Views of Vitality — Freeport Church of the Brethren
The Church Revitalization and
Development Team believes congregations comprising the IL/WI District
are alive and sharing vital ministries in their respective contexts.
Each newsletter will feature the vitality of a congregation, providing
evidence that faithful followers are continuing the work of
Jesus...peacefully...simply...together
The Freeport Church of the Brethren Facebook page
states that they are “a church for all generations.”
Included on the Facebook page is their statement
of faith which reads, “Our denominational faith
statement is ‘Continuing the work of Jesus;
Peacefully, Simply, Together.’ By practicing ‘What
Would Jesus Do?’ we work to serve humanity.”
Clearly the Freeport congregation has a heart for
people, in the community they serve and beyond.
The Freeport congregation puts their faith into action. Every second Saturday of the month, the congregation provides a dinner for the community. No fee is charged and the meal is open to anyone who wishes to attend, although the emphasis is on serving families in need. From 25 to 100 people are served at each of these events.
This summer, the congregation observed Be the Church Sunday. Sunday school classes were dismissed on a particular Sunday and participants in the event went into the community passing out water, bread, and cookies. Not only did this activity increase congregational visibility, the community received a taste of the missional emphasis of the congregation.
On an ongoing basis, the Freeport congregation participates in the Meals-on-Wheels program. The congregation also supports the Freeport Area Church Cooperative (food pantry and clothing store) with volunteers and by collecting items for the pantry monthly. A “Pennies from Heaven” collection is taken monthly as well and given to the Freeport Area Church Cooperative and the Salvation Army. In the fall of the year, the congregation participates in Operation Christmas Child, filling shoe boxes with various items to be sent to children in underprivileged areas.
Mission is definitely important to the Freeport congregation. In order to be the best they can be in witnessing to their community, they understand the need to be spiritually mature. Therefore, the congregation became involved in the Vital Ministry Journey process, a 60-day emphasis of prayer and scripture study. During this time, participants met in small groups, responded to leading questions, studied specified passages of scripture, and spent time in focused prayer. Those participating found renewal and encouragement through the process and have decided to continue meeting in groups for ongoing spiritual nourishment and growth.
Lisa Fike provides pastoral leadership for the congregation. Her creativity combined with the support of members is ensuring the viability and vitality of the Freeport congregation. Those who are part of this body of servants are intentional about their work to serve all—peacefully, simply, together.
The Freeport congregation puts their faith into action. Every second Saturday of the month, the congregation provides a dinner for the community. No fee is charged and the meal is open to anyone who wishes to attend, although the emphasis is on serving families in need. From 25 to 100 people are served at each of these events.
This summer, the congregation observed Be the Church Sunday. Sunday school classes were dismissed on a particular Sunday and participants in the event went into the community passing out water, bread, and cookies. Not only did this activity increase congregational visibility, the community received a taste of the missional emphasis of the congregation.
On an ongoing basis, the Freeport congregation participates in the Meals-on-Wheels program. The congregation also supports the Freeport Area Church Cooperative (food pantry and clothing store) with volunteers and by collecting items for the pantry monthly. A “Pennies from Heaven” collection is taken monthly as well and given to the Freeport Area Church Cooperative and the Salvation Army. In the fall of the year, the congregation participates in Operation Christmas Child, filling shoe boxes with various items to be sent to children in underprivileged areas.
Mission is definitely important to the Freeport congregation. In order to be the best they can be in witnessing to their community, they understand the need to be spiritually mature. Therefore, the congregation became involved in the Vital Ministry Journey process, a 60-day emphasis of prayer and scripture study. During this time, participants met in small groups, responded to leading questions, studied specified passages of scripture, and spent time in focused prayer. Those participating found renewal and encouragement through the process and have decided to continue meeting in groups for ongoing spiritual nourishment and growth.
Lisa Fike provides pastoral leadership for the congregation. Her creativity combined with the support of members is ensuring the viability and vitality of the Freeport congregation. Those who are part of this body of servants are intentional about their work to serve all—peacefully, simply, together.
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