More on Downtown Tempe

We visited downtown Tempe three times over the past week and see so much potential there. I have talked to two individuals about the cost of leasing available space. The lease cost is in the range of being reasonable for planting a church and having a presence (spiritual and physical) in the area.

According to the City of Tempe "It is the most diverse city in Arizona and is great for people-watching and people-meeting." Music and art are key elements to attracting the people in this urban setting. The people want opportunities to participate in as well as simply enjoy community. The Mill Avenue Festival of the Arts brings artists from around the world to Tempe twice a year. While the Tempe Music Festival and New Times Music Showcase bring top rock bands from around the country to the streets of Tempe. Live@theLake is a free Sunday night concert series of local talent ranging from reggae to pop to blues.

Generally, churches do not utilize their facilities very well. Churches tend to be open a couple of days a week for a couple hours on those days and the rest of time tend to be dormant except for the offices of the staff.

Streams of Grace will be an active member of downtown Tempe, open virtually every day. Being there to pray with people (workers, business owners, pedestrians) as they stop by, providing a sacred place, bringing a glimpse of the kingdom to people.....just being Christ like everyday,

transition time

I cleaned out my desk at the church office yesterday - since I'm not 'on staff' anymore so I can focus on church planting. But I don't exactly feel focused - I feel a little at loose ends. (or perhaps the right word is discombobulated)

I've always been happier when I am self-directed and not micromanaged - and I know from being an artist that the 'blank canvas' is always intimidating, but once you get going, it gets easier. It's not that I don't know what to do next either, its just that I haven't actually started to do it.

I am really thrilled that Joe and I are doing this together - when I first felt a calling and a vision for leading a church, Joe was supportive of whatever I wanted to do, but it didn't seem like he was going to get involved. Since we went away for a weekend in June, the vision has become ours, not just mine, and the new church is something we are birthing together. (and since our 3 human children have turned out quite well, I'm very hopeful!)

Downtown Tempe Walk

Adriene and I walked all around downtown Tempe and are very excited about the possibilities and availability of space to lease. The area is booming with new construction and most of all people. We believe this is the community we are to reach and we are trusting God to guide us and make it happen through supernatural means.

We need a core team to help us plan, process, and develop Streams of Grace into a community that is being transformed by God and a into a community that is a vital part and an active part of downtown Tempe life. We desire to reach people through art and music and we need a core team with the same heart beat to help us.

Streams of Grace - vision and values

Spiritual and Social

Transformation, through:

Redemptive Relationships

Experiences & God-Encounters

Artistic Expression

Missional Ministry

Sacred Spaces

of

Grace

Renewal

Acceptance

Creativity

Encouragement

first meetings

Thursday Joe and I sat down with our pastor, Mark. We sketched the basic vision and values for our new church - and talked about the location and the format some.
This afternoon we will meet with Pastor Richard - the District Supervisor for Arizona Foursquare.
The next step in the formal process is paperwork, of course, and then an assessment interview.

I'm feeling confident and excited - today at least!