On January 25, 2009, a group of twelve people met at a private home in Pinnacle North Carolina.  The purpose was to determine if we should step out on our own and start a new work in the area.  This was brought about by some unfortunate events where we were attending.  However, the Lord is good and He is in control...so we will move ahead day by day until we reach our final destination.

 

After a service, we shared a meal together and discussed our possibilities.  It was generally decided we would like to stay together if possible.  We all found that we each wanted much the same things in a church.  Our main goal or work should be to introduce Christ to as many as would listen to our message.  The main work of the church then, should be evangelism.  That included missions, both foreign and local. 

 

We decided we would meet every Monday night at one of our homes for a season of prayer and fellowship.  And, we would meet at someone's house on Wednesday for Bible Study and more prayer.  And we would meet on Sunday mornings for a service to include prayer, singing of hymns, and a message from the Word.

 

By the time we had met through the middle of February, we had decided that the Lord was moving us toward a new work, so we invited Rev. Jim Pollard, the associational missionary of the Pilot Mountain Baptist Association to meet with us on Sunday afternoon, on February 22, 2009, which he agreed to do.

 

Brother Jim shared with us what the Southern Baptist association was about, some of how things worked, and the NC state association as well.  He gave us some literature and shared many helpful tips for us to consider.  We were refreshed by his genuine concern about our future and willingness to help in any way he could.

 

We thanked him and asked if he would keep us in mind if he found out about any buildings for rent.  Of course, with a group so small, the expense was of paramount concern.  However we also knew that if the Lord was pointing us in a particular direction, He would provide what was needed and as it was needed.  So we began to search more diligently for such a place.

 

We continued to meet for prayer, bible study and Sunday morning services together.  After each Sunday service we would share a meal and discuss the events of the past week.  We found some buildings, but most for sale and outside our financial ability.  We did find one for rent but the location was not where we felt that we should locate, plus it was still too much money for our small group.  So we continued to meet in the homes and decided that we would continue this way until the Lord brought about something different.

 

On Friday, March 13th, we found out about a possible place to rent.  However, it was at a restaurant that was only open on Friday and Saturday nights and had live music.  So, we were not too excited about that, but Pastor did call and talk to the man and make an appointment for Saturday the 14th for us to go look it over. 

 

We went and he showed us the back room that he had.  It was ok and would give us some room to grow.  Then he suggested we could actually use his dinning room part which also had bathrooms, and he said that might be even better for he would not have to use both his heat/cooling systems on the building.  We decided that was fine with us.  Also, all twelve of our folks showed up to look at it...and after we talked to the man, we were all kind of excited about the possibilities.  We were to talk it over, pray about it on Sunday, and let him know what we decided.

 

So, Sunday the 15th after lunch we got together and came up with a proposal for the man.  Pastor called him about 2:30 PM or so and found him to very interested in us as he had wanted a church in his building on Sundays especially for some time and had been praying about it.  Pastor told him of our proposal and he accepted it.  We would begin to meet there on April 5th, have Wednesday night services, and Sunday mornings to start.  Then we will regroup after 3 months and see where we think we need to go from there.

 

So it seems to us that the Lord has made a great provision for us and we are excited about working together with him to see our church grow and also his business as we try some things to see how they might work out.  We believe that his business will prosper proportionately as he is inclined to help our church grow.  Much prayer is still needed as we desire to bathe all we do in prayer before the Lord.  We know He has a plan, but we want to make sure we are in the middle of His will and not off on a "rabbit-trail" so to speak.

 

 

 

UPDATE:  May 7, 2009

 

 

    We have thus far met each Sunday and Wednesday of April at the facility of Turner's Opry House, and are satisfied this is where we need to be for now.  We found there is a "theater" in the lower level of the building that was once used for the Friday and Saturday night bands that came to the Pollirosa Restaurant.  There are theater seats as well as a stage...complete with piano.

 

    We have begun to gather on Fridays and Saturdays to clean and do repairs to this part of the building so we can use it.  We have added stage risers for our choir, and pulpit area, cleaned the seats, installed new windows, and generally cleaned the entire area.

 

    The "theater" will seat near 200 folks...and we are looking forward to "moving in" to that area in the near future.  We appreciate your prayers for us and we launch out upon uncharted waters. 

