The Student Life Center at Petra Church, New Holland, is one step closer to reality.
Petra held its groundbreaking celebration for the Student Life Center on Sunday, April 19, at both its 9 and 11 a.m. services. Members of the congregation stood around the perimeter of the facility – which had been painted on the grass – while first the Elder Team and then the Pastoral Team dug their shovels into the ground. The children were each given a toy shovel and invited to dig into a pile of sand.
The Student Life Center, designed to meet the ministry needs of the next generation of children and youth, is expected to be completed sometime next winter. It will attach to the existing building near the Sanctuary. It will provide much-needed space for Petra’s children’s and youth ministry, with building and renovated space totaling approximately 57,100 square feet. It will provide better security for children and ample space for growth.
“The Student Life Center will enable us to reach many more families – our neighbors and friends,” said Senior Pastor Lester Zimmerman. “We believe people matter to God, and we are actively making room for more people.”
In addition to classrooms and meeting rooms, the Center will offer a dedicated auditorium for children on Sunday and for youth and young adults during the week. It will also house a multi-purpose gymnasium for recreation, larger events, fellowship meals, and the like. High-quality audio and video will be installed throughout.
The contractor for the Student Life Center is Ames Construction; the engineering firm, Larson Design Firm; the architect, Cornerstone Design Architects; and the interior design company, Godshall Commercial Interiors.
Petra was birthed in 1983, when about 40 people gathered to worship at Liberty Fire Hall in New Holland. Now, approximately 1,450 people gather weekly for two Sunday services at 565 Airport Road, New Holland.
The congregation continues to grow, blessed with many young families. Currently, one-third of the congregation (32.5 percent) is under the age of 18.
“We have an amazing opportunity before us,” stated Pastor Zimmerman, “to raise up a God-honoring generation and to reach many more people through our children’s and youth programs. God has given us both tremendous blessing and responsibility.”
