 people attended the retreat in Roseville, Minnesota.

Steve Shank taught four main sessions. The first evening Steve prepared us to receive the Word of God as it related to marriage. In particular, he encouraged hope and humility as we approach the topic. He then aimed to bring us closer to our spouses by bringing us closer to the Savior. In light of the Savior’s love, we have the power to change by repenting and turning from our sins (legalism, comparison, criticism, discontent, and false expectations) and putting on love and humility toward each other.

Later on Friday evening we loosened up for a square dance. This turned out to be yet another context for humility! To see pictures of our dance, click here. Oddly enough, the Shanks made it an early evening up to their hotel room!

On Saturday Steve helped us see God’s ultimate intention for marriage: to reflect the relationship Christ has with his bride, the church. We then looked into the God-ordained roles for men and women within the context of marriage. Later in the day, Steve taught the men on leadership in the home and his wife, Janis, addressed the women on intoxicating love.

God was faithful to meet us and provide conviction where needed and the power to change through the gospel. We are so thankful for Steve and Janis’s ministry to us! All the seminar outlines and audio can be found at our website, www.sovgracemn.org.

Peter Thorpe

Grace Church files lawsuit against City of San Diego

2007-03-26T17:50:21Z

San Diego, CA >> Grace Church filed a lawsuit on March 8 against the City of San Diego, the San Diego Planning Commission, and the Rancho Bernardo Community Planning Board. This is the latest development in the church's efforts to secure a permit from the city to occupy a building that the church leased last summer. You can read the local news coverage at The North County Times' website.

Florida churches prepare for summer mission trips

2007-03-21T01:19:56Z

Orlando, FL >> Churches in Florida and the southern region are eagerly preparing for Mission: X, seven U.S. and international mission trips taking place this July and August. From New Orleans to Haiti, Bolivia to Wales, members of Sovereign Grace churches in Florida and the southern region will have the privilege to “live the commission.” The trips’ purposes are as diverse as their locations. Some will involve construction teams, others medical aid, but all will provide opportunities to share and spread the gospel.
]]> This is the third year of Mission: X, a biennial event that alternates in the off years with the Xtreme Student Conference. Both events are designed with students in mind: Xtreme to equip, and Mission: X to take students out of their comfort zones and place them directly in the evangelism field. Students and adults work side by side, giving their lives away as they serve churches and proclaim Jesus Christ around the globe.

Additional information on this summer’s trips as well as a special concert tour with West Coast Revival, planned to raise funds for the trips, is available online at www.xtreme-online.org.

Grace Church begins remodeling rental facility

2007-03-19T17:05:47Z

San Diego, CA >> After receiving a five-year permit to use a vacant building in an industrial park, Grace Church has begun construction of their rental space. Thanks to the work of many volunteers over three weeks, they have now completed demolition. You can see their progress in some lighthearted videos they are posting on YouTube. (For more about Grace Church and their building project, see their January 4 update.)

Brent Detwiler teaches apologetics at Florida conference

2007-02-01T16:51:32Z

Orlando, FL>> Contending 07, the apologetics conference hosted by Metro Life Church on January 19–20, drew an audience of 650 men and women with its goal to equip Christians to "contend for the faith." Read on for a review of the conference sent in by Debi Walter, a member at Metro Life Church, and learn where you can download the messages.
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The Contending 07 conference, hosted by Metro Life Church in Orlando, Florida, proved to be much needed training for the 650 in attendance from all over the state. The conference opened on Friday night with Metro’s worship band led by Todd Twining. They taught a new song by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend entitled, "O Church Arise," which was to be the theme for the conference.

Brent Detwiler, who has studied Christian apologetics for thirty years, expounded God’s holy Word to an eager crowd. He began the evening with "Seven Things You Need to Know About the Bible," which included:
The Bible Is Inspired by God
The Bible Is Historically Trustworthy
The Bible Has Been Wonderfully Preserved
The Bible Is without Error
The Bible Is God’s Authoritative Word
The Bible Is Clear
The Bible Is Sufficient

The information presented was so powerfully communicated that Brent had a difficult time moving from one point to the next. Each was so full of truth that an entire conference could not have contained all that he wished to share with us. This is how rich and rewarding the study of God’s Word is—once the topic is opened to attentive minds the riches discovered are compelling, urging the listeners to further their knowledge of God’s holy Word.

