The Future

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you
and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon
me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."
Jeremiah 29:11-12

On December 15, 2002, we were able to worship together in our beautifully renewed sanctuary, and a few months later the entire renovation project was complete. Our church was now larger yet cozy, modern yet warmly comfortable. Like home.

The congregation was ecstatic about things big and small. Visitors now had easy access to the front door, as the new main entrance faced Wynona Street instead of Allandale Road. A spacious gallery provided space for loving interactions among friends new and old. The Great Hall surpassed all expectations as a place for church family meals, celebrations, and play. The beautiful chapel was perfect for small services and events, a far cry from the former chapel which was a renovated upstairs storage closet. The sanctuary was gorgeous, setting the stage for spiritual growth and dynamic worship, with state of the art media and sound. Plus, we had a whole new appreciation for restrooms!

And what happened? In came those people we prayed for, finding their way through our new front door. Praise God! Families with children in their arms and babies on the way. People seeking personal growth and extended family. Young adults joining a church on their own for the first time in their lives. Temporarily homeless families needing shelter during the winter. The St. John’s family grew and our hearts were filled with love for one another.

The new facilities were put to use seven days a week, from morning til night by church and non-church groups alike.

And then? And then the dreaming started anew. How can we use our facilities for ever-expanding mission, ministries and spiritual growth? Following the teachings of Jesus, and following in the footsteps of Methodist founder John Wesley, what more should we be doing to make a difference in our community and our world? How can we better use who we are and what we have been given?

These questions bring us here today: grateful for the past, eager for the future. In fact, we are reaching for the future.