60 thoughts on “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word… ​​​​​​​​(Acts 8:4)”

1. Scott Greider March 5, 2013 at 11:05 pm

   Though I can’t say I’m surprised, I’m still kind of… surprised. And of course, heartbroken. I consider TVC to be one of the greatest churches ever to have existed, and would certainly – without any shadow of a doubt – still be a member if we still live in NYC. I am who I am today – completely! – because of my 13 years at TVC. And I’ve already taken what I learned there into the context of my church of the last five years. All my memories of TVC are good ones, and will remain with me forever. Thanks to all my former cohorts, members and elders. And especially Sam and Mary Kay. You two are like nobody else in the world. Wish I could be there April 7. My heart certainly will be! God bless you all.
2. Brandon Edling March 6, 2013 at 10:07 am

   Both Em and I were reminiscing this morning. Without a doubt, without TVC, our stay in NYC would have been a short ride. Everyone was so loving and helpful. It was just what we needed. We’re grieving with you; it’s hard to see it go. Godspeed to all.
3. Robin White Goode March 6, 2013 at 10:49 am

   Like Scott I’m not surprised—I’m stunned. TVC was an important part of my Christian journey and affected my children’s lives in deep ways that I suspect will continue to bear fruit for years to come.
   Yes, I am grieving with you. And yes, rejoicing, because God is going to spread TVCers all over the city, and that will be a good thing.
   My daughter and I had planned to visit over her Christmas break, but didn’t make it. Lord willing, I’ll be there April 7.
4. Todd Zack Britton March 6, 2013 at 5:30 pm

   I am heavy-hearted and sad to know that TVC is closing its doors. I came to faith and began my walk with Christ at TVC. Although it has been a few years since being involved with everyone at TVC, I have always considered TVC … home.

   I am thankful that through my years in TVC my life is now filled with so many wonderful and profound memories, frienships, love and Christ-focused experiences.

   I wish and pray the very best to anyone whom ever served or was involved in TVC. God Bless.
5. Veronica Andreades March 7, 2013 at 10:56 pm

   I’m sad and mournful as this wonderful family, that has raised me in the comfort of its community, disperses. But I know God has a new and exciting story for everyone of us. I’ve grown up in this church both spiritually and physically and as I come into womanhood, I recognize that much of my strength and confidence comes from the uplifting and encouraging friendships in TVC. The Lord has truly blessed me through this church. I will miss it like an old home, but I wait with anticipation for what God has planned for me next.
6. Jeremy Tate March 9, 2013 at 12:15 am

   The first Sunday after our honeymoon Erin and I visited the Village Church and knew we had found our home in NYC. Our time at the Village Church and with the Andreades family revolutionized (to use Sam’s language) our faith and our understanding of Christ’s glory. I wil forever look up to Rev. Andreades as a man after God’s heart. Although the doors are closing God will continue to bless the ministries of love that have flowed out of this community. We love you Sam! Thank you for loving our family with a self giving love. Thank you for teaching us the goodness of Christ and the fullness of His saving love.
7. Diana Smith March 10, 2013 at 10:25 pm

   The news made it’s way to me in Cali. So sad to hear when I return to NYC, Village will not be able to welcome me home. TVC was my New York home church.It gave me friendship and fellowship when I was om far from home. Sam and Mary Kay are tireless leaders and their story is one that touched me and gives me hope. God bless you all! I wrote the below poem a while ago. Enjoy!!!!

   I heart Village!!!!!

   To my dear Village Church!

   In the village of Greenwich stands a shelter on a rock.
   Each week, people come to that shelter

   Oh come, they come to listen and to learn.
   They sing and at times they dance.

   People from all over the world come to the village in Greenwich,
   But only the chosen find the shelter on a rock.
8. Scott Greider March 10, 2013 at 11:06 pm

   Another reason I like Facebook… you can “like” comments. Needless to say, I like them all here!
9. Scott Greider March 10, 2013 at 11:13 pm

   Love the banner images. But you forgot PS41, where we planted and met for at least a few years.

   http://www.villageconfidential.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P.S.-41.jpg
10. Ken Walker Post authorMarch 10, 2013 at 11:16 pm

    Thanks, Scott. I’m planning on adding some more photography here, and request more from former TVCers.

    And I agree — I’ve been so encouraged by the posts people have shared here!
11. Alan Farhi March 11, 2013 at 1:24 pm

    Here’s a little of the location history:

    The Village Church started worshiping together in the Fall of 1994 by taking over the Redeemer 4:00 PM service and staying at Hunter College. In January 1995 it launched it’s first service outside of Redeemer at P.S. 41 and stayed there until April 1999 when the NYC school board started cracking down on churches renting school space. April – June 1999 at Grace Church School. July 1999 – April 2000 St. George’s Episcopal Church. April – November 2000 Our Lady of Pompeii Recreation Hall. December 2000 – ? Seventh Day Adventist Church. (Scott/Ken, you can pick up the rest from here).

    Pastors:

    Scott Sherman Jan 1995 – December 1998.

    Clyde Godwin March 2000 – Feb 2002 (Scott, is this right?)

