Sunset Christian Fellowship at Home in Silicon Forest

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.

Featured in: September 2009

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