NEWS

This is the latest communication to keep you informed about the progress of our Building the Vision... of Tomorrow ("BTV") campaign, building the Children's Wing, and retiring our debt.  On Thursday, April 24th, the final payment was made for the loan used to help construct the Children's Wing.  Initially, we anticipated having to borrow as much as $1.5 million for this project, but due to your faithful and "forward" giving, we only needed to borrow about $337,500.  As one of our members said, "The Children's Wing is now a 'debt free zone'!"  This means that the existing balance and remaining contributions to the BTV campaign will now go directly toward paying off the remaining mortgage debt on our two properties.  As of the first week of May, a total of over $2,265,500 has been given toward the $3.475 million pledged toward the campaign, which is scheduled to end in June, 2009.

At right:  Pastor Darrel Gabbard, left, and Children's Pastor Rick Salas show off the final statement for the construction loan showing a ZERO balance.

If contributions come in according to schedule, our existing debt will be paid off sometime next year.  Currently, we are about $170,00 behind on promised giving.  Don't forget to thank the Lord for the wonderful news of having a beautiful Children's Wing that is debt free.  Please continue to pray that the campaign will proceed on schedule, and that all funds promised will be given for this important goal.

The Horizons class will be led by Jim & Colleen King. This class is being launched from the Lifesong Tuesday night small group, but will welcome all young adults between the ages of 19-29. The class will meet in Room 204-205 above Fellowship Hall. Contact Elyse Lyle (Lifesong.hea@hotmail.com) or Jim King (jandcking@columbus.rr.com) for details.

We will return to conduct Vacation Bible School at our sister church in Aguadilla July 18-26th.  This year’s trip offers the option of staying two additional nights to visit “El Yunque,” Puerto Rico’s famous rainforest. This year’s participants will see the island “coast to coast!"  Contact Linda Fisher at dbclaf@141.com or call 889-2307 ext. 122 for an application form, or download detailed information and the registration form by clicking here.  Registration deadline is March 31st.

Members and guests at our first Contemporary Worship Service at the A.R.C.

On Sunday, November 4th, we launched our first contemporary style worship service at 10:30 a.m. in the Activity & Recreation Center (the "A.R.C.") at our 7200 Coffman Road property.  The service hosted 132 persons, and was enthusiastically received.  A wide range of ages were represented, with many commenting that the service was well done and meaningful for them personally.  Following a fellowship time in the A.R.C. cafe, the services included soft contemporary worship and praise music led by Larry Mead, Elizabeth Elliott, Matt Corriveau, and Christopher Price.  After the praise portion of the service, Pastor Darrel Gabbard's sermon was broadcast live via our new cutting edge technology from the main campus sanctuary.

We are averaging between 140-150 in attendance.  You are invited to join us each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. for fellowship, praise music, and a dynamic presentation of God's Word in a contemporary, relaxed worship setting.  See you at the A.R.C.!

Here are additional photos of our first service: