BCM/D churches are using a variety of methods to meet people around them and share Jesus. They’re hosting Christian concerts, giving away cookies, and providing lunch and Bible studies, and more.
“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21 NIV).
West End Baptist Chapel, Hagerstown, settled this week on the purchase of the former Winder Street School Elementary, and they’re ecstatic.
West End Baptist Chapel bought an older elementary school and will be remodeling it over the next six months. (Photos: Artist’s rendition of school with renovations).
Pastor Shane Wilt said the school is just three blocks from their current location. “We always felt our desire was to minister to the west end of Hagerstown, so its still in that area and that allows us to maintain our mission, and our purpose statement to reach that community,” he said.
Pastor Shane Wilt (left), and deacons Rick Boswell (standing) and Bill Elgin, went to settlement on their new property.
The school is older and has been empty for two years. It will need a lot of renovations. Accordingly, Wilt said the church is seeking mission teams interested in lending a helping hand. They’re hoping to open the new property for church services early next year.
For information, email westend1232@yahoo.com.
As an outreach, Seaside Church, Lewes, Del., provides homemade cookies to the emergency medical service workers at Dover Downs during NASCAR weekend Oct. 5 to 7. The church needs the cookie donations by Oct. 3. They could also use a helping hand packing the cookies. For more information, call (302) 542-9783.
The Village Church has lunch and a Bible study for middle schoolers every other week following Sunday services.
The Church at Severn Run will host singer/songwriter Ryan Stevenson and guest music artist Austin French at 6 pm on Sept. 16. Ryan is best known for his radio single, “Eye of the Storm.”
Church of the Harbor (COTH), who merged with First Baptist Church of Essex in June, had their first official community gathering at their new Essex location, 911 Mace Avenue, on Sept. 2 with 170 people.
Church of the Harbor’s first official gathering at their Essex location drew 170 people, with nearly 100 visitors.
Pastor Jeff Belcher said about 80 of those at the service were from the COTH Dundalk campus, about 20 former Essex members and the rest were visitors from the community. They had over 50 children. With a 200-seat capacity, the church was just about packed out.
Many of the visitors responded to invitations from a recent block party where members gave away free hot dogs, hamburgers, and school supplies. They also had games and a hip-hop artist.
Belcher said the church has been busy working on renovations and maximizing space, especially in the children’s areas.