 

Check out the photo page for a few pictures of "work days" and such as we did some repairs and cleaning...then keep checking on us for new information.

 

 

More updates:

 

    A lot of cleaning has been accomplished thus far.  We have had time to analyze our situation, and the building and begin to put together our "to do" list...wow...it is kind of long, but the Lord is good and we are ready to get to the work.

 

One of our members built a combination unit of "steps and altar" for both sides of the stage area, and another member installed the padding and carpet on them.  One of his family members, who is in the carpet installation business, gave us the carpet, padding and loaned us the tools to complete the job.  Is the Lord good, or what?

 

Upcoming now is the painting of the walls, which are very high.   We have most of the paint already, and the plan is to get started right away with the laborious part...the actual painting itself.  Still a lot of work to be done...but we are just glad to have a place to call "home".

 

We still have some walls to build and paint (more painting!!!) for our nursery and children's church area. 

 

Say, friend...if you don't have a "church home" right now, why don't you consider coming our way this Sunday?  If you are looking for a place where you can "labor for the Lord" and feel a genuine bond with others...I think you will be glad you ventured out to give us a "test run".

 

If you would like to contribute some time for kids...or perhaps sing in the choir...or play an instrument...or teach...or just need a place to "belong"...won't you give us a try?

 

I really do have to say, though, that Open Door Church is not for everyone.  You may not fit in with our group.  You may be the square peg trying to go into a round hole.  I would hope not, but we do realize that not everyone fits here.  We are a church made up mostly of folks that are unique...no pretenses...what-you-see-is-what-you-get.  We are real people who are interested in each other.  You should only come if this is the kind of church you are looking for...a church where you "participate"...but you cannot be a "spectator" in this place!  Will we see you Sunday??

 

 

 

 

 

June 7, 2009

 

    Today we had a fund raiser meal for our building needs.  It was a Bar-Bar-Q Chicken with the "trimmings".  The meal was cooked by our landlord, Mark Turner and he did an excellent job.  We had lots of comments on how good the chicken was.  There were about 100 or more people present for the meal and the gospel singing.  "Servants for Thee" was the name of the group singing for us.  They were really a good group and the people enjoyed them very much.  We plan to have them back at a later time.  The group also ministered to us in our morning service before the meal.  We give praise to the Lord for His goodness and kindness to us.

 

    If you purchased a ticket and attended our fund raiser meal, we want to say a special "Thank You" for your participation, and helping to make this event a successful one!  We  would be very excited also if you would consider becoming a "regular part" of our family here as we strive to serve the Lord.

 

    It has been several weeks of cleaning and fixing up.  We have painted the walls, did an awful lot of cleaning, put up new blinds on the windows, installed one new window, put up ply-board and celotex to close off a place for our children's church, installed speakers for our sound system, took up and moved some of the theater seats...and did more cleaning...seems everywhere we look there is something to fix or something to clean...did I say cleaning?  Yep, did more of that...wow what a lot of work but praise the Lord it is beginning to take shape.

 

    We were able to use the "theater" for our morning service this morning for the first time and the people are really glad to reach yet another milestone.   The group, Servants for Thee, sang several specials for us in the morning service for which we are thankful.  If you are ever in need of a good group to sing at your church or function...email Pastor Jack and he can put you in touch with them.  It is a Mother-Father-Daughter group.  We recommend them highly and our Pastor has known them for some 20 years.

 

    We are looking forward to getting more work done, and are planning to continue to use the "theater" from hence-forth.

 

    Say, neighbor, why don't you come and check us out?  We believe you will be glad you did.

 

In the midst of all the cleaning and fixing up, the Lord has provided for us a new church sign...in fact three church signs.  Here is one out by the highway. Praise His name for His kindness and goodness to us...undeserving as we are!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We officially "constituted" our church as of Sunday July 12, 2009.   We voted to adopt our proposed constitution and elected officers to serve until the end of this year when we will again elect our leaders and officers.  Check out our Events and Happenings page for a list of upcoming adventures!  We hope you will make plans to attend some of our functions as we believe you will enjoy yourself and want to come back!

This event was, of course, a mile stone for us. 

** Another mile stone took place on Sunday night July 19, 2009 and we baptized our first "new believer".  As a result of the Lord working with this gentleman, several in the family have been touched and some are in the process of re-dedication and are now attending our church.  Praise the Lord!!!  He is great.

