New Church

There’s a new church in town. Well, actually, it’s not a new church and it’s not in town. But, there’s a new church in Jasper County. Well, sort of.

Many of you know I attend church in Newton County. My daughters led me there after they went a time or two while staying with their father. That was many years ago—like about 15. It was named Midway Baptist Church when it was founded in 1960, and when we began attending.

Later, the church’s name was changed to Living Waters Baptist Church. Along the way the church has had its ups and downs. It has been booming at times—which for this little church would be about 100 in a Sunday service, and it has struggled at times, like lately with only a dozen or so attending frequently.

The make-up of the area changed, and we realized we weren’t reaching the residents. We talked of moving. Seven years ago we began thinking of a move to Jasper County. Some of the members are from here, and north Jasper and south Newton aren’t far apart.

Last year, we sold our building to a predominately black church. The preacher is terrific, and they already have two services on Sunday morning. Meanwhile, we have been meeting in the fellowship hall.

While looking to move to Jasper County, my pastor, Joe Brock, connected with the pastor at Rocksprings Missionary Baptist Church on County Line Road. The pastor, and the church, opened their doors to us. We began meeting there last Sunday. They still meet there, too. We meet at 5 p.m. on Sunday. They have a Sunday morning service.

Rocksprings is a predominantly black church. We are a predominately white church. I say predominately because we certainly don’t care what your skin color is. It’s just we have a white pastor, and have generally attracted more whites through the years.

We are a casual church, and everyone is welcome. That is why I’m writing this. We want to grow in Jasper County. We don’t plan to share space forever, probably about a year. Come join us.

In our first service Sunday, the pastor referred to us as “the new church on the corner,” and made some other references. Our name may change again. So, I don’t know what the name of the church is yet, but I know the heart of the church.

Although Joe Brock will remain senior pastor, his son will be doing most of the preaching duties. We have a group of younger people who will provide music. The services will be geared to attract those much younger than me…children and their parents. But grandparents are also welcome.

I joined this church all those years ago because it embodied the spirit I like in a church. We worship the Lord. We don’t care what you wear, where you live, who your people are. Some people dress up, some wear shorts. It doesn’t matter. We are there to worship the Lord. Some are rich, most are financially challenged.

We’d love for you to come visit with us. If it’s a good fit, perhaps you’ll stay. Everyone is welcome. As the song goes, “red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

Jesus loves us all, and if you want to have fellowship with other believers and learn a little more about the Bible, come on out. We begin a study of David next Sunday.