December 2003

To the PARTNERS of the
“MOUNTAIN VIEW” Church of the Nazarene,

“In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and people will stream to it. Many nations will come and say, “come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of God of Jacob.”
Micah 4:1-2

THE FAITH ADVENTURE
We have embarked upon a great faith adventure with our God.  I know how the Israelites must have felt when leaving Egypt for the long trek to the Promised Land with insufficient physical resources for the journey.  The task is truly God’s and He has demonstrated thus far that He is more than able to build a new church building.  Praise His Name!  However, I did want to bring you an update on what has been completed and what the next phase will entail.

November 1994-Our monthly morning worship averages were exceeding the 100 mark (existing seating capacity 158). The church board and I agreed we needed to investigate the possibilities of enlarging our existing sanctuary and the purchasing of the properties west of the church. The home that was for sale would be used for the teens and office complex. Bill Schroltz, a licensed contractor was invited in to evaluate expansion possibilities and the cost.  It was determined that the increased seating capacity would not be sufficient in light of our present growth.

It was shortly after this that our District Superintendant Rev. Ron Kratzer planted the seed of building a new Church. As a Church we began to pray for wisdom, leadership and finances. The Lord blessed with all three.  The attendance continued to grow and many of the new attendees brought building skills and capabilities. The Lord continued to expand our vision and faith during the next few years.

December 7, 1996 (D-Day)-It was at this time that God gave me the idea of setting up a series of tours to different churches throughout our region to gain ideas on the type of structure we would like to build.  It was open to anyone that had interest and would like to travel to various Churches on the next few Saturdays.  We visited four Nazarene Churches, (Kimberly, Bethel, Canyon Hill and LaGrande) and The Brethren Church in Nampa. Following each visit we would share our likes and dislikes over lunch. These were great and exciting times as God began to build His Church in our minds.

Sunday evenings for several months were used for developing the plans.  Small groups were formed. There were groups representing each area of the church from the sanctuary to the bathrooms.  This allowed for everyone in the church to give input where their interest and expertise existed.  This also gave each individual ownership and aided greatly in the raising of monies.

October 1, 1997- We wrote up a contract with Birdie McDanald for the purchase of 8.8 acres. The purchase was contingent upon the approval of the Canyon County P&Z and the Intermountain District Church of the Nazarene.

May 7, 1998-The public hearing was held with the P&Z and we received a conditional use permit.

September 24, 2000-We held a prayer and sign raising service on our new properties. The sign had a beautiful picture of our new church facility and read “The Future Home of the Homedale Church of the Nazarene”. There was a bon-fire and hot dog roast following the service.  It was a great time in the Lord for everyone who attended. (You can view the pictures still on our web site)

May 31, 2001 we received approval from the Intermountain  District property board to build the future church building according to the plans and cost submitted.

June 2001- We began to shape the property.  

January 2, 2002- The foundation for our new Church was poured. It was a major step in realizing the dream God laid on our hearts. It was really happening. Many of us had to pinch ourselves.

February 16, 2003- With much prayer and perseverance we held our first service in our new 18,600 square foot building. The service was exciting!!! We had 354 in attendance on our first service.  We had the Day Break Trio here to help us celebrate God’s blessing to us. I preached out of Joshua 3: 14-4:1-7.  The title of my sermon was “Get Your Feet Wet”. This type of active- faith was required of the priest of the Old Testament prior to God parting the waters of the Jordon. This “active –faith” is the method that God called us to use in building our new Church facility. God is Faithful!!!.  Our last Sunday in the previous church building was February 9, 2003.  We sold our previous building on February 19, 2003, just three days after our first Sunday in the new building.  God’s timing is perfect!!!

The remaining areas that need to be completed are as follows:

• The paving of the parking lot.

• Media Technology in the Sanctuary.

• Completion of the Kitchens in the fellowship hall and the teen center.

• Parking lot lighting.

Let us continue to stand firm in this “Faith Journey” with God.  Keeping in mind:

“If God be for us who can be against us.”

God also states, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9

I want to personally thank all those who have given their time, talents and resources towards the building program.  I believe your kingdom investment will produce blessing for generations to come.

If you have not had an opportunity to become involved in this “Faith Journey,” it is a great time to begin.  Please invest in the building of the Kingdom of God by using your time, talents and resources.  Thanks!

God’s Servant at this point in time,
in the history of the Homedale Mt. View Church of the Nazarene,

 Pastor Chuck Ryan

P.S.  Pledge cards are available.  Contact the church office at 337-3151. Or use the online form here.