April 1, 2007 was our first service at the former Atlantic Theatres, a well known beaches landmark and performance arts center. We are excited and in awe at the incredible opportunities God is providing us in our new location.

When the Beaches Vineyard was birthed in October, 1999 with sixty adults and children, we dreamed of being right in the middle of community life, not tucked away in a neighborhood. In His day, it was a common occurrence to find Jesus, our role model, socializing, dining, and just spending time with the locals wherever He went. Because He loved them and met them where they were, He made an impact on their lives – and we believed it was how He would want us to do it too.

Our first official meetings were held at the Sea Turtle Inn, then shortly thereafter at the Ribault Garden Club for just over a year. In our first attempt to fulfill our dream and find an actual home we rented property on the Boardwalk next to what is now the new pier. Our vision was clear; we saw our involvement in the community and believed it would also include entertainment and performances of some type. Thus, we designed a multipurpose building to accommodate our church, a small entertainment/conference venue and a café. Unfortunately, due to resistance from the zoning board and some community members, the Boardwalk project fell though. Though disappointed, we trusted God had something else in mind.

We decided to settle into the storefront space at Holiday Plaza and wait on God to show us what to do next. This location met our basic needs for a while but with over 500 current members calling Vineyard home we knew we had outgrown it two years ago. During this time, still having a strong desire to be an active part of the community though still not exactly sure what that looked like, several of our members opened The Point Café in Atlantic Beach. Their short-lived attempt to further explore part of our dream was a fun place we lovingly refer to as a "learning experience."

In each location our value has remained strong to inwardly provide a good home for our church family while outwardly focusing on the needs of the community around us. Our members are heavily involved with other service groups here at the beach and we have the privilege of hosting Young Life, Wyld Life and AA weekly. Other service groups use our facility periodically.

Now, seven years later, trusting God, while "knocking" on every door available, we find ourselves in the middle of what we had hoped and prayed for in the beginning. The Atlantic Theatres itself is not the fulfillment of our dream; but rather, what it offers is. It will be a wonderful home for our growing church family while affording us all the opportunities to host the community activities we originally hoped for on the Boardwalk.

We are only seven years young and are looking forward with great anticipation as we grow up into a more comprehensive expression of Jesus Christ at the Beaches. We invite you to join us!