    Sam Andreades November 2002 – April 2013
12. Ken Walker Post authorMarch 11, 2013 at 1:25 pm

    Thanks Alan! Thinking of putting together a nice graphical timeline.
13. Scott Greider March 11, 2013 at 2:13 pm

    Wow, Alan, I completely forgot about a few of those! Thanks for reminding us of such great memories.
14. Steve Wilson March 11, 2013 at 8:07 pm

    I am so sorry from London to hear that the Village Church will be closing. Sam and Mary Kay and their family have been a shining example of generous, loving leadership, huge givers who have changed lives profoundly. I met them and this Church at a time of great questioning, and was so thrilled to find such an unusual, intimate group of searchers virtually on my front door at PS 3. It was fun weeks later to help Sam convince Greenwich House to give us another home. But it was even more empowering to have ‘the little engine that could’ in a school gym become for me, the most authentic church I have ever been in. The Village Church will be greatly missed. Warm thanks to the entire community and especially to Sam and Mary Kay and their amazing family.
15. Alan Farhi March 12, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    Bands/Individuals that have sang at the Village Church: George Merritt, Stickman Jones, Charlie Peacock, Madison Greene, Danielson Famile, Miranda Stone, Aradhna, Pearl Merchant (old band), Cavu, Sufjan Stevens. (I’m sure I’m missing some).

    Interesting personalities who went to the Village Church: Mako Fujimua (artist), Tony Hale (actor), Danai Gurira (actor), Karen Lacy (Dancer), Julie Voshell (dancer/singer/actor), Peter Corriston (award-winning graphic designer), David Sacks (photographer), John Silvis (photographer/educator), Judith Bradshaw (Actor), Annie Young Frisbie (screenwriter). I know I’m missing a ton of folks here — forgive me.

    Pastors/Ministers that had the VIllage Church as their home before launching into ministry: Vito Auito (Resurrection WIllamsburg), Michael Kytka (Asension Forest Hills), John Sweet (Park Slope Presbyterian/Flatbush Community Church/Grace Church Marin), Darin Pesnell (Ironworks Church/Phonexville, PA).
16. Alan Farhi March 12, 2013 at 1:55 pm

    OK…did you guys know, that at one time, The Village Church has an associate pastor (Tom Cannon) who started Reformed University Fellowship at NYU? And the Village Church was instrumental in helping the NYU group produce an album? It was called “From All Their Sin and Sorrow” You can still get it on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/From-All-Their-Sin-Sorrow/dp/B000FUXTJE

    Also…Village Church member, David Sacks was one of the key members of Stickman Jones (no longer a band). Many a Sunday their music graced our church. Here are two of their albums, still available on Amazon. Pure poetry.

    http://www.amazon.com/Luxuria-Stickman-Jones/dp/B00004RBG5

    http://www.amazon.com/Blinding-Bright-Stickman-Jones/dp/B00004RBG6
17. Jeaney Yoon March 12, 2013 at 4:22 pm

    Greetings from Southern California!
    I just wanted to say (for what it’s worth) how much God blessed me through you and the Village Church. I am who I am today vastly because the Village Church was there guiding my first steps with Christ. I am truly heartbroken by the news, and mourn with countless others… However, though the doors may be closing, the teachings and fond memories will last forever, and they will always be an intricate part of my being. Much peace and love to you and your family – you are in my thoughts and prayers!
18. Christine Nakaoka March 13, 2013 at 7:56 pm

    As I read many posts of rememberance and thanksgiving here, I thank God for how He used the Village Church in mighty ways to bless His people and bring Glory to Himself. I don’t fully understand any of His ways, but I look forward to that day when all things will be revealed to us. How we will praise Him in total amazement then!

    Sam and Mary Kay – thank you for your faithfulness and the faithful service in Christ to us. Under your leadership and ministry of many, TVC is the place where God chose to begin teaching me to walk in Him, to love and trust Him above all things. David and Natalie, Ken and Sarah, Karen L. and many others – thank you also for your faithfulness, for showing me the Love of Christ in your lives. My closest friendships were formed at TVC and Lord continues to strengthen them. He cemented us all for life at Village Church.

    I plan to be there on April 7th to celebrate our Lord and the Village Church. For the good work He began there in His people will not stop, but continue to bring about more fruits. Praise Him for His ways are perfect.
19. Hannah Doty March 15, 2013 at 4:30 pm

    I just wanted to say that the village church has meant so much to me and has been a huge part of my life in New York. It has played and continues to play a big part in my relationship with God as an adult. I’m very thankful for it, for you and your family.
20. Charlton and Gina (Choi) Hughes March 15, 2013 at 5:01 pm

    I’m sad to hear that the Village Church will not be continuing. Gina and I were incredibly blessed by our time at the Village Church. We really enjoyed your preaching, the music, the authentic community and even the struggles that the church faced. Every Sunday we had a meaningful worship experience and we haven’t found anything like that since we’ve left New York. We really appreciated your counsel as we prepared for marriage, and the Financial Peace class the church hosted has helped us to pay off so much of our student loans and be wise with our money.
    Sadly, a trip to New York for the last worship service won’t be feasible for us.
    –Charlton (band director) and Gina (Houston Symphony), Houston
21. Merrily Kerr March 15, 2013 at 10:13 pm

    I’m sorry to hear that the Village Church is moving on to other things.
    From growing as a Christian to meeting other art-types to attending the mother’s group, attending was one of the high points of my church life.
    New York Art Tours
    http://www.NewYorkArtTours.com
22. Nate and Shihching Wagner March 16, 2013 at 9:50 pm

    We are now living in southern California, members of Grace Church of Glendora. We are, by God’s grace, walking with the Lord. We are sad to hear that the Village Church is coming to a close. We received God’s grace through you and those we were in fellowship with at the Village Church ten years ago.
23. Chris Giammona March 17, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    Alan – your timeline is pretty accurate, though you forgot a few important details around pastors:

    Between Scot and Clyde – Tom Cannon and Drew Fields (Drew was our official interim pastor)
    Between Clyde and Sam – Tony Hinchliff

    These men were critical to the Village Church remaining vibrant and growing while we searched for a new pastor.

