Linn First Church to hold first service on Sunday

By Neal A. Johnson, UD Editor
Posted 11/30/22

LINN   — Linn First Church Senior Pastor Matt Lee said he is very excited to welcome everyone to Sunday’s first service in the new location east of Linn.

“We will be able …

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Linn First Church to hold first service on Sunday

Posted

LINN  — Linn First Church Senior Pastor Matt Lee said he is very excited to welcome everyone to Sunday’s first service in the new location east of Linn.

“We will be able to do more to minister to the community,” said Lee, who assumed the role of pastor 11 years ago. “God has given us opportunities, and we are grateful.”

Linn Family Worship Center, an Assembly of God congregation, is located six miles east of Linn. “It was built there because the land was donated,” said Lee. “This location has served the needs of our members, but being closer to town will allow us to be a hub in the community.”

On Sunday, Nov. 27, the final service was held at Linn Family Worship Center, after which volunteers spent three hours moving everything to the new 18,000-square-foot building.

“We will be ready to go on Sunday, and we welcome everyone who wants to find God and their purpose in life,” said Lee, noting that all newcomers will be given a goodie bag. “Not only are we welcoming visitors, but the bag is a way for our congregation to know who’s new and give them an opportunity to start a conversation. We are invested in people and want them to know we’re glad they’re here.”

Construction of the new facility began in November 2021 and will offer twice the seating at 150, with options for expansion.

“We have one balcony right now, and we made sure to construct the church with enough space to add balconies as we need it,” said Lee, adding that the maximum capacity is 250 people in the chapel.

Upon entering the church, visitors will see a full-service coffee bar. “Going to church is not just about showing up for the sermon and singing a few songs,” said Lee. “We encourage fellowship before service.”

Sunday morning service begins at 10:30, and on Sunday evening at 6, an adult service is held at the same time as the youth service. Service is also offered on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. A bus ministry transports children of all ages to and from church on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening.

Lee noted the church is also focused on educating the approximately 20 children in the congregation. “We all gather for service in the chapel, and after a few songs, Linn First Kids break off for children’s church,” he explained. “That way, they get focused instruction, play games, and have a snack while the adults concentrate on a more advanced message.”

A nursery is available for children up to 2 years old, and toddlers aged 2-5 are cared for in a separate room.

Children’s church is for kids up to 12, and those 12-18 are part of the youth group with Pastor Rex Petry. Lee said Linn First Church will have a young adult/college-aged ministry on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m., led by Austin and Karlie Wagner, beginning on Jan. 19. 

“We are located in a perfect area, right across from State Tech, and we’ve had several students stop in and ask about who we are and what we offer,” said Lee.

In addition to the coffee bar, a commercial kitchen should be completed in January, and a regulation-sized gym with 20-foot-high walls should be done by March.

While the rest of the facility is on one level, including office space, eight classrooms, and a conference room for use by support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, the youth area is on the second floor in the new gym.

“We’ll have an area for worship as well as a recreation and game area,” said Lee. “We want to make the gym a focal point for community interaction.”

Construction of the facility has been done primarily with local contractors, with MOX Properties, owned by Lee, serving as the general contractor.

“It’s important for us to keep as much money in the community as possible,” Lee said. “Everyone has done a great job.”

Lee said the church has 80-100 members who worship weekly consistently.

“We are serious about growth,” said Lee. “Churches of all denominations are seeing a reduction in membership, but we continue to grow. We’re bucking the trend, and the Assembly of God uses us as a model for how to grow churches in rural areas. A big reason is that we accept everyone as they are, no matter what. We’d love to have you here. You will feel comfortable, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer our first service on Sunday.”