BY AUDREY KENT
FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA —
Foundry, a new United Methodist church in Opelika, held its first service Sunday, Aug. 27.
The United Methodist Church is located at 200 N. 26th St., Opelika.
The new home of Foundry was previously Pepperell United Methodist Church, which closed its doors in 2018.
According to the Rev. Patrick Hitchman-Craig, Foundry has been working hard on transforming the sanctuary.
“If somebody had been in the sanctuary before, it looks like a brand-new sanctuary,” Hitchman-Craig said. “So, we’ve had folks up here about every day for the last two months, sort of grinding away at this renovation project and seeing this crazy dream get across the finish lines.”
Foundry’s mission is to be a community of grace and peace rooted in Christ for the renewal of all things, Hitchman-Craig said.
“We think what we have to offer in a divided world, and oftentimes sort of angry world, is something special, and we are building a community of grace and peace,” Hitchman-Craig said. “One of the things we like to say is that no matter who you are, or the reasons that brought you here, whether you are a seeker or a skeptic, or an every Sunday regular, whether church is your thing, used to be your thing or has never been your thing, I trust you’ll find a community of grace and peace here.”
According to Hitchman-Craig, Foundry welcomes everyone.
“We talk a lot about belonging,” he said. “A lot of churches will say that everyone’s welcome, but we want to take that next step and say that everyone belongs. There’s no asterisk on that. There’s no bait and switch. There is a place for you at Foundry.”
Foundry will launch small groups in September Hitchman-Craig said.
Adult small groups, called ‘tables,’ will meet every other week, he said.
“They meet in homes, they share a meal together around the table and they’re sort of discussion-based groups,” Hitchman-Craig said.
According to Hitchman-Craig, Foundry will also provide a nursery for children aged three and younger on Sundays.
He said that with the growth of Opelika and Auburn, Foundry has “unlimited potential,” and a team of people who are “dreaming and discerning” what it looks like to love and be good neighbors to the Opelika community, Hitchman-Craig said.
Foundry gathers every Sunday for worship at 10 a.m.
“We have a huge fellowship hall, so if somebody is visiting us for the first time, we would encourage them to come a little early, around 9:30,” Hitchman-Craig said. “We’ve got Mama Mocha’s coffee and snacks set up in the fellowship hall. So, especially if you’re a first-time guest, I encourage you to come a little early. There’s a chance to get some coffee and some food and to meet some other folks who call Foundry home.”
For more information about Foundry, visit its website at www.foundryopelika.com.
