This past Sunday, April 28, 2024, over 200 people gathered in our new Centennial Park for the ribbon-cutting of The Next 100 construction project. It was a Sunday to remember! The day began with the dedication and blessing of the painting “The Repentance of Saint Peter” by Peter Wtewael. This was a gift given to the church by the Armacost Family. At the 11am worship service, the contractors, Building Committee and Centennial Gifts Co-Chairs were recognized for their dedication to this long-term project. A video that highlighted the project was then shown to those in attendance. Following the service, members and guests headed out to Centennial Park for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The program included words from Rev. Carla Aday, Dr. Peter Holt, Rev. Dr. Mike Graves, Peter Stork, and Councilwoman Andrea Bough. Then three generations of members took hold of the big scissors and cut the blue ribbon to symbolize the opening of the beautiful, new entry. Then a group of children ‘broke through” the banner at the entrance to the new playground.
Following the ceremony, guests were invited to give themselves a tour of the new spaces and were challenged to do a “scavenger hunt” to learn more about the project and building AND receive some yummy treats at most of the stations. Those who completed the tour and received all of their “blue stars” turned in their scavenger sheet for a chance to win a gift basket. There was a definite buzz of excitement in the air and the joyful atmosphere was apparent by all the smiles on faces of all ages!
