Pocono News Section

Church Prepares to Open New Building

Church Prepares to Open New Building - Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 3:29PM EST

TOBYHANNA - While many churches are closing and consolidating at least one is expanding. The Pocono Community Church in Tobyhanna says it uses contemporary approaches to teach classic lessons.
The big screens are ready. The instruments are waiting. The seats are about to welcome a crowd. But this is no concert hall. This is a church. "It's a beautiful facility and we thank God for it but we see it just as a tool to help us reach people," said Senior Pastor David Crosby.

The brand new auditorium is part of the new Pocono Community Church Building. Builders are putting the finishing touches on it this week. The church has about 1,400 members. Crosby said for the past six years they've met in all sorts of places. He chuckled, "From hotels to community centers, to houses, to other churches in the community."

Diedre Castle has been a member for four years. She said, "I moved up here, I didn't have any family. Then once I came to this church they became my extended family."

Now she's glad her family has its own permanent home. It will feature some special and unique worship services. She said, "We're singing, we're amening, we're right there listening."

While the adults worship in the main auditorium, the kids have their own worship sections. They are separated for age appropriate activities. There is even one room set aside for nursing mothers.

Pastor Crosby said, "We're not here to reach church people. That's why it doesn't technically look like a church. We're here to reach people who aren't part of the church yet."

The building cost about $6.5 million. Members donated the money. Money they say is well worth it to bring people closer to God.

The first church service in the new building is Sunday at 9 a. m. At six Sunday evening, the Grammy winning group "Take 6" will perform there. For information call 570-839-3459.