ALC — The Beginning in the End

We celebrated the end of an era at Abundant Life Church today. It was the last service to be held at 2021 E. Park Blvd. in Plano. For many, it was a bittersweet day. Everyone is excited about moving into our new facility, but we also leave behind a space where many fond memories were created. I came to ALC as a teenager in the Fall of 1988. At the time, I wasn’t happy about leaving the church we attended, but I know now it’s where God meant for us to be. My relationship with Him deepened there, and I was blessed to have one of the best pastors in the world, Dan Rigdon. I also experienced one of the most momentous occasions in my life in that building. It’s where I met and married my husband.

I have many great memories from my 21 years at ALC — there are just way too many to list them all! The great thing is that even though we’re leaving the building behind, those memories will follow me wherever I go. I have no regrets. One experience is ending. Things will never be the same, but through that ending, we have a new beginning. We have a remarkable opportunity to create new memories and to reach more people in our community by sharing the love and saving grace of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. What an amazing privilege!

In honor of our last day in the Park Blvd. building, we held a special “reunion” service. The day started early for those of us in the choir/worship team. We arrived at 8 am for a 90 minute music practice before service started. It made for a long day, but it was worth it!

We had a good crowd before practice ended. By 10 am, the place was packed full. We had our regulars in attendance and many former ALC’ers showed up to celebrate also. I think we set a new record for attendance — 660! Wow!

The choir kicked off the day with an “old school” song from years past, “Total Praise.”

The presence of God filled the room and lingered the entire day.

I was scheduled to sing on the worship team today, and I was delighted to have the opportunity to help lead worship one last time at ALC. I’m not very sentimental, but as I sang, I experienced many emotions. I am so blessed. God is incredible. I’m amazed with His grace and thankful for the fabulous group of people we have at ALC.

We baptized 22 people today!!! They alternated between the baptistery and the “old school” method.

Jeff Manning baptizing “old school” in a trough

Memories video

Dan Rigdon addresses the congregation

Anthony Mangun shares his thoughts and leads the church in a prayer for Jeff, Miquell, and our church leaders.

NOTE: all photos are courtesy of (ahem…stolen from) Sheila Horvath. 🙂