    As for bands, unique individuals, etc., you are right in that there were too many people who passed through our doors – the guy who played Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar and who can forget that concert at THe Seventh Day Adventist Church when Clyde invited Buddy Greene and Ashley Cleveland to come and play. I remember walking into the sanctuary during the rehearsal and hearing Ashley Cleveland playing the Rolling Stones “Gimme Shelter” and thought only at the Village Church!

    Some of my fondest memories were the times serving with the original team of ruling Elders – Chris Giammona, Alan Farhi, Ken Hui, Tony Rose, Mako Fujimura, Jonathan Gilley, and Tom Whitford (though Jonathan and Tom did were not with us during the non-pastor years).

    Chris
24. Chris Giammona March 17, 2013 at 12:25 pm

    Another pastor/minister who called the Village Church home before launching into ministry is Mark Swanson (All Angels and Grace Vancouver).
25. Michelle and Nicholas Keber March 17, 2013 at 1:41 pm

    Hello from Arlington, Virginia!

    We are sad to hear that the chapter of The Village Church is coming to a close but know the mustard seeds have been spread all over beyond the city of NY. We both have been deeply blessed by this church and will never forget the haven it was for us – a church that does not apologize for loving and serving the Lord. Never have I met such an unawaringly generous and sincere body.

    To Sam and Marika ~ Thank you for the valuable lessons you have taught us, both individually and as a couple. Your family has been a wonderful blessing to us and to so many others, and we pray that the Lord will reveal many blessings back to you. Thank you!
26. Adam Browne March 18, 2013 at 9:24 am

    It’s so moving to read this thread and see the impact that Christ has had through TVC over the years. As one “going down with the ship” (or “carried up in the chariot”?) it hasn’t always been easy to see the wider perspective, as I’ve often been distracted by the week-to-week challenges. So thanks to all who are writing and reminding me of what God has done and will continue to do.

    There’s no question that TVC has meant a lot to me. In 2000, it was one of the very first churches that I visited after moving to NY for college. I was drawn in by the energy and creativity in the community of TVC, and completely hooked by the music. David Sacks was kind enough to let me work on my accordion skills with the band. Over the next few years, through the teaching of both Clyde and Sam, I began to really learn what it meant to be a Christian living in NYC, how to have affectionate restraint toward this Corinth or Babylon I’m living in. In 2006, because of an offertory at TVC, my eyes were opened to the woman who would become my wife: Renée. Sam and Mary Kay’s council and example have been critical to us in our marriage. And through several years of Sarah Lentz-Dickinson’s music leadership, I learned (am still learning) how to lead a congregation in worship through song.

    While the reality of it coming to an end hasn’t really sunk into my heart yet, I know that I will miss TVC dearly, and I know that there will never be another church quite like TVC. But (as others have said on this thread) I pray that we all take what God has taught us here in Greenwich Village and use it to build God’s Kingdom wherever He may take us.
27. Ken Walker Post authorMarch 20, 2013 at 9:50 am

    Hi, everyone. Thought you’d like to know that I’ve added some photography to the site under “Memories of the Village Church” at the top of the home page. It only goes back a few years, so if you have some photography you’d like to add to the site, please get in contact with me at ken@villagechurchnyc.com. Thanks.
28. Jeremy Andreades March 24, 2013 at 3:35 pm

    The Village Church has had a profound impact on my life. I am certain that I will continue to look back at my time there as vital to my development as a Christian and as a man. While the church must come to an end, the work that it has done in Greenwitch Village serves as a testament to the inescapable power of the ultimate shepherd, in who’s divine plan we will continue to have a place, no matter where we worship.
29. Rev. J. Kirk van der Swaagh March 29, 2013 at 5:36 pm

    I just learned of the upcoming closing of TVC. The Village Church was the first evangelical church we had known to plant its roots down in our neighborhood. We had experienced other parachurch ministries and evangelistic “outreaches” come and go and so were grateful to have a serious minded and contextually sensitive expression of Christ’s body join the effort in the West Village. Though I trust the wisdom of God, I can’t help but feel our neighborhood will be diminished by your absence.
    Thank you for your faithful service.
30. Natalie Bush March 29, 2013 at 5:42 pm

    The Village Church has been my beloved church home for a decade. At the beginning of my time at the church, I was invited by Mary K to attend a women’s group hosted in her home. It was in this group that my faith grew deeper as we talked, read the bible and prayed together. As the years went on I was asked to lead that group and soon after that I was preparing other women for leadership. We eventually had to multiply because we had over 20 people attending and it needed to become two groups. It was very exciting to be called into leadership and then to disciple others into leadership.

    I’ve been deeply helped and impacted by the teaching at the Village Church, and blessed by how faithful Sam has been in teaching scripture. His gift at presenting God’s Word together with the work of Holy Spirit constantly leave deep impressions on my heart calling me to deeper obedience to God.

    I’ve grown in so many areas of my life, as a woman, as a wife, as a worker in my vocation, and as a mother in my work at home…and I know that God has used this precious church to accomplish in me this growth.