Brent appealed to the many young people in attendance, encouraging them to listen closely to the messages since understanding these truths is vital for their Christian witness on campus. He also encouraged the homeschooling fathers to use the material provided (a 100-page booklet of outlines) as curriculum for their junior and senior high-school students.

After watching a video presentation where several ordinary people on the street were asked questions such as “Is the Bible God’s Word?” and “Is Jesus the only way to heaven?,” it was evident that our culture is greatly deceived and has bought into the lies of the Enemy. Their answers were disturbing. Some claimed to be evangelical Christians, yet didn’t adhere to the belief that God’s Word was without error. God was equipping his church this weekend to go out, dialogue with others, and lead them to the truth. The call couldn’t have been clearer and the need couldn’t have been more obvious.

Brent continually exalted God for his wonderful preservation of his Word throughout the centuries. He demonstrated how to debate a secular, humanistic religion professor from any college campus. Not only was the material rich with theological treasures, it was also very practical in how to use the knowledge to reach out to our lost culture in the workplace, in our neighborhoods, and on campus.

On Saturday, Brent continued his teaching with:
Defending the Exclusive Claims of Christ
An Apologetic for the Deity of Christ
Christianity v. World Religions
Making Known the Unknown God – from Acts 17:16-31 (taught on Sunday morning)

It was like a feast for famished souls! By the end of the day, not only had we shared two meals together with friends and family, we had stuffed ourselves full of the richest, most satisfying truths from God’s Word and about God’s Word. We learned of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Synoptic Gospels, the New Testament canon as well as the Gnostic Gospels. We walked through time and discovered how God protected his Word so that none could make the claim that his Word was written by mere men.

Appropriately, Danny Jones proclaimed at the end of the conference, “I believe! I trust! I honor! I adore! Thank you, God, for who you are! We have nothing better to do but honor his holy name. Let us worship God!” As the band returned to the stage, the entire building exploded in response to what was proclaimed: “You are the way, You are the truth, You are the life, Jesus…”

The day ended with a call to minister to those who have bought into believing the Devil’s lies and those who have failed to defend the truth when given the opportunity. There was a call for salvation to young people who may have grown up around these truths, but this weekend their eyes were seeing the truth for the first time.

As Brent often asked, “What’s the point?” The point is this: We must contend for the faith. This isn’t our personal faith…he’s talking about The Faith—the sum substance of the gospel. This faith has been entrusted to our care. We didn’t discover it. No, God gave it to us. We must fight for it, guard it, and contend for it. This weekend we were shown just how to do this, and by God’s grace working in our lives and hearts, we will contend every day that he gives us on this earth!

- Debi Walter

Couldn't make it to the conference? You can still hear the teaching. Metro Life Church has made all of the messages, as well as the conference outline, available on their website for download.

Abundant Grace Community Church breaks ground for new building

2007-01-26T21:14:10Z

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."

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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.

(Left) Phil Courson addresses the crowd; (Right) Church members join in song

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

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"

At last, a place to call home...for now

2007-01-04T15:24:09Z

San Diego, CA >> On December 7, after a year of applications, hearings, and appeals with local officials, Grace Church finally received a five-year permit to use a vacant building in an industrial park as their new home. Pastor-in-training Eric Turbedsky sent us an update, grateful for the good news but mindful of the challenges ahead.
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Eric Turbedsky:

We were all so encouraged to finally receive a Conditional Use Permit for our Sunhala property. After a year of hearings and meetings, this is good news! There are still some difficult decisions ahead, but progress is being made to apply for building permits in January. We are anticipating a March/April move-in date. Please pray for us:
we need wisdom on whether or not to contest certain conditions of our permit

we need God to provide financially as the last year was full of unanticipated costs, and

we need grace to trust God in the face of stiff opposition.

A local newspaper, The North County Times, covered this story on the day of the hearing. You can read that article here: Church receives five-year permit to operate in Rancho Bernardo's industrial park

The City of San Diego Planning Commission also provides free streaming video of public hearings. You can watch Grace Church’s hearing by visiting http://granicus.sandiego.gov/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=8 and clicking on the December 7 link. The Grace Church hearing begins just after the 31-minute mark and is about one hour and 15 minutes long.

If you're curious about the rest of the story, check out these past Family News articles to catch up:
October 24, 2006: "San Diego pastor calls his church to press on"
May 24, 2006: “Warehouse, vacant for six years, can’t be rented?”
May 16, 2006: “Praying for God’s favor”