In 1992, a seed of faith was planted in the Twin Cities. This seed blossomed into Woodland Hills Church. This church wasn’t built from bricks and mortar at first. It began in the halls of Battle Creek Middle School. Three hundred souls gathered for that very first service, drawn by a shared desire: to learn to love and work towards God’s kingdom. Woodland Hills Church quickly outgrew its initial space. Its rapid growth, described as both “insane and wonderful,” led to a move to Harding High School in St. Paul in 1995. This move wasn’t just about space. It was about Pastor Greg Boyd’s vision for the church to be a bridge between the suburbs and the city, embracing racial reconciliation. The journey continued to Arlington High School in 1997. After three moves in five years, the growing congregation yearned for a permanent home. They found it in an unlikely place: an abandoned big-box store on the border of St. Paul and Maplewood. This building, though dilapidated, symbolized the church’s identity as a bridge between communities. The purchase was a story of faith and perseverance. The asking price was $4 million. A professional fundraiser estimated the church could only raise $400,000. Yet, the congregation defied expectations, contributing $1.5 million. A seemingly miraculous intervention from Kmart, the leaseholder, provided the remaining $2.5 million. Today, Woodland Hills Church stands as a testament to its humble beginnings and its unwavering commitment to love, unity, and community. Thousands gather here each week, and thousands more join online, continuing the journey that began in a middle school over thirty years ago.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to