    I’m so proud to be a member of the Village Church. Although we’ve been small, I truly believe that the Lord is pleased with how we’ve served Him, with how we’ve obeyed His Word and how faithful we’ve been with what He’s given us. Thank you for being part of my church family.
31. Enoch Andreades March 30, 2013 at 10:57 pm

    The church has been my whole life for as long as I can remember and I am saddened that it is ending but I realize that this was Gods plan for me my whole life. I realized that no matter what happens I have to trust God because I am not in control.
32. Scott Greider March 30, 2013 at 11:54 pm

    Hearing through the grapevine that many former members/attendees (me included!) are planning to attend closing ceremonies (sorry, I’m in little league baseball mode). Is the 6th floor gonna accommodate?!?!
33. Jane Laymon Hutcheson April 2, 2013 at 12:10 am

    I stepped into the Village Church the second Sunday after I moved to NYC back in 2000 and knew I had found my church home. Over the four years I lived in New York, TVC was a haven for me. Were it not for the support and prayer I received from my sweet sisters and brothers at the church, I think I would have merely “survived” my time as a teacher in the South Bronx rather than receive those years as the gift they were to me in my sanctification. I think I cried nearly every Sunday in worship, so touched by the Holy Spirit and reminded once again of my Savior’s love for me (who felt like a failure most of the time.)

    When I moved to the Caucasus of southern Russia in 2004 to share the good news of Jesus, what I was saddest to leave in NYC was TVC. Even though I’ve been gone for such a long time now, I still feel sadness to think that the church that so ministered to me in those four years of my journey is coming to an end, but feel so blessed to have gotten to be a part of it for a brief moment in its history.
34. Donna Hoss April 2, 2013 at 7:25 pm

    I was sad to hear the news about Village Church. It has been a blessing to so many. You guys have been wonderful with our family and I will miss your wonderful sermons. I especially enjoyed the “Acts” series-really helped me to picture the early church and note many details I hadn’t seen before (like Saul/Paul!!!). I hope that you stay involved in preaching and ministry in same way, shape or form!!
    I will certainly keep you and the family in prayer. I hope you do realize what a blessing you and your family have been to so many-including us! Sure God will “reward openly”!
    I hope that we can stay in touch, as I consider you guys great friends! Thanks so much for all!
35. Natalie Bush April 3, 2013 at 9:08 am

    Scott, I understand that most people have told Sam of their plans to attend Sunday’s service. We’re expecting 75-100 people in our 6th floor gym. So glad you’ll be able to make it!
36. Jordan Rodriguez April 4, 2013 at 9:58 am

    The Village Church has blessed my life as a law student in New York City. I still remember the first service I attended in January 2011. Sam preached out of Leviticus, explaining how the Israelites’ burnt offerings foreshadowed Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Like those sacrifices, the Village Church’s worship has been a “sweet aroma pleasing to the LORD.” From that first sermon on, I could tell that Sam is truly a man after God’s own heart. He preaches Christ crucified from every page of the scripture. His passion for the word of God, combined with his sophisticated hermeneutical and cultural perspective, have enriched my own knowledge of the Bible. I will miss his teaching and his personal mentorship. I am grateful for the archive of sermons still online that I can draw from for the rest of my life.

    I’ve struggled to understand why God has allowed the Village Church to end, but I trust that all things will work together for good according to his great mercy and justice. I pray for Sam and his family as they start a new chapter in their lives. They have truly blessed my life.
37. Julie Voshell April 5, 2013 at 6:21 pm

    My memories of the Village Church warm my heart and bring tears. I became a Christian and started going there and never left. Okay…for a few years on tour I will miss it and know it can never really be replaced. God has new things in store which also warms my heart. The pastors have been amazing and Sam’s sermons are truly life-changing. I am sad to see it come to a close, but I know God’s plan is greater than anything we can imagine. Thank you to everyone that has been involved.
38. Christine Back April 5, 2013 at 10:46 pm

    TVC is a place that the Lord lovingly designated for His misfits and wanderers. When I passed through those church doors, knowing it would only be for a brief season, I had no way of knowing how richly I’d be blessed by that time. In no particular order: tambourines and guitars, accordions and harmonious singing of the Sanctus, references to Mad Men in one particular call to worship (to discuss the problem of duplicity), many other thought-provoking calls to worship, extended passings of peace, extraordinary and enduring friendships, Maundy Thursday footwashing at a ballet studio, incisive and rigorous teaching, Wed morning prayer, musicians and artists, Sam’s own translation from French to English of O Holy Night, many many seeds being planted, and the softening of soil for seeds to be planted by others too. A secret and fruitful garden by the Master Gardener.
39. Kelsey Carter April 6, 2013 at 4:11 pm

    I am very grateful that God brought me to the Village Church, if only for its last eight months. Every Sunday, I find my soul quieted from worry and inspired in faith through the teaching, worship, and earnest lives of faith exhibited within the congregation. It has been a joy to walk a short while alongside this family, and to witness your love for one another and obedience to God. A particular thank you to the Andreades family, from whom the beauty of the Holy Spirit emanates in an extraordinary way.

    Thank you for welcoming me.
40. Sean Hoss April 6, 2013 at 6:52 pm

    When I came to Village Church almost six years ago, I was going through a time of spiritual darkness. I did not feel the Lord’s presence and felt a sense of condemnation. But through this church (the first church I attended regularly in my adult life), I received a community of genuine, struggling Christians, and Sam’s amazing, gospel-centered sermons, and I learned a lot about God’s grace to me, and how to live a Christian life filled with mercy, forgiveness and grace, rather than law. I am thankful for all the people I have met along the way. You have helped me to see that real Christians do struggle with sin and doubt, and yet God upholds us by his grace. If I have learned anything, it’s that God is telling a wonderful story with all our lives, a story of sin, grace and redemption that draws us into the God-man, Jesus Christ, and his life, death and resurrection for us.

