Crossroads Moves into New Worship Center

Socializing in the lobby before worship.

July 25 was an exciting day at Natomas Crossroads.  It was the first day in our new worship center!  Weeks of work by contractors and many members finally come to fruition.  What had begun as an empty warehouse unoccupied for several years was transformed into a worship center ready to welcome guests and members alike.

Extensive work was required to prepare the warehouse to become a worship center.  Broken ceiling tiles had to be repaired.  Old electrical outlets had to be fixed.  The compressors in the air conditioning system had to be replaced so that everyone can stay comfortably cool in the summer and pleasantly warm in the winter.  A lobby was created with a fresh concrete walk leading from the sidewalk, new double doors, and a tile entry way.

Music to start the first worship service.

The work continued inside with deep cleaning in the bathrooms and the repair or replacement of a number of fixtures.  Holes in the drywall had to be patched and textured, and then every wall received a coat of primer and paint.  Carpet was laid down over the old concrete floor and brand new baseboard added to tie it together.  Doors were upgraded to be compliant with the latest accessibility standards.  Several contractors and many workmen made the transformation possible.  But many members also donated hundreds of hours of their own time to help with the cleaning, painting, and other tasks.  The teamwork was outstanding!  The commpleted worship center is hardly recognizable to those who saw it in the dark and dingy beginning.

Hearing the sermon.

The new worship center features a number of different spaces for worship and other events.  Of course there is a large room for Saturday worship services with stage area in the front.  The is a stage up front and video screens for interactive media.  But the room also has a nursery in the back with large windows that allow parents the choice of taking their children into a quite room without being disconnected from worship.  The nursery is equiped with a rocking chair, swing seats, and a number of toys to keep the little ones occupied.  There are two additional rooms where the children will have their own programs during the weekly worship service.  The entry lobby will be able to perform double duty, also serving as a place for luncheons and smaller gatherings.  In the lobby you will also find refreshments such as coffee, juice, and cold water.

The nursery for parents and babies.

Two rooms are reserved for the free medical clinic.  One will serve as the nurse’s room where patients will be weighed, have their temperature taken, and blood pressure checked.  The other room will be the doctor’s exam room with a curtained area for each exam table.  The old break room has been revitalized and will be able to support the HealthyU program for better living.  It now has a new refrigerator and a fresh coat of polish on the floor.