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.

It was one and a half centuries ago that a group of pioneers started a church in Rochester to worship God and offer this relationship to others. Four years ago 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, this $14.3 million project has been accomplished while preserving local and global ministry budgets, and with a net mortgage amount less than $3.5 million. While the Autumn Ridge Church facility displays impressive engineering, technology, and beauty, let us remember that the place is actually built of dreams, sacrifices, gifts, and faithfulness. It is here by grace- a tangible reminder of God’s kindness to us in spite of what we deserve.

This successful project is also a tribute to the dedication of a group of servant-hearted people including members of our professional team, staff, elders, task forces, and selfless volunteers. I particularly wish to thank the members of your Building Implementation Committee. Bob, Paula, Steve, Lloyd and Chuck have been the most delightful friends with whom I should ever hope to serve. Their dedication and creative vision through 95 meetings and countless additional hours of service made the implementation of this building both thrilling and enjoyable. The support, love, encouragement, trust, and prayers of the congregation and staff allowed us to succeed. I personally and publicly wish to thank my wife, Laura, for her many sacrifices and the impeccable creative vision she brought to the interior aesthetics of the building. I thank my daughters, Elizabeth and Christina, for their patience and understanding these past three years.

This new building is not for us. May God let us see neighbors, co-workers and strangers through his eyes. This 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 our story. This is the end of the beginning.

On behalf of the Autumn Ridge Church Building Implementation Committee, and in the name of Jesus Christ, welcome home!

Jim Maher, Chair

Autumn Ridge Church Building Implementation Committee

Building Implementation Committee

Looking Ahead

 
The new building is not for us.  The facility was created as a tool for outreach to those we have not yet met.  This space is especially for guests, neighbors, visitors, the un-churched and non-Christians. The building was designed with the goal of sharing Jesus Christ with those who do not yet know him.  Let us not judge this facility for how it meets our needs.  Let us judge this facility for how it helps us meet their needs.