    Thank you, Sam for all you have taught me. Thank you, Andreades family, for showing me the dynamics of a loving Christian family, and thank you to all of the members of TVC, for being either a direct or indirect blessing to my life. God bless you all, and may he shower his grace upon you, through Jesus Christ our Lord!
41. Thadddaeus Andreades April 6, 2013 at 7:13 pm

    The end of one chapter and the beginning of another…
    It’s very hard to sum up TVC, or what it has meant to me. But I am very thankful to have been part of God’s plan.
    He has a wonderful way of keeping us on our toes.
    I really see Gods reflection in this Church and the people I have met here.
    I am sure they will be a blessing where ever they go!
42. Renee Browne April 6, 2013 at 9:42 pm

    I am not sure how to begin to communicate the meaning of The Village Church in my life!

    It is here where I attended church at the beginning of college, experienced healing after September 11th, watched inspired dancers, actors, poets, and performers during offertory, ate pancakes and prayed with women in morning Bible study, sang in the worship band, and met the man who I would someday be married to by Pastor Sam. It is here that I have attended church for the past ten years, built amazing friendships, and learned more deeply about God’s incredible grace and love for us all. This has been my HOME in NYC and has made me who I am today through my experience of the gospel in sermons, worship, and community.

    Praise God for the gift and witness of The Village Church! Thank you Sam, Mary K, and the entire Andreades family for your dedication to this unique church family. TVC family, I love you all so much!
43. George & Meg Brown April 6, 2013 at 9:54 pm

    Meg and I are deeply saddened to hear that TVC is closing its doors and wish that we could be there for the final service on April 7. We were members at TVC for almost our entire time in NYC (2003-2008) and are so thankful to have found a church in New York that was a Bible-based, Gospel-preaching and compassionate body of believers.

    Sam loves Jesus, and it was and is apparent in his words and deeds. And the Andreades family was and is so warm and welcoming, always generously opening up their home to us Villagers. Marika, I recall you saying TVC was like a coral reef, with wonderful and amazing sea life constantly washing onto its surface for a time and then eventually being washed away again, only to be replaced by new, different sea life. TVC was a coral reef indeed, but it many ways, that reef was the Andreades.

    To all our fellow Villagers, we love you all, miss you all, and look forward to seeing you again. And we look forward to someday celebrating with you His victory, in the one eternal Church.
44. Brent Everett Dickinson April 7, 2013 at 12:07 am

    I moved to NYC in 1999 and TVC immediately from day #1 lived up to its already tremendous reputation. There were such a colorful and strange collection of characters that, to a young recent art school graduate with plenty of trepidation and anxiety over such a move to such a city, TVC was more than I had been willing to pray and hope for. TVC has been a many faceted church throughout its many years, but the visual art community that was there from the beginning and had such a presence with representation among all of the strata of the place- from casual attendees all the way to the Session. Even the most ‘arts friendly’ churches might have many actors and musicians, but the depth and breadth of the visual arts community in attendance was really like no other place anywhere!

    God has blessed me tremendously through the many chapters that I experienced of The Village Church (13 years for me in total!). Through the pastors that served us through the ministry of the Word, through the cycle of Elders who served as leaders and models of Christ’s goodness and wisdom, through the Kapellmeisters who impacted my life (ok, one kapellmeister perhaps produced more impact than the rest!), through the Deaconate, I mean Mercy Ministry, leaders (Karen Lacy, Jeremy Tate, Joshua Clayton and others) and all of the many folks past and present who were and still are and always will be The Village Church. Thank you to everyone!
45. Roger and Sharon Chu April 7, 2013 at 12:27 am

    Sharon and I were deeply saddened when we learned of the news. We are very thankful of God for introducing us to TVC. The “small” and “intimate” church setting and culture (along with various backgrounds of congregation members) was a true blessing. Pastor Andreades and Mary Kay (and family) are hospital, accommodating and caring people who deeply cared for the church members (as well as the community). We will pray for the church and members of the body that God’s will be done.

    Roger, Sharon, Samantha, Juliana, and Lydia
46. Megan Graves April 7, 2013 at 12:28 am

    I moved to NYC from Kentucky as a freshman at NYU in 2003. I remember the first week of being on campus and not knowing a single Christian and for the first time in my life feeling small, alone, and truly cut off from any community or encouragement. Through the Lord’s awesome timing, I made it to the Christian community welcome event at the end of that second week and met Renee Stanhope Browne, who invited me to Intervarsity, RUF, and the Village Church. And through that divine appointment, God changed my life. I had grown up a Christian, had played on the worship team at my church, but realized only a few months before I moved to New York that my faith didn’t have legs to stand on and worship had become stale performance. That initial “wilderness time” alone in nyc, short as it was, really broke me. I remember getting tears in my eyes when Renee and Tracy asked if I wanted to say grace in the dining hall before we ate– I was so thankful for fellow Christians. And my first Sunday at TVC, I can still picture the sunlight streaming through the stained glass at the Adventist church and David Sacks leading worship and everyone (everyone!) singing “Here I am to worship.” I lifted my hands and I wept because the worship was real and authentic and that hadn’t been true in my life in so long. TVC was the first church where I took notes during the sermon (I still have many of them saved!) and met a pastor who invited people to “Question Authority.” I was challenged and inspired at TVC. I never got to know many people outside of our college community, and I wish I could have, but TVC was still my church for the two years I lived in New York and I cherish the memory of my time there with all my heart. One of the hardest parts of moving back to Kentucky in 2005 was leaving my faith community, and though it’s been many years now since my last visit and I was not aware of these recent developments, my heart goes out to all of you. I will be praying for the service and praying God’s best for all of you.
47. Sarah walker April 7, 2013 at 8:00 am

    The Village Church has meant so much to me over the last 10 years we have attended. I can remember like yesterday, stepping into a worship service at the SDA church building in 2003. It was full of authentic, passionate people who longed to know Christ and grappled with real life issues in the preaching, home groups and discipleship relationships. During that first trip to visit a friend at the church, we immediately knew we were home. It took a few weeks for us to commit to commuting from the burbs, but I’m so glad we decided to try it. We were drawn closer and into urban living soon after.

