As you are probably aware, the road to identifying and securing the Vineyard’s next facility has been a difficult one. From our pursuit of the former Rainbow Bread Factory on the corner of 6th and Jefferson to the former J.R. Ewan Elementary School, the pastoral staff and leaders have been in the process of pursuing our next location now for almost two years. After pulling out of our attempt to purchase, the J.R. Ewan facility, we continued this pursuit, leading us to the former Aldersgate United Methodist Church on Eastland Parkway. This facility is only 2.3 miles from our current location on Winchester Rd. An offer has been made on the facility, subject to the impending appraisal, with hopes of finalizing the purchase by October.
As with any facility, the Aldersgate location holds both new opportunities and challenges. The facility is only around 15,000 square feet, compared to our current 22,000 square feet on Winchester Rd. However, there is opportunity for expansion in the future upon the 3.1 acre property. The Eastland Neighborhood is both economically and racially diverse, opening up new and greater opportunities to love and serve our city more than ever before. As it was within the Fairway neighborhood, we eagerly look forward to showing the Eastland area our commitment to not only be a good neighbor, but to exemplify Christ as a community of faith, hope, and love.
As we have asked from the beginning, please pray. Pray for the process of purchasing this facility, as we face a limited amount of time for renovations before the end of our current lease. Pray for your pastors and leaders, that God would refresh them in the midst of this long process and give them wisdom moving forward. Pray for the Eastland neighborhood, that God would begin to open doors and provide new avenues for our Church to be the body of Christ in this community.
It hasn’t been easy, but we are truly grateful for God’s grace in this process, as He has continued to unite and empower our Church through this difficult road. “Forward” hasn’t been simply a slogan – it’s been an act of faithful obedience and trust, as we truly seek to follow Jesus as a community of faith, hope, and love.
