See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. — Isaiah 43:19
Over the past several months, a “new thing” has begun to happen in the Fortville area. God is moving a group of pastors and lay ministers from a cross section of the community to work together to glorify God and to bring blessing to a rapidly growing community.
The results of this movement now has a name and a calling. We call ourselves Christians Unite … For Fortville. The premise is easy to understand. We are better together! We will be far more effective in our service to the community if we will pool our resources for the purpose of meeting the needs of our community.
Pastor Rob Rigsbee of Fortville Christian Church crafted the name. “Most people these days think about churches being against things. We want people to know that the Christians in our community are FOR something. We are FOR FORTVILLE!”
Over the past few months, a local group made up of many from local churches has worked with Gleaners Food Bank and met at The Bridge Church to distribute food to families in need. Some months 130 families were served. Other months that number grew to approximately 170 families. An ongoing relationship with Gleaners is being discussed, and a permanent location for a food pantry is being sought.
As this group began to work together, it was decided that the outreach and help should go beyond just helping with food. Therefore, a meeting was called and a group came together back in July to discuss what the future might look like. At least six local congregations participated. A decision was made to work together on a number of different fronts.
Christians Unite … For Fortville will have its first public service project on Nov. 16 as it will come together and make Thanksgiving boxes, complete with all the traditional fixings, available to the first 200 families who show up. Our desire is to make these meals available to families who have need.
Watch for more details to come in the Daily Reporter regarding the times. We anticipate the distribution will take place at The Bridge Church.
For more details regarding this event, call Theresa Werking at 317-485-5103.
In the months to come, you will see and hear Christians Unite … For Fortville become active in many ways. A Unity Service is planned for early 2020 to bring these congregations together for a time of worship. Our goal is that churches will come together and present Jesus Christ in a wholesome and united way. May God richly bless our efforts going forward.
Should you desire to participate in Christians Unite … For Fortville, you can contact the following local churches that have joined the effort: The Bridge Church, Fortville Christian Church, Fortville United Methodist Church, Fortville Nazarene Church, New Life Christian Fellowship or St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.
Each of these churches are committed to represent Jesus Christ well as we meet the needs of our community!
Mark Adcock is pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship in Fortville. This weekly column is written by local clergy members. Send comments to [email protected].
