It stands today as a mobile “church in a box,” but organizers hope that one day their little house of worship becomes a permanent fixture in Auburn’s faith community.
“Planting a new church is a lot of hard work,” said Bob Purvis, pastor of Bible-based Veritas Church, a congregation that began holding services last year on Lea Hill. “We are here to plant a new church in an area that needs it. We are trying to build and grow as a community church.”
So far, it has been a daunting task. The church with Southern roots has met with some setbacks while trying to explore new ground in the Pacific Northwest.
Thieves recently broke into the church’s delivery truck, stealing donated electronic equipment and other items. The staff must set up and break down equipment for services each Sunday morning at Rainier Middle School, the church’s temporary home.
The loaded box truck was stuck in a parking lot because of a December snowstorm. When church members arrived, the lock was broken and most of the equipment was gone.
The fledgling Auburn church took an approximate $6,000 hit from the heist.
“It was frustrating and disappointing,” Purvis said. “We are making due with what we have, and to open the truck to nothing is shocking in the least. More than that, I feel sorry for the individuals who found themselves in a situation to steal.
“Times are tough for many people right now,” he said, “and I hope they discover there is a better answer, a better way.”
The church of about 60 strong is now on the rebound.
Just ask Josh Jennings, the church’s worship leader.
Despite the loss of his electrical equipment, Jennings found another way to fill the Sunday service with music.
He reached for his acoustic guitar. Not all was lost.
“We still had the truth and the Bible,” he said.
Trying to find a permanent location has been difficult, given zoning and financial hurdles, but the committed fellowship is not discouraged.
“Being a ‘church in a box’ is still there. It might be for years to come, but we hope to find a place,” Purvis said.
Purvis, 35, and his wife, Carra, moved to Auburn from Mississippi, bringing an extensive background in church and ministry work. They found Auburn inviting, given its growth and potential for a new congregation.
Their friends soon followed.
“It was a huge decision. We had never been to the Northwest, so we were naturally apprehensive,” said Andy Holder, the church’s small groups’ leader, who arrived from North Carolina with wife Christy.”But being a part of this church plant has been an exciting experience for us.”
Veritas, a Christian church, is part of the Southern Baptist denomination. The contemporary community church is conservative but progressive and serves all walks, both young and old, in a casual and relaxed atmosphere.
“We’re open, welcoming. We invite all people to come and enjoy us and be a part of us,” Purvis said.
The church has limited resources, but hopes to connect with other community ministries in time. The church has made inroads, volunteering at the Auburn Food Bank, preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for an area fire department and creating a fun, safe place for families on Halloween.
The staff currently is organizing a free, community Easter event.
“These are not preaching events,” Purvis pointed out. “We see a community need for events that bring neighbors together. We want to be an integral of our community and believe through community service we can develop relationships with people.”
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Veritas Church
• Location:
• Services: 10 a.m., Sunday
• Pastor: Bob Purvis, ordained minister
• Factoid: Veritas, which means truth in Latin, is part of the church’s motto: “Via (the way), Veritas (the truth), Vita (the life). “And that’s how we approach all we do,” Purvis said.
• Also: Bible study groups.
• Information: 353-859-4659, www.seektheveritas.com
• E-mail: veritaschurch@seektheveritas.com
