Nestled in the heart of the silicon forest in Hillsboro, Ore., is the new home of Sunset Christian Fellowship.
Hillsboro is known as a high tech corridor, consisting of companies like Intel and Tektronix, so it's fitting for a church to purchase their new home from a former computer-based company. For years the group has been renting space on Sabbath mornings, but the opportunity came to obtain a facility where seeker-focused ministries could be provided on a daily basis.
"This is not a typical church facility, nor are we a typical church," states Richard Machlan, SCF leadership chair. Sunset Christian Fellowship was looking for a place where outreach could be a primary function. The grace-centered fellowship has a vision to provide space within the building to serve as a conduit of connectivity for mentoring projects, children's evangelism, shelter for families in need and a resource space for recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous. The child-friendly church is designed to help young families find a vibrant and meaningful place to connect.
Corporations, churches and members donated thousands of dollars worth of supplies to transform the computer warehouse into a worship center. "We believe God has had His hand in our journey to find a home and pray we can fulfill His commission through this new place of worship," says Machlan.
Sunset Christian Fellowship plans a celebration featuring city officials, community representatives and church leaders on Sabbath, Sept. 12, during the 11 a.m. service.