Since our move nearly a year ago, we have known that we would eventually leave Capitol Hill Baptist Church (CHBC) for a church closer to our new home. We put off the decision for as long as was practical...and even when it wasn't practical anymore! We had been so blessed by the preaching, singing, fellowship and friendships there that we hated to leave. But with a 50 minute drive each way and - now - three small children, we couldn't manage it anymore.
We began searching more seriously for a closer church back in February. After visiting five churches - some of them very close to us - we ruled all of them out! And in this process, I must say, we realized what a lack of good, healthy churches there are out there. That's not to say that all five were unhealthy churches...but several definitely were.
In the end, we have joined a church plant in Arlington. Nearly all of the members are former members of CHBC, so we knew a good number of them. But with only about 30 or so adults, we are better able to get to know these individuals now that we're in a smaller group.
It has been a real joy to be part of this body of believers. It's been especially encouraging for Stephen to be part of a men's Bible study that meets every other week. And I'm glad to be able to serve as a pianist once again. The boys are enjoying their new "old" friends (kids they were in class with at CHBC but never got to know really well). Miss Cupcake has some new friends too - a few little girls who seemingly adore her. There are lots of young children in this congregation, and more on the way, too.
If you're interested in checking out the church's website, give it a go at Grace Baptist Church of Arlington. There are even sermons available for online listening.
Lastly, please pray for us. It's often easy to be rather gung-ho at the beginning of a new undertaking and then fade as the newness wears off, but we pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen and build this church and that our enthusiasm and joy will not diminish but grow more and more as we serve Him and reach out to the community around us.
We began searching more seriously for a closer church back in February. After visiting five churches - some of them very close to us - we ruled all of them out! And in this process, I must say, we realized what a lack of good, healthy churches there are out there. That's not to say that all five were unhealthy churches...but several definitely were.
In the end, we have joined a church plant in Arlington. Nearly all of the members are former members of CHBC, so we knew a good number of them. But with only about 30 or so adults, we are better able to get to know these individuals now that we're in a smaller group.
It has been a real joy to be part of this body of believers. It's been especially encouraging for Stephen to be part of a men's Bible study that meets every other week. And I'm glad to be able to serve as a pianist once again. The boys are enjoying their new "old" friends (kids they were in class with at CHBC but never got to know really well). Miss Cupcake has some new friends too - a few little girls who seemingly adore her. There are lots of young children in this congregation, and more on the way, too.
If you're interested in checking out the church's website, give it a go at Grace Baptist Church of Arlington. There are even sermons available for online listening.
Lastly, please pray for us. It's often easy to be rather gung-ho at the beginning of a new undertaking and then fade as the newness wears off, but we pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen and build this church and that our enthusiasm and joy will not diminish but grow more and more as we serve Him and reach out to the community around us.
