City Centre Church praises new location

Edmonton Examiner
Wednesday, August 9, 2006
Page: 2
Section: News
Byline: BY CARRIE MCFADZEAN, EXAMINER STAFF

Playing this week at the Paramount - the gospel.

While it may seem unusual, Michael James, spokesperson for the City Centre Church, says the former cinema is the perfect place for worship.

"It's a great place to be and it feels right," he says. "It feels like this is where God wants us to be."

The two-year-old church decided to make the move to the Jasper Avenue theatre after outgrowing its previous location at the U of A's Telus Centre.

Centrally located downtown, James says it's a great place for a church.

"It's on the LRT line so we can hit the university crowd and students from NAIT," he says. "Being central is going to be a a real benefit to bring in younger families."

The City Centre Church primarily targets young adults, young couples and young families.

Services utilize more multi-media, video and even a band.

Each Sunday sermon is also available as a Podcast.

City Centre Church's congregation numbers more than 400.

While minor renovations will be completed to the Paramount, James says the theatre look and feel will be retained.

"We're keeping the seats, the screen is still there and it's still an auditorium style," he says.

The Paramount sign along Jasper Avenue will remain, though church announcements will adorn the big white board just below it.

Movie-sized posters will also blanket the windows advertising upcoming church services.

Inside, a nursery will be constructed on the upper balcony area.

The church has signed a five-year lease on the theatre and hopes to grow its congregation in that time.

Sunday service starts at 10:30 a.m. and the church is located at 10233 Jasper Avenue.

For more information, log on to www.citycentrechurch.com.