Tuesday, February 8, 2011, Day 24

                                                                                       HOW GOD GROWS A CHURCH

Once upon a time….isn’t that how stories all start?  Once upon a time, our friends, Larry and Barb Bernhard told us about a church in Monclova Township that had evening services they had been attending because they were invited by a friend.  So, we decided to try out the Sunday night service at Heritage Church of God.  We were already attending Sunday morning at another church.

After a few weeks, we decided our friend Peggy Stalder might enjoy going with us, so she came and then we invited our family, Greg and Lorrain Keel and “Dad” Bob Bryant.  We did not know that any more would happen other than attending Sunday night services.  But, God had other plans.
Greg Keel decided to come on Wednesday nights to hear Pastor Fry’s lessons on the book of Revelation.  He invited his friend Steve Dick to come with him.
After a couple of years of Sunday and Wednesday (for some) nights, we needed to find a new church home.  So, we came to Heritage.  And yes, we were “Home.”  The next weeks, Peggy Stalder, Greg and Lorraine Keel, and “Dad” Bob Bryant made Heritage their home.  Shortly afterward, other friends followed, Virginia and Becky Totman and Steve and Darlene Dick.  Here’s what has grown from that.

We have both been able to serve God here, (Lynn) as Director of Music Ministries, and Assimilation Ministry and (David) as part of the sound team and praise band.
Greg Keel has taken the role of Director of Adult Ministries and he and Lorraine take care of the communion service each Sunday in the prayer room following the service.  Lorraine currently serves on Council and is active in the music ministry.

Greg and Lorraine’s son, Adam, came and soon met Erin Quigg.  Adam proposed to Erin during the Sunday morning service and they married.  Adam is on the sound team and Erin has been involved with the ushering. They now have a beautiful daughter Aubry who is part of the next generation at Heritage.
Peggy Stalder has been involved with greeting and is the Director of the Benevolence Pantry and Visitation Ministries and “Dad” Bob Bryant has been her assistant in both ministries.

Steve and Darlene have involved themselves in Sunday school, communion and music and soon invited their son and daughter in law, Jason and Emily Dick.  Jason began the men’s Bible studies and continues to do so.  He has recently started preaching on Sunday evenings.  Emily began working in the day care, where she met two beautiful little girls who were in foster care.  She and Jason adopted Rhyan and Jordyn and they are a delight to all who meet them.
Virginia and Becky Totman are the two diligent ladies who handle the Scrip Ministry.  They work hard and do a super job.  Through your purchase of gift cards at the Scrip table, you are helping to raise money to be used in various areas of the church and missions.  Rob, Virginia’s son and Becky’s brother, came to live with them and he helps them as well.  Becky is also very involved in the music ministry.  Until she had to quit for health reasons, Virginia prepared communion every Sunday morning.
All of this because a friend invited us to Heritage and we know there are many more stories likes ours.  Invite a friend to be a part of our family.  There are plenty of ministry opportunities to go around.  This is how God grows a church.

Dave and Lynn Bryant
Dave – Sound Team
Lynn – Music Director