    The Village Church has been my family for 10 years. Those friendships, sermons, worship services, and time in fellowship have changed my life and the lives of my husband and children. We have baptized all 3 of our children here and watched them grow. I can tell you things from sermons years and years ago that still come to mind and affect my decisions. The friendships we have been blessed with are numerous and deep.
    I can’t fully express what a grief it is to see God close the doors because I am still processing it. I don’t know what he has for us in the near future, but I know it is good. We will never find another church family like the Village Church, but having known it and lost it is better than having never known it at all.

    Thank you all, dear friends, for how you have loved and taught me to love. Thank you especially to Sam and Marike for steadfast leadership and exemplary lives.
48. Sarah Dickinson April 7, 2013 at 8:15 am

    I just heard about all these lovely comments and had to put in my little share! So great to see all of your names from the many different chapters and years of TVC. George, I love your description of the coral reef! Yes it was like that for sure in this crazy city. And as the years rolled on, I remember telling Sam “TVC is like a trampoline!” as it had become a center for people visiting for a time, long or short, and then God sending them out for other adventures, rested and well-equipped to jump to what was next for them. As as the years continued on further, in my mind I kept hearing “tapestry”, I keep seeing and hearing from dear TVCers now all over the world, spreading their love and service and heart for the Lord all over this earth. And when an old dear member is in need, as when our dear Kappelmeister David Sacks became very ill, we all immediately saw that tapestry wrap itself around him in love, deeds and prayer. What an amazing thing God has done through this special church! We have all been deeply shaped and stretched by the leaders, by our friends and homegroups and by the many different circumstances (all those moves!) that God had us pass through on this TVC journey. Sam and MaryKay, your heart and steadfast love of Jesus, family and the Village Church will be a model for me and my family for the rest of our lives. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice, for your time and talents, for all of your counsel and teaching, I could go on and on and on! And to Karen Lacy, who has been there since day 1 until the final day, the utmost model on earth of selflessness and service and loving of your neighbor, you are a pillar of TVC and will always be synonymous with that place, and the face that I see in my mind whenever I think of a true servant of the Lord.
    I came to TVC reluctantly, only at the persistence of some dude named David Sacks who needed a piano player in his church band. David knew, what I didn’t yet, that I desperately needed a church community. And I had no idea, that at this new place, I would fall deeply in love with Jesus, engage with and love vastly different members of God’s great kingdom, and that I would discover how much I loved playing music in the church, even more than I did in the clubs around town! And then what I never imagined, God loves doing that!, became the music director after David and his family moved on. And, it will always be, my most important and favorite job I ever had! (my heart and thanks go out to all the dear ones that played in the bands over the years!) I was beyond surprised at how my story unfolded there. I left my former self in so many ways. And, I met and married a cute, Christian visual artist (when I was convinced I would never ever marry or have children). Our lives were connected and formed and forever effected by what God did for us at TVC. Now with our two sons, we have learned how to teach and raise them from watching all the families that have come before us. We often and will always tell them of the days of the Village Church, the coral reef, the trampoline, and the tapestry, and the amazing souls that are now spread throughout this earth and the Kingdom. Amen!
49. Marika Andreades April 7, 2013 at 8:26 am

    And so our venue, like CBGB’s, is passing. It was a good run.
    Beloved fellow pilgrims, it has been an honor and a joy to travel with you in worship:
    “Of old thou didst lay the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They will perish, but thou dost endure; they will all wear out like a garment. Thou changest them like raiment, and they pass away; but thou art the same, and thy years have no end. The children of thy servants shall dwell secure; their posterity shall established before thee.”
    The church may pass away, but the Church, and the Word of God, will endure forever.
    Life is short. Art is long. The people of God are eternal.
50. Eric & Susan Wurthmann April 7, 2013 at 9:20 am

    We were regular visitors during the early years of the church, back in the 90′s when Scott Sherman was pastor, and occasionally since then. Some of our friends are/were members. We belong to another church, but we were always blessed to know that the Village Church was there as a community of Christians with a solid and creative gospel witness. We remember the prayer walks through the Village on Saturday mornings, when a few of us would pray at various landmarks in the Village. We will miss the Village Church, and will be praying for God’s continued working in all of your lives. Sam and Mary Kay, thank you for pouring yourselves into the lives of so many.- the Lord knows what He has done through all of you there, and many others see as well and are blessed. Numbers 6:24-26.
51. Namiko Hitotsubashi April 7, 2013 at 9:40 am

    It’s been hard trying to find words for what the church and the people here have meant to me. I grew up in this church and so much of who I have become is due to the people I have known here. TVC was my home, and I had the best of times learning and growing and serving with all of you amazing people. The closest and most enduring friendships of my life were formed here. I have always firmly believed that God was doing great things with our church, and I still believe that, even here at the end of the chapter. But to paraphrase what a great author once said, stories never end, even as people’s parts in them do, and while the tale of the Village Church has drawn to a close, I look forward with joy to the tales that God still has in store for all of us.
52. Ping Lo April 7, 2013 at 8:19 pm

