As if you needed another reason to love Chick-fil-A, a Virginia outpost of the beloved fast food chain opened its doors on Sunday to welcome a church congregation that had been displaced. While Chick-fil-A restaurants are typically closed on Sundays to allow employees to “rest and worship if they choose,” the White Oak Village location decided to lend their building to a community in need.
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As WTVR-TV reported, White Oak Community Church learned early last week that the building they usually hold their services in would be unavailable for the foreseeable future. In a Facebook post on September 3, the church shared that services for the weekend were cancelled as it would no longer be able to worship at the Econolodge space it called home, but members were working fast and furiously to secure a new location for the following Sunday.
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“I am so grateful for your continued support as God continues to build His kingdom and Sandston,” the post read. “Know that this is only a minor setback. Often God sandblasted us out of places in order for us to see the next great thing that he has for His church. A little frustrated this morning, but excited for what God has for our future!”
It didn’t take long for a solution (however temporary) to emerge. One of the board members at the church happened to work at the local Chick-fil-A and put a call in to her boss to see if the restaurant would be willing to host their congregation. The answer appears to have been a resounding yes because the church took to social media yet again to share an update.
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“Don’t forget that we are meeting at the Chikfila at White Oak Village this weekend,” the September 9 update read. “They are NOT open for business. They have simply agreed to let us use their space for worship this week.”
About 30 people reportedly attended the service on Sunday, and members were grateful to have a place to worship.
“I think it’s awesome that the Chick-fil-A in White Oak is opening its doors on a Sunday to allow a temporarily displaced White Oak Community Church to hold service,” Tricia Turpin Goza said.
In a Facebook Live video, lead pastor Dave Wilde shared that while the church community is currently experiencing uncertain times, God’s presence and grace is stronger than ever.
“Here’s what we know from the 30,000 foot view of all of this. God’s really been moving in the opportunities that we have to minister. Things have been opening up. [This is] a really great reminder about the comfort we experience in church,” he said. “Sometimes we can get comfortable, and when God moves, it doesn’t always feel good. It’s not always comfortable. And it’s not always what we want. But do we trust that God has the plan? Do we trust that God has gone before us and laid the groundwork for us? Do we trust that God has our best interest in mind? And the answer at White Oak Community Church is absolutely.”
(H/T: WTVR-TV)