One of the most obvious expressions of hope in a diverse neighborhood can and should be the church. It has become apparent that God is calling us, OKC First Church of the Nazarene, to respond to the challenges facing the unique corridor of NW Expressway and NW 63rd Streets. God is calling us to be hope in the neighborhood.

 

The Cole Community Center has been years in the making. Several years ago, Wilma Cole gifted a substantial piece of property in her estate to OKC First Church of the Nazarene. She directed that proceeds from its sale would be earmarked specifically for construction of an additional facility. She dreamed of a facility that would be used for increased ministry in the life of the church she loved so much.

 

We are now poised to fulfill the dreams of her and many other faithful followers of our church. With this building, with the programs that will be housed and with the appropriate staff people who will serve the neighborhood in the process, we will offer our neighborhood opportunities for change and hope.

 

The Cole Community Center will be uniquely positioned to meet the needs of our church and community in three specific ways.

 

Educational. There will be spaces for teaching and learning. Our students will have ample space to meet, learn and grow. Our ongoing literacy, ESL and Financial Peace classes will benefit from increased space, technological capabilities and increased exposure to our community. Our facility will allow us to offer these and other educational opportunities as we become aware of specific needs.

 

Recreational. We will not underestimate the power and promise of recreation. The center will have ample room and quality equipment to facilitate all kinds of sports and physical activities. We will encourage and facilitate the type of community-building and bonding that will occur as a result of recreation and sportsmanship. We will teach and encourage health living and wellness as we make our building available for our neighbors of all ages.

 

Transformational. The Cole Community Center will be a place for change. We recognize that entire neighborhoods and communities can be transformed when individual lives are changed. Physical needs, such as food, will be handled through our ongoing resource known as the Hope Box Pantry. Celebrate Recovery and small group activities will serve the emotional and social needs of our community. This will be a safe place to confront individual needs in a welcomed environment.

 

We are committed to provide education, recreation and transformation opportunities so individual lives are changed for the better. 

 

Hope is in the neighborhood. Our neighborhood.