Early in 2006, two dreamers (Glenn Estess, Jr., and Jody Martin) began the "what if" conversations of imagining a space dedicated to Brookwood Youth. They then enlitsted the support of Shellyn Poole (then Youth Minister at Brookwood) and the Youth Advisory Team. After many long opinion-seeking inquiries and as many feasability discussions, plans were drawn by Lawrence Corley to present to the church for consideration and consequent approval. In June 2006, a demolition permit was obtained and work began in earnest on what is now known with famliarity and affection as THE SOC (Student Outreach Center).
The SOC is designed as a multi-functional space. Even before construction was completed, the youth were using the space for Sunday School and Wednesday night Priority time. Week by week, the SOC becomes more user-friendly as workmen check-off the list of finishing touches as completed.
The space, decorated by Elizabeth Wilson, has a retro feel with chrome fixtures, an exposed ceiling, and outrageous garage doors which open from two classrooms to expand the gathering space. There's a corner with comfortable seating and a pool table. A state-of-the-art media center dreamed, researched, and selected by Nathan Parker (Youth Ministry Assistant) is the heartbeat of the SOC, with visual and audio capabilities targeted to our 21st-century teens. The SOC also boasts a kitchenette, cafe tables and stools, and access to a beautiful new outdoor courtyard.
The SOC has become a reality through the determination of the visionaries who were the catalysts for the project, Glenn Estess, Jr., and Jody Martin. Each with his own area of expertise, these men found ways to finance the project and to oversee the subcontractors on each phase. Shellyn Poole, former Interim Youth Minister, worked daily as "middle woman" to coordinate and oversee on-site issues. As the voice of Brookwood Youth Ministry, she kept the church up-to-date on the SOC progress. The Youth Council was involved in much of the decision-making, i.e., choosing the carpet, seating, and other equipment. Many church members have given generous financial gifts, as well as donations of furniture, recreational equipment, and physical labor. All combined, The SOC is a churchwide gift to the youth of BBC.
It is our sincere hope that this space will lend itself to many church group activities. At present, the SOC is used for a weekly "Mothers Prayer Group," a weekly BIBLE STUDY for the ECC Teachers, and as a convenient meeting space for other groups, both church and civic.
Early in 2006, two dreamers (Glenn Estess, Jr., and Jody Martin) began the "what if" conversations of imagining a space dedicated to Brookwood Youth. They then enlitsted the support of Shellyn Poole (then Youth Minister at Brookwood) and the Youth Advisory Team. After many long opinion-seeking inquiries and as many feasability discussions, plans were drawn by Lawrence Corley to present to the church for consideration and consequent approval. In June 2006, a demolition permit was obtained and work began in earnest on what is now known with famliarity and affection as THE SOC (Student Outreach Center).
The SOC has become a reality through the determination of the visionaries who were the catalysts for the project, Glenn Estess, Jr., and Jody Martin. Each with his own area of expertise, these men found ways to finance the project and to oversee the subcontractors on each phase. Shellyn Poole, former Interim Youth Minister, worked daily as "middle woman" to coordinate and oversee on-site issues. As the voice of Brookwood Youth Ministry, she kept the church up-to-date on the SOC progress. The Youth Council was involved in much of the decision-making, i.e., choosing the carpet, seating, and other equipment. Many church members have given generous financial gifts, as well as donations of furniture, recreational equipment, and physical labor. All combined, The SOC is a churchwide gift to the youth of BBC.
