MANKATO, MN (March 24, 2008) \u2013 The Evangelical Covenant Church of North Mankato has outgrown its ability to handle the number of worshipers on Easter Sunday, so it moved to a large convention area inside the Alltel Center.
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\nIt was the fourth consecutive year that the church has had to move to the Alltel Center, says lead pastor Kevin Melin.<\/p>\n
Throughout the year, attendance at the three regular Sunday worship services averages 600 people. On Easter, however, attendance increases to more than 1,000, so the church was forced to move to two services at the center, Melin says.<\/p>\n
The church held only one service at the center the first year, but nearly filled the room, so they added a second service in following years.<\/p>\n
Holding such a large service offsite involves a lot of logistical work. \u201cIt\u2019s a huge effort on the part of a lot of people,\u201d says Melin, adding, \u201cOur worship arts people do a great job to make sure the service is done with excellence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Church members are accustomed to not meeting in a sanctuary even if they have their own building. The congregation has met for worship in the church gym for the last two years after turning the sanctuary over for use in the children\u2019s ministry.<\/p>\n
They are looking forward to moving into a new building in October that will allow them to hold Easter services at the church, Melin says.<\/p>\n