Our Beginning

Friday, April 25, 2003 was the first time Karen and I spoke to anyone about formally beginning a new church start in Columbus.  That was a pivotal weekend in our lives. We talked with a few other couples about it. One conversation took place around dinner at one couple's home. As was often the case, the evening plans included the couple's parents as dinner guests as well. As we drove to their home west of Columbus, I pointed out a spot I had been focusing on as a possible start, and pointed out the building to my wife.  Following dinner, as the plans were shared regarding the new church start, the parents of the couple became interested in knowing more about it. I told them of the locations I had thought about, especially the spot on the west side of Columbus that I had pointed out to Karen on our drive out. The father replied, "I own that Building." The VERY BUILDING I had pointed out on our drive out was, unknown to me, owned by the couple's parents we were scheduled to have dinner with. Coincidence? I think not. Within 24 hours, I had been offered the building RENT FREE for one year. What an incredible gift!

A Vision Team of five couples was formed and plans began to be laid to launch "Westside Community Church" on September 7, 2003. For eight consecutive Saturdays a number of folks worked very long and hard to get our building ready for the public.  On August 3rd, we began to have "practice" worship services to do a few run-throughs with the sound system, music team, etc.  Along with much prayer and personal invitations, we did an advertising blitz to make the community aware of our launch Sunday.   On Sunday, September 7, 2003, we had our first public worship service with 202 persons in attendance. Since that day, we completed our "Chartering" and received 119 charter members.

Celebrating Our 1st Year

On September 12, 2004, Westside Community Church celebrated its first year anniversary. (The first public worship service was September 7, 2003.)  It was a fabulous day of remembering many of God's abundant blessings to us.  We began the day with a time of celebrative worship which included a 12-minute CD presentation of a video clip and 150+ slide power-point presentation set to music.  We literally re-lived the past year in pictures and vividly recalled our brief, though rich, first-year history.  Following worship, we assembled outside where the 180+ persons in attendance each released a helium-filled balloon with a printed card from WCC attached by ribbon.  What a sight it was to see them ascend together!  In the afternoon, we gathered at Noblitt Park for a softball game and cookout.  It was a beautiful day and we had a blast just playing, visiting and eating together.

More importantly, WCC has been about establishing a church on the west side of Columbus where people can hear the gospel, find a place of acceptance and come to know Jesus Christ in a closer way.  We are all growing in the grace of God as we reach out to those who do not know Him.  we finished the year averaging 131 in worship, with 9 persons accepting Christ and following Him in baptism.  Pray that God will continue to open the doors to an even greater witness for Him.  If you are looking for such a church home, know that there is a place just for you at Westside Community Church.  We hope to see you!