When you have a brand-new church facility, it's natural to want to show it off.
Instead of just hosting an open house, members of the Monroe (Wash.) Church opened up their facilities for a multi-denominational prayer and praise service.
Four times a year, many congregations from around the community join together for a time of worship. It is a time for unity and a time to praise God while putting aside differences.
The two-hour service at Monroe blended seasons of prayer with melodies of praise. Pastors from each denomination led the congregation in focused prayer, while members provided leadership for the praise music.
Opening up Monroe's new church facility, completed in December 2005, provided an opportunity for Adventist church members to invite people into the new church and to mingle with the community.
"For many in the community, this was their first opportunity to worship in the new church facility," said Mike Maldonado, Monroe Church pastor. "Many commented on how beautiful the facility was and how inspiring the entire evening had been."
Mike Maldonado (center front), Monroe Church pastor, is surrounded by ministers of different denominations after the All-City Worship and Prayer Gathering. This worship service was the first community-wide event the Monroe church hosted in its new church facility.