** Hang on to your hats!!!  The Lord has just brought us through another "mile stone".  Sunday night August 2, 2009 we installed and ordained our first Deacon into that ministry here at Open Door Church.  After the service we enjoyed a fellowship meal together.  How good the Lord has been to us as we advance in our journey for Him.

** We are excited to be able to keep "updating" our information for you.  I realize that the paragraphs are mostly short, and as you read them they may seem to "run together".  However, a span of time has usually elapsed between these "updates", but we are excited to share with you what the Lord is doing for us.  For example, Sunday August 23, 2009 was a real blessing to us as yet another couple was added to our membership!  We praise the Lord for His goodness and kindness to us. 

 

** Hey!  Here is yet something else that has really excited us!  We meet on Monday nights at 7 PM for a time of sharing, prayer and light refreshments.  Our attendance for this important time is usually 7 or 8 people.  In the last couple of weeks (mid-August and forward) that number has increased to 14 and 15!!!  Praise the Lord!!!  Since we believe prayer is a very important ingredient for our meeting times, this is shouting ground for us!!  Won't you rejoice with us?  Better yet...come check us out and see for yourself what is going on!!

 

** Sunday evening, August 30, 2009:  Tonight we enjoyed our "Fifth Sunday Singing" provided by our own church family.  The singing and testimonies were all good...and at the end of the service we had yet another family to come forward for church membership.  Their son presented himself as a candidate for baptism, having received Christ as Savior at a VBS!  We praise the Lord that He is continually adding to our numbers.

 

SPECIAL----SPECIAL----SPECIAL----SPECIAL!!

 

** SPEAKING OF ANOTHER MILE-STONE!!!

    The Lord has given us another building for our church.  This time there is no sharing or schedule conflicts as we have it all to ourselves.  Conveniently located at 6538 University Parkway, just north of the Quality Mart  and before the Library on your way to Rural Hall, NC.  Come on in and check us out.  You will find a group of folks who will welcome you, and be glad you came.

    Much work is going on just now as renovations are in full swing.  Walls are going out and walls are being built.  We are excited about the new building and new field the Lord has given us in which to labor for him.  Member participation is very good and a lot of painting and fixing is going on...Why don't you stop by and we will give you the grand tour.

 

**  As we continued to meet, it was not long until the city-county government came by to let us know that permits would be necessary for us to use the building...Never mind that we were not changing anything outside...mostly paint, carpet and general clean up inside.  The Devil is really busy trying to stop any progress the Lord's church is making.  And he knows to hit in the pocket-book...but I do have some news for our arch enemy...be forewarned!!! our God is bigger than all your slings and arrows and we will come out on top!!!

 

So...we are in the midst of obtaining a site plan...and a detailed floor plan...isn't it wonderful to have a government that cares so much about our "safety" and such?  I am so excited!!!

 

But, anyway, God's work will move on ahead because He will supply all that is needed.  Praise His Name!!!

 

Say, neighbor...why don't you help us pray about it all?   We would appreciate that very much!  Maybe you would even like to help us with a donation toward the building fund...check out our "contact page" for information.  We surely would be thankful for your help (and prayers)...better still, why not come visit with us this Sunday?  You will find a hardy welcome at our place!

 

*** TIME FOR YET ANOTHER STEP AHEAD...ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A REAL "CHURCH" HOME!

 

    After one year of working with the property on University Parkway, we found that the new proposed beltway was gobbling up a big slice of the property.  To make matters worse, a third party had a grip on the property that would not allow us to get a permit.  Needed was new parking lot, and the property was tied up such that we could not do that. 

 

We began to look...actually we had been looking just in case we were not able to meet all the requirements for a permit.  The Lord has been good to us again...this time giving up property that has a real church building, a fellowship hall and a covered picnic shelter.  He has been so good to us.

We went to look at the property, liked it and went ahead and committed for it...We will be moving into it by October 1, 2010.

Again, we invite you to come...experience what the Lord is doing here!!

OUR NEW ADDRESS:

4209 UNION HILL ROAD

EAST BEND, NC 27018

 

MAILING ADDRESS:

 

PO BOX 456

EAST BEND, NC 27018-0456