For Bridgetown Baptist Church, its 223rd year of ministry has been one for the books – to say the least. When the congregation’s historic building was lost in a fire on April 26 the church rallied with the phrase “WE ARE THE CHURCH”. This phrase was a way to remind themselves that the building wasn’t everything and that God’s ministry among them has not stopped. Since then they have strived to move forward in new and wonderful ways.
The church was quickly offered long-term space at the Bridgetown Legion, which is conveniently located in town, large enough to accommodate the congregation, fully accessible, features a side room for the children’s programs, and a kitchen for church events. As their anniversary Sunday approached they learned that the Legion would not be available on that day so the church once again got creative.
Maggie Rice, the church’s secretary, shares this account:
We celebrated our 223rd Anniversary on October 20th in a very unusual way! We were not able to use our regular worship venue, the Bridgetown Legion, on that particular day, so instead of “going to church” we decided to “Be the Church”. Some picked apples for the Food Bank – 285lbs! Others put a recently widowed woman’s winter wood in for her. At the local independent-living apartments, a box of groceries was collected for the Food Bank. Another group went on a backwoods walk, contemplating the awesomeness of God’s creation, while others chose a self-directed activity such as calling on shut-ins. At the end of the day, