The Yountville Community Church held its first in-person meeting since the construction began over three and a half years ago. Pastor Dan was all smiles and spoke to a packed congregation with standing room only and a few additional worshippers in the overflow theater. He opened with Psalm 100, a Psalm for giving great praise. Music was performed by a Napa native who is attending school at SUM Napa Bible College to become a minister. Some familiar faces in the crowd and definitely familiar faces from the last iteration of the church.
Service started a bit late after Robert White escorted Jean Charles Boisset to the front row. Pastor Dan’s wife contributed with a reading from the Book of Haggi, and his sermon was based on these passages with an emphasis on rebuilding the church. An understandable focus. The Pastor also focused on God sending us out to rebuild His kingdom. So besides rebuilding the physical structure, there is work to be done all around us. As the team got comfortable with their new electronics, a few glitches along the way led to laughter and applause for all the improvements. Two members of the Yountville Community Church Board, along with Pastor Dan, read a Rededication Prayer. One of the board members stated that the church was built in 1876 by the people of Yountville who needed God and continued the theme of rebuilding and further outreach.
Fellowship afterward included the use of the outdoor space that has been landscaped and manicured specifically for this type of gathering. Luncheon was served as attendees toured the church, theater, and upstairs space. Be sure to stop by and peek in; four large Murano glass chandeliers and a backlit, modern cross are the focus of the space.
I am still reflecting on this experience and will share more next week.