Ground breaking

Here's the announcement of our Ground Breaking celebration on the website of the Illinois District Council.

To see it you can go to: www.idcag.org.

Then go to "News"

Then to "Stone Church Ground breaking"

Then click on "photos" to see some photos of the event.

We continue to rejoice!

Here's the article on their website:

"The Stone Church of Palos Heights held a groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday, July 12, for their new facility to be built in Orland Park. Plans are for their relocation to be complete by Easter 2010.

Remarks were given by Pastor George Flattery, Daniel McLaughlin, Mayor of Orland Park; President of ARC Architecture, Massimo ‘Max’ Bianchini; and John Hayes, Building Committee Chairman. District Superintendent Larry Griswold gave the message. Paul Melidona, Worship Pastor, led the congregation in several songs as well as the Doxology.

Pastor Flattery gave a word of declaration as the church's pastors, deacons, elders, and building committee came forward to break ground. Also wielding shovels were the building architect, and representatives of several age groups in the church, and longtime member Ruth Sennese, who has attended the church since her birth 87 years ago. Erik Scottberg, youth pastor, led the congregation in a consecration that involved dedicating themselves to seeing the project through to completion and pledging that the church shall exalt the Lord Jesus Christ.

Construction began on July 14. Phase I will include the construction of a 28,000 square foot facility with a 400 seat chapel, gymnasium, offices, and classrooms. A total of three phases are planned. The new location is off the I-80 Expressway at the LaGrange Road Exit and close to the new I-355 extension to I-80. The church will be visible from I-80. Orland Park is one of the fastest-growing communities in the U.S. and recently ranked #45 in Money Magazine's top 100 best places to live, and the second-best city in Illinois (behind Naperville).

The Stone Church is one of the oldest AG churches in Illinois and celebrated its 100th anniversary in September 2007. Pastor Flattery has served as pastor since November 2007"

Cool stuff. Great time. We continue to trust in the Lord!