FaithPoint breaks ground for ‘patiently planned’ church

In what was described as a “patiently planned” date, FaithPoint Lutheran Church of New Prague broke ground for a new church on Sunday, July 12. A combined service and groundbreaking ceremony were held at 9 a.m. on 14 acres north of New Prague near the intersection of Redwing Avenue and 270th Street.

“We have been waiting for this moment for a long time,” said Rev. Dr. Steve Trewartha, senior pastor of Faith- Point, to the approximately 100 people gathered. “It is wonderful to be able to gather again.”

Those attending gathered in groups of families sitting in lawn chairs, observing social distancing, some wearing masks. A few had brought their own shovels to also break ground on the sunny morning.

“Father God we thank you for this wonderful day,” said Rev. Trewartha. “This building is not for us, but for the community.” He detailed how the church had been patiently planning for this day with people giving in pledges of donations or time to the campaign to build the new church. “This is a most unusual time to build a church, but we are an unusual church and we serve a most unusual God,” said Rev. Trewartha. He said the mission of Faith- Point has been to shine God’s light into the community. He believed their children and others will see the building of a church during the COVID-19 pandemic to be a bold move. He quoted from missionary William Carey, “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.” Rev. Trewartha said churches can be beautiful buildings and the house of God, but without people they won’t bring others to God, through people working together churches become places for healing.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, other church leaders.....

To see more on this story pick up the July 16, 2020 print edition of The New Prague Times.