A Personal Welcome

Forty centuries ago, Abraham encountered the God of the universe and learned that this God could be known personally. Thirty-three centuries ago the personal encounter was extended to Moses. Thirty centuries ago it was David who taught that intimacy and honesty with God are possible. Twenty centuries ago God entered time to make a personal sacrifice—the rescue of fallen humanity—through the incarnation and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. A bridge back to God has been offered to all of us.

In 1857 a group of pioneers started a church in Rochester to worship God and offer this relationship to others. In 2002 this same congregation chose to invest in a facility adequate to serve the needs of thousands who wait to meet Jesus Christ personally, experience his forgiveness, and learn to live for him.

By God’s grace, the resulting $14.3 million project was accomplished while preserving local and global ministry budgets, and with a net mortgage amount less than $3.5 million. While the new Autumn Ridge Church facility embodied impressive engineering, technology, and beauty, the place was actually built of dreams, sacrifices, gifts, and faithfulness. It was established by grace—a tangible reminder of God’s kindness to his people in spite of what they deserve.

This successful project was also a tribute to the dedication of a group of servant-hearted people including members of the Autumn Ridge Church professional team, staff, board, task forces, and selfless volunteers. We received invaluable professional guidance on acoustics and audio/video design from Audio-Video Electronics (www.audiovideoelectronics.com) in the Twin Cities.As chair of the Building Implementation Committee that oversaw planning and construction, I particularly wish to recognize Bob Dahsltrom, Paula Edwards, Steve England, Lloyd Johnson and Chuck Trader, who were the most delightful friends with whom I should ever have hoped to serve. Their dedication and creative vision through 95 meetings and countless additional hours of service made the implementation of the building both thrilling and enjoyable. The support, love, encouragement, trust, and prayers of the congregation and staff also promoted success. I personally and publicly credit my wife, Laura, for her many sacrifices and the impeccable creative vision she brought to the interior aesthetics of the building. My daughters, Elizabeth and Christina, were remarkable for their patience and understanding during this three-year process.

The Autumn Ridge Church building is not for us. May God let us see neighbors, co-workers and strangers through his eyes. The building was designed and built for them. Its purpose is to reach people with the message that Jesus Christ died to pay for their sins so each can know God personally. This is an ancient story. It is the Autumn Ridge Church story. This is the end of the beginning.

Jim Maher, Chair
Autumn Ridge Church Building Implementation Committee
Building Implementation Committee