DALLAS, October 3 – As Reunion Church, the downtown Dallas congregation celebrates its 10th anniversary on Sunday, October 7, founding pastor Richard Ellis remains committed to his original vision to eventually move services to Reunion Arena. The church, having grown from 15 charter members in 1997 to more than 400 meeting weekly in the Dallas Convention Center’s Theatre, has welcomed more than 10,000 visitors in ten years.

“It’s fitting that this anniversary occurs during this traditional weekend of the ‘Red River Shootout,’ bringing thousands of visitors to the city,” said Pastor Ellis. “Reunion Arena also is another Dallas tradition that deserves to be the home for a growing, diverse, urban church.”

Under Pastor Ellis’ leadership, the church began by meeting in small venues across downtown Dallas, including North Dallas High School. The church also has a radio ministry on The Word 100.7 weekdays at 12:30 p.m., with Sunday services broadcast on Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

“Since the beginning, Reunion Church has had the goal of ministering to the entire Metroplex from the heart of Dallas, and then eventually move into the well-known arena of its namesake,” said Pastor Ellis. “This church is committed to staying downtown to help facilitate a spiritual renewal that can accompany the commercial and residential renovation of Dallas. Now is an excellent time to open the dialogue that enables Reunion Church to occupy Reunion Arena.” Over the past six years, the church has generated more than $1 million dollars in revenue in the Dallas Convention Center.

“We’ve always believed that Dallas needs churches like Reunion Church that can bring unity to the City by being representative of the diversity of this community,” said Pastor Ellis. “Our congregation includes everyone from ‘bums to billionaires’ meeting together in fellowship, worship and reaching out to meet the needs of our neighbors. With all the discussion swirling around about the outcome of Reunion Arena, we believe downtown Dallas is best served by having a church occupy that traditional Dallas icon.”

Reunion Church officially celebrates its 10th anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the Dallas Convention Center Theatre, located at the corner of Canton and Akard, next to Dallas City Hall.

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