The First Church of God in St. Joseph is celebrating the completion of The Commons, a new community space dedicated to connection, community, and growth at its St. Joseph campus on Niles Avenue.

More than 100 people gathered this week to mark the grand opening of the space. Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber President Arthur Havlicek tells us the church’s new addition has been nearly two decades in the making. When Lead Pastor David Colp first visited First Church 18 years ago, he noticed after the service each week, people would head straight for the exits. He thought they could use a place to gather to create a greater sense of community, and after many delays, now here it is.

“They view it as a space where folks will be able to gather, connect, build relationships,” Havlicek said. “It’s available to the congregation, but also to the public. They’ve already had a few public facing events, a couple of graduations take place in there. So I think it’s going to be a fantastic amenity for the community moving forward.”

Havlicek says the new Commons is more than just a building. He says it’s a place for meaningful connection.

Also, Havlicek notes the church isn’t done because in the fall, it plans to open The Commons Coffee Bar on weekdays. It’s intended to be a place for coffee, friends to gather, and remote workers to use.

The chamber helped First Church celebrate completion of The Commons on Monday.