When we remodeled the Sanctuary, it became apparent the the old rendering of Jesus that had graced our walls was just not appropriate. So a new painting was planned; one that gave Jesus more "jewishness" in keeping with who He was: a Jewish Rabbi, who was also the Son of God.

He is pictured here wearing a tallit, or prayer shawl, which is traditional, and which Jesus probably wore, although it may not have had the colorful striping.

BEFORE WE GOT OUR BAPTISTERY ...

Pastor David Bridges stands by and watches as son-in-law Rickey Worthington is baptized in a horse trough by Evangelist Richard Young.

We used to set the horse trough up in our fellowship hall for baptisms. (Hey, it worked!) February 6, 2005

SANCTUARY REMODEL

(Below left) Heath Gregory had a trench cut through the parking lot to run electrical wire to the new church signs so that we can have lights on them at night.

(Below right) We are moving forward with plans to put in a new sheet-rocked ceiling in our Sanctuary. Volunteers Colleen Young and Shannon Means took out the old tiles while Pastor David removed the lights and metal track.                                                      February 6, 2009

The Remodeled Sanctuary

March 22, 2009

This is a snapshot of our new look ... Of course, there are still a lot of details left to be done in this picture: window treatments, paintings, banners, etc.

(Left) One of the 2 restrooms in the Sanctuary. For this one, we not only replaced the carpet with vinyl laminate flooring, we also put in a new highboy toilet for the handicapped.

(Right) A snapshot of the sound booth, shows the unique corner detail, which is hiding all the wiring. We will install a computer with Power Point soon and be able to do away with the overhead projector during our Praise & Worship.

OUR BAPTISTERY PAINTING

"...the Spirit of God descending like a dove ..."  Matthew 3:16

Original acrylic painting on stretched canvas, by Paige Bridges, Pastors' wife

Four feet by Eight feet

Meet some of the STONES

(L to R) Katherine and Heath Gregory, Charlie Jones, Christy and Michael Ferguson, Debbie Shaffer, Jeff Blanco, Rickey Worthington and Janice Hefley all carry their own STONES to be set at the memorial site.

What about the STONES?

Pastor David preached a sermon one Sunday about the crossing of the Jordan and how Joshua had ordered that each of the tribes of the children of Israel select a stone to be set as a memorial in the midst of the river. That memorial is still there and it represents a commitment to stand ... Pastor went on to say that he was looking for some who would "stand" with him in service to the Lord here at FOCC. Suddenly, hands shot up everywhere! Many said they wanted to be those "stones" and stand with the pastor to fulfill the call.

Later we had a vision to actually select stones - have their names engraved on them - and place them in a prominent spot on the church grounds. These are now set as a memorial of those who are committed to work with the Pastor and be a permanent part of the work that the Lord has called Followers of Christ Church to fulfill. There are plans to create a water fountain with the STONES all around.