2022 Consecration of Soapstone UMC’s Upper Rooms
On May 8, 2022, Soapstone UMC’s recently completed second floor was consecrated to the glory of God. After welcoming comments from Pastor Mitzi Johnson, Laurie Rose, Church Council Vice Chair, opened the service by saying:
“Friends, the finishing out of this space which has been completed by God and human labor embodies the obligation of each generation to pass its treasures of wisdom and knowledge to the generations that follow. Accomplishing this calls for us to give our best and to call on God’s blessings. Our task this morning, then, is to praise God and give thanks for those who, by their gifts of service have begun this good work, as well as those who will carry it forward.”
The space provides an assembly area (Room 200), a classroom, youth room, kitchen, library, gathering space, and prayer nook. Don Keller, Trustees Chair and Building Committee Chair, presented the building saying, “We present this second floor to be consecrated to the glory of Almighty God and for service in preparation of God’s people for discipleship.”
To see the bulletin and prayer of consecration from the Consecration Service, here.
Familiar faces from Soapstone UMC’s history dropped by via video to help us consecrate the space. Click each name to view the video.
Rev. Laura Stern
Bishop Leonard Fairley
Bishop Hope Morgan Ward
Rev. Gray Southern
Rev. Chris Brady, DS
This project was many years in the making, stretching from the addition of a new sanctuary building with an unfinished upstairs during Bishop Fairley’s tenure as pastor, through Rev. Laura Stern’s vision, fundraising and contractor engagement in 2020, and Rev. Mitzi Johnson’s leadership during construction and completion in 2021.
Since the space has opened, it is regularly used for Sunday school, UMYF, Confirmation classes, Bible Studies, worship services, concerts, potlucks and receptions, support groups, staff meetings, preschool meetings, community outreach and more.