    When I arrived at TVC, I had just moved to NYC from Berkeley, CA in June 2007. It was such an exciting and vunerable time in my life as I tried to plant roots, find work and housing in a new city as an artist/christian. The folks at TVC were so welcoming and I felt so at home and at peace with God’s presence there. I want to say Thank you Sam and Mary Kay for all your kindness, spiritual wisdom and support you extended to me while I was there. You both made such an impact in my spiritual walk and healing in Christ and I am so grateful for that. God bless you all and I will keep praying!!!
53. Benjamin Thomas April 9, 2013 at 3:41 pm

    I worshiped at TVC from the fall of 2005, when I arrived in New York City to pursue my dream of acting, until the spring of 2006, when I gave up my dream of acting and moved home. My story is typical, not only of young “actors” (I could hardly call myself one), but of so many people who come and go in New York in a very short time. But TVC was atypical. On my first morning at worship, Wynn and Michael invited me to lunch with a group of TVCers, and I never bothered visiting another church in the city. I’ve kept up with some friends from those days, and I was happy to be able to catch up with many of them last Sunday. But Karen and Sam and Mary Kay and Sarah, and many others, don’t remember me (many new faces came after me). But people like me remember all of you, and (without any pious cliche) I believe God remembers, too. I didn’t know anybody in New York, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, and I didn’t even know what life on my own was all about. I needed kindness and welcome and a place to feel I belonged, and you all provided these things without requiring anything in return. Thank you, TVC. “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!”
54. Nancy (Edge) Talero April 20, 2013 at 7:34 am

    I have SO many amazing memories of my Christian community at TVC during all of my 8 years in NYC. Through all of its transition, God used the TVC pastors, leaders and friends to speak consistently and meaningfully into my faith journey. I will be FOREVER grateful. I would have loved to be able to come celebrate with you guys on April 7th what God has done and will continue to do, even as the formal gathering, as we know it, disperses. ….But as much of a joy as twin 16 month-olds are(!), they wouldn’t hold up so well with a trip to NYC, nor did we have a feasible short-term child care option here at the moment. So, sadly, we were not be able to make it. It has been years since my husband Mauricio and I have been back to NYC, so please know that we would have otherwise been there in a heartbeat to say hello, remember, thank God and celebrate with you all!
    I prayed for God to really bless this time for you and your family and all the TVC members as He calls you each onward…
55. Ken Walker Post authorApril 21, 2013 at 9:22 pm

    My wife, Sarah, and I first came to the Village Church at the invitation of a friend two weeks before Easter in April 2003 for the baptism of a friend of his. That friend was Darin Pesnell and the friend being baptized was Charlie Spell. We were living in the suburbs of NJ at the time, so the idea of trekking into New York for church on a Sunday sounded like an adventure — and little did we know that we’d spend the next 500 or so Sundays on that same adventure. We came, but we weren’t prepared for was how head-over-heals in love we were going to fall with this church.

    Three things struck me about the Village Church that day. The first, was how completely the church seemed to embody an expression of the faith. This was helped, in no small way, by the worship leading of David Sacks whose passion for The Lord was just so infectious. And then, in the middle of this beautiful service, this tall, bearded, erudite preacher stands up. And I remember his sermon. It was a baptism service, so Pastor Sam was addressing the matter of the order of water and Holy Spirit activity: does it happen inside first, and only then should you get baptized with water? Or do you get the outward, ceremonial sign of baptism first and then Jesus sends the Holy Spirit? This pastor says, “Well on this subject, the Bible kind of says, ‘whatever.’ It’s a very post-modern book, the Bible.”

    Two weeks later, from 40 miles away, we began the drive to Manhattan for worship. Four months later, we moved to Newark, NJ. Sarah took a job in Chelsea. Later I started working in TriBeCa. Ten years later, the Village Church still means so much to us and has brought us so much laughter and so many tears.

    I remember attending home group up on the Upper West Side with the Pesnells and the Tafts. And then leading one — after Scott Greider’s notorious “encouragement” — down in the Village at Bob and Josie’s. Late nights spent on the website. Early Wednesday mornings at prayer group with Karen Lacy, Christine Nakaoka, and Jeaney Yoon, crying out to God for Greenwich Village from our book nook at the Path Cafe. Church Health Team meetings at Whole Foods cafeteria on Bowery. Dangerously Subversive meetings at Hope in Sight. And meeting with the Session, my brothers in Christ, together underbearing the work of the church.

    Our three children were baptized in each of the three buildings TVC occupied since 2003: Dahlia in the SDA church, Joel in PS3, and Violet here a couple weeks ago.

    The memories come in flashes. Sam preaching one time about driving through Death Valley with his family and rolling down the windows so they can experience the intensity of it until they couldn’t bear it any longer and demand he roll up the windows. To which he begrudgingly replies, “Fine. Quench the Holy Spirit.” The Spiritual Gifts retreat where we discussed how, when, like Eric Liddel in Chariots of Fire, when we serve from our giftedness we “feel God’s pleasure.” Chuckling with Karen and sharing our laughter with God as we prayed over steaming cups of coffee and tea. The nervous excitement of the outdoor service at Washington Square Park. Walking with 20 people over to Momma Buddha for lunch after church. Praying with one attendee as he shared with me, in tears, about how he had come back to Christ just a few months prior and found the church where he feels like he could call home.

    Gods fingerprints have been all over this work. And it has been such a privilege to be a part of it and see how He moved and changes lives here and the friendships that we forged along the way. We’ve been so appreciative of the leadership of Sam and Marika Andreades, exhibiting such faith in any adversity, and a steadfast trust in the hand of our heavenly father. They’ve been nothing short of inspiring.

