Just days before our Vineland launch I was chatting with a gentleman in our newly decorated cafe.  He was all excited about the upcoming launch and expressed his need to go out and buy a new pair of shoes for the special day.  I was certainly intrigued by his excitement for Southridge to launch a new location in Vineland, and even more interested by his need to purchase new shoes for the occasion.  As a result, I asked why he had this burning desire to go out shopping for new shoes.

The gentleman proceeded to describe a time as a young boy when the church was first built.  He was one of eight children, growing up in a household where the family income was minimal, at the best of times.  Despite some of the challenges, he remembered his father going out to buy new shoes for every member of the family to celebrate the opening of the new church.  This was a special time, and having new shoes for the occasion was a way to celebrate a significant event in their church family.  After all, it was a new beginning.  

Since the opening more than 50 years ago, much has changed.  Nevertheless, for this gentleman, new shoes are symbolic of what a church building represents to the community of people it serves.  “Just as shoes provide support for the body, so the church as a building provides support to the community of people it seeks to serve.”  He went on to say that “good shoes are like having a solid foundation”.  Good shoes add strength and stability to the body to handle the travels of life.  In the same way, "the church can provide a foundation in our lives".  A church anchored in Christ gives stability and even direction as we travel the road of life in this often hurried and hectic world.     

I loved the “new shoe” analogy!  The picture of new shoes is fitting for such a time as this.  Indeed, the Vineland church has a fresh look, and it is a new beginning.  The launch of this Southridge location is a significant moment in our history as a church family.  And yet, in the midst of all the excitement and change, the purpose of the church remains the same.  For our church this is clear.  We are more than a building.  We are to be a community of people pursuing a lifestyle of full devotion to Jesus Christ.  This is why we exist and this is the church we desire to be. 

If this picture of church excites you and makes you want to go out and buy new shoes, talk to Jack Boldt.  He’s likely got some good leads, and more importantly, I’m certain he’d love to tell you why being in Vineland these days is great cause for a celebration.      

Thanks Jack for sharing your joy!  I can’t wait to see the shoes!