AC3 Community Center
From the beginning, the vision has been that the Community Center and it‘s programs would be "Business as Mission," meaning that the Center would generate it‘s own funds to support the programs and staff: a self-sustaining ministry. This will be done through rental income, but also through the operation of businesses that (in addition to cash flow) provide opportunities for job training, relationship, artistic expression and products/services that serve the community. For examples see: http://www.momsandjobs.com/ or http://www.kingdompoint.com/.
For months, AC3‘s Community Center Team (headed by Blake & Julie Paine) has sought the right fit for AC3‘s Business as Mission endeavor, and it looks like they‘ve got one! Introducing: Elpis Arts.
Elpis is Greek for "hope" and the "art" comes in the form of up-cycled wood furniture. That means Elpis takes wood waste that would normally be tossed out or otherwise wasted and transforms it into beautiful furniture. The fit between AC3‘s Community Center and Elpis is very snug:
- Wood products made in the Northwest
- Highly relevant to our culture
- Transforming discarded wood AND discarded lives
- Multiple vocational training opportunities
- A commitment to artistic excellence
Elpis is in it‘s infant stage, and as such, there are lots of things needed to help it grow up and reach it‘s full potential as a RESOURCE ENGINE which will sustain itself and drive other ministries.
Don‘t miss the opportunity to help establish AC3‘s "tent-making" ministry. Contact Dan or Blake to find out about Elpis' needs or how you can get involved in reaching out to those around us through AC3's Community Center.
