| Mary Hardbarger

mary.hardbarger@roanoke.com, 381-1679

Construction is more than halfway complete on a new building on Peppers Ferry Road in Christiansburg that will soon house the congregation of Main Street Baptist Church.

The congregation could move from its present location on West Main Street as soon as Nov. 1, said Tim Hight, senior pastor. But when the church's growing Upward Basketball program will move is "still up in the air," he said.

Part of the problem is the church is still raising $26,000 to buy six basketball goals. That cost wasn't included in the building budget.

Construction on the $4.5 million building began in October. When complete, the building will serve as a worship place, classroom space and a gymnasium.

The gym, Hight said, will be a welcome addition. The church's current building doesn't have one, and Upward Basketball has used schools and other facilities with gyms for practice and games.

Upward Basketball is a national evangelical sports ministry.

Hight said he hopes that Main Street Baptist's teams will be able to play at least one game in the new building this season, which begins with sign-up in September followed by games from January to March.

About 650 players are involved in the basketball program, which is for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Players from 17 localities, 32 schools and 120 churches participate in the program, which was started at Main Street Baptist in 2002.

"It's definitely not a 'my church against your church' kind of program," said Bill Veith, director of Main Street Baptist's program.

"It's a movement that involves a lot of different capacities."

The program is open to players of all skills levels and focuses more on sportsmanship than competitiveness, said Dave Widgeon, children's minister and an Upward coach.

Players are evaluated when they enter the program to make sure teams are equally talented. According to Widgeon, every player gets equal playing time, and no one is left out. Throughout the season, players receive stars recognizing their achievements in five categories including "Best Effort" and "Most Christ-Like."

Halfway through practices, teams and coaches take a time out for devotion. Players that learn the Scripture discussed also receive a star.

"The main goal of this program is to experience the love of Christ," Widgeon said.

Fundraising for the basketball goals, which cost $4,500 each, is ongoing. The church has already raised about $3,000, Veith said.

Through a partnership with Kroger, shoppers can use their KrogerCare Cards to contribute to the ongoing gym fundraising effort. When designated to the program, 5 percent of customers cash will go toward the purchase of new goals. The program has also received funds from Upward's national headquarters, as well as outside donations. People interested in making donations should contact Widgeon or Veith at the church at 382-2160.

Until enough money is raised, Widgeon and the rest of the Main Street Baptist Church are turning to the community for support, he said.

"We're so thankful for the community coming together," he said.

"God's provided for us wherever we go."

The congregation plans to add additional buildings on the Peppers Ferry Road property in the future, leaving the new building as a standalone gym.