The Whitworthian

Issue date: 2/20/07 Last Updated: 8/9/07

Pastor Rob Fairbanks preaches on a Sunday morning

New Community Church, home to a large number of Whitworth students, may need to relocate. The church, located in a strip mall off the corner of Trent Avenue and Hamilton Street, has been renting its current location for close to six years.

Church elder Pat Arguinchona makes it clear that the church itself may not be moving, but is rather seeking an additional facility, should current negotiations with the new ownership prove unsuccessful.

In addition, another location would meet the needs of the growing membership.

The church currently conducts three services on Sunday.

"It's a packed church, and it would be nice to have a bigger building," Whitworth junior Ben Spaun said.

Assistant pastor Asher Ernst said the current building is now being used seven days a week, as opposed to only one, contributing to the need for more space.

"This is a good opportunity God has given us," Ernst said.

Senior Derek Foote said a church move would have a different feel, but overall a positive effect.

"The change will take getting used to," Foote said.

"We are dedicated to remaining an 'urban' church, and we need to seek God's heart in this," Ernst said. "This is the most flexible church I've ever seen."

Both Ernst and Arguinchona said the church is more concerned about relationships than their choice of building; however, leadership and membership alike realize the practical need for a place to meet each week.

"New Community's leadership is staying in contact every couple of days," Arguinchona said.

"Even new members that have only been coming for two to three weeks are helping in our search," Ernst said.

"It's necessary for [the church leadership] to wait on God. You never know how God works," Spaun said.

New Community's leaders and members highlight the idea of prayer being essential in moving forward.

A couple hundred Whitworth students will possibly have to adapt to a new location.

"I think it'll be pretty significant; some students have been attending at this location for their whole college careers," Spaun said.

A new location could prove challenging with driving issues. Spaun said in the back of students' minds, they are subconsciously taking into account waking up a half-hour earlier each Sunday.

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