Written By: Rev. Jamie Hunt
Planting a new church is a mammoth undertaking and can be overwhelming. However, it starts with a vision and a sense of God’s call to do it. Reformation Presbyterian Church had that vision years ago. In time and with suitable personnel, the time seemed right to move forward. This fall, an intensive prayer effort was undertaken.
Zack Keuthan was the associate pastor at Reformation, and spent an explorer year planning the church plant. He assembled a group which has now become the core group for Fletcher Presbyterian Church. In November, First Presbytery approved this proposed work and Zack to be the pastor. The enthusiasm has been building since.
On January 19, Fletcher Presbyterian Church held its first public worship at the Fletcher Town Hall. To the praise of His glory and grace, God drew 65 individuals to worship. The core family units were carefully prepared to invite guests, some of which were prospective new members. The core group was carefully assigned duties, from the oldest to the youngest. All the pieces came together wonderfully. While the core group may be as many as 40 people, it seems that about every family had invited guests and many came. The room was full.
Zack preached an appropriate message emphasizing the missional purpose of the church plant to declare the gospel by Word and sacraments. Interestingly, the first worship did that declaration as a mother and infant daughter were baptized and communion was served. The service tasted of the sublime sweetness of the character of Jesus. We are persuaded that the Holy Spirit was present and moving among us. Public worship is planned the second Sunday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the Town Hall Community Room (check fletcherpres.org). You are invited to come to worship and to encourage this fledgling church plant!