    Because of life in New York City, the Village Church has always been like Heraclitus’ river: you never step in the same Village Church twice. But isn’t this what we might expect?

    “Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them. (Hebrews 11:13-16 MSG)”

    Seeing the faces in that last service reminded me of how many lives this ministry has touched. It was a great mercy the Lord gave to us, a glimpse of eternity.
56. PM April 24, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    So here is my encomium to Sam & to the Village Church :

    What a special church the Village Church NYC was !

    Whatever Jesus & Sam get Sam doing next, we will be so blessed to have the Andreadeses in whatever new endeavors they choose.

    Let us be honoring & lifting up Sam & his family in our thoughts, & in our words, & in our prayers. Let us be serving them.

    Sam’s sermons were some of the best i ever heard. Sam set his church to be a place of healing. Healing is too rare a thing for people.

    A world without Sam & his church is a world with less Jesus, uggh uggh uggh uggh uggh. Sam has intelligent ways & skills that are totally special.

    TVC’s closing is a painful loss for so many of us.

    But Jesus is in charge.

    We love & thank the Andreadeses, also all around them who made TVC such a great glorification of Jesus The Christ, Savior of us & our world. I will carry Sam’s teaching & influence with me in the very best ways, every day.

    Thank you.
57. Nicole Hopkins April 28, 2013 at 8:16 pm

    The only reason it makes sense for The Village Church to close is to send us [especially those of us who were members at the end] out with great explosive force. This is like the violent seed dispersal employed by some tree species. Especially having visited a few churches now since our last service, I see that we were sort of hoarding some of the choicest specimens, and now God wants to scatter us all out into the forest … ironically in this case, the forest is New York City and environs. So, we will find ourselves landing in the strange places in which God wants us to grow: some in urban gardens, others crowded in around street-side plantings, and some of us into cracks in the pavement. But, as surely as we are sent out, we will find ourselves in fertile notches, niches, and nooks that are otherwise barren, or which need shade, or which will offer nutrients to our roots that hitherto have not been supplied.

    I am very sad writing this, so perhaps my tears will serve to water tender roots. And broken soil of the heart yields some of God’s most plentiful harvest. May choice fruits be shared abroad.
58. Ryan Breaux May 2, 2013 at 8:49 am

    Amen Sister Nicole! That was really cool. Thank you for writing that.

    I wrote this post a week or so ago, but I am just now putting it up:

    The Village Church was the church I attended from 2006 – 2012.

    I thought back to the beginning of my time there…I remembered the sanctuary of the Seventh Day Adventist church, the colors beige, red, brown and a kind of light purplish hue, the carpeted steps that I had to walk up to get there, the sound of creaky wood. I remembered the warm greetings I received from many members during the passing of the peace. Peter’s smile and colorful outfits. Karen’s joyful bobbing up and down. Sam’s cadence. I also remembered myself, so much younger and so happy to be in this new and interesting place called New York. And, on a day not unlike today, sitting in a Washington Square Park that was full of sun and spring, I remembered writing down in my journal: “I never want to leave this place.”

    But, as some of you know, I did end up having to leave that place. And, as I write this, I think about how “this place” has now become “that place” and the person I was is not the same person I have become, and how many things I experienced and identified myself while in New York have now all slid into the past tense.

    But for me, I also think that it’s beginning to be OK. Because it is reminding me that it’s not the changing things that I need to hold on to, but to Him that stays the same.

    So today, though both sunny and springtime, is not the same day I wrote about in my journal those six years ago. Today is a new day, a different day. Today is a glorious day! Today is the day our Lord hath made. Today, I will try to hold on more loosely to the things that change, and more tightly to the things that do not.

    Dear Village Church, may we all put our hope in the one, true, eternal God, whose Word does not, cannot, and will not change or pass away. Ever.

    God Bless,

    Ryan
59. Scot Sherman May 8, 2013 at 12:44 am

    Dear Friends,

    Reading these comments is bitter-sweet. I’m so sorry it has come to this.

    Despite my inner turmoil and disappointment, I can truthfully say that ABOVE ALL I am grateful to have been a part of TVC. I’m grateful to Tim Keller for challenging me with the IDEA, and for the team of ministry marines who stepped up and served so sacrificially in those first years of planting. It’s been good to see God’s faithfulness as each chapter of the story of the TVC has unfolded. We planted, others watered, God gave the increase.

    One of the many beautiful things about life in God’s kingdom is that nothing gets wasted, nothing forgotten. What God has done in and through TVC matters forever. Lesslie Newbigin, reflecting on 2 Tim. 1:12, says : “Every faithful act of service, every honest labor to make the world a better place, which seemed to have been forever lost and forgotten in the rubble of history, will be seen on that day to have contributed to the perfect fellowship of God’s Kingdom.” The rubble of history is not the last word, friends.

    When confronted with sad mysteries, I take comfort that, as Fr. Richard Rohr says, “everything belongs ….Faith does not need to push the river precisely because it is able to trust that there is a river. The river is flowing; we are in it. The river is God’s providential love – so do not be afraid…Everything belongs; God uses everything. There are no dead ends. There is no wasted energy. Everything is recycled.”

    I’m grateful for all of the TVC that was and is good. And I’m just as grateful for the grace that covers all the sin and nincompoopery that made it less than it could have been! I ask you— despite my many mistakes, and those that followed— did God not do a wonderful thing in Greenwich Village?

    Scot Sherman
60. rapseEraply May 13, 2013 at 6:11 am

    Drupal