The smell of popcorn wafts through the auditorium as members of Hope Community Church leave their morning service.

This is the fifth Sunday since they started meeting in Edwards Cinemas in Santa Maria, and the idea of “church at the movies” seems to be a hit.

“I am extremely excited,” said worship leader Marshanna Ludwig. “I feel like it's a great opportunity for us to reach out to the community.”

“It's a venue that I think people feel more comfortable in,” said Amber Smitherman, an office assistant for the church. “Š I think sometimes you get stuck in a rut. And moving to a place like a theater forces you to get out of your comfort zone, and it can really open up new experiences for everybody.”

The church uses Auditorium No. 4, which seats 180, for the children's church, and Auditorium No. 5 for its main service, which takes place from 9:30 to 10:40 a.m. Sundays. The arrangement was made through National CineMedia, which rents out movie theater space to various organizations, including churches.

“It's a win-win,” said Pastor Phil May of the church's agreement with the cinema's management to use their facilities. “They don't use the theater on Sunday mornings, and they're making money. It's a win for the church, because it's a very comfortable place to come.”

The church is still growing, said May, so they're hoping to move to two services soon.

Advertisement

The move began after the church acquired 10 acres on the east side of Highway 101. Their lease at their former location at Skyway Drive and Industrial Parkway was up in September, and they didn't want to lease for another five years because they expect to have their new building built within the next two years.

In the meantime, the church has a year-long lease, which can be renewed next year.

“In order for us to put our resources into the new property, we came over here, because it was more economical,” said May. “This is much more prudent with our money here.”

The move has also given congregation members more chances to work hands-on with the church. Within 45 minutes, curtains are set up in the lobby, the children's room has gameboys, and play areas are set up, said May. They purchased a trailer from Church on Wheels, a company that specializes in mobile churches. Each trailer has 10 carts and each cart has its own specific use, with supplies such as the sound system and cables.

Though it may be more work for congregants, the overall experience is welcoming to newcomers, May said.

“Outside people see that this is a comfortable way to go to church,” he said. “The seats are like velvet, and the services are shorter Š people like that because they're in a fast mode, they like to get in there and get out.”

According to Amy Jane Finnerty, spokesperson for National CineMedia, the company works with more than 160 churches all over the country in AMC, Cinemark and Regal Entertainment Group movie theaters.

“‘Theater churches' are a growing trend in many communities because movie theaters provide a great neighborhood meeting space at an affordable price, particularly in areas where real estate and building costs make starting a new church especially challenging,” said Finnerty. “Our church clients tell us that the familiar environment, location and comfortable seating of the movie theater are a big draw for new members.”

The movie theater sometimes shows blockbusters in theaters seven and nine, and May said it's a good outreach opportunity for theatergoers who see the church's signs in the lobby.

“It'll be great exposure for us, and it's a very friendly situation for us,” he said. “We provide the service, and the theater provides a building for us Š We leave it in good shape when we leave here Š God blessed us here in Santa Maria, he really has.”

For more information about Hope Community Church, visit www.hccsm.org.

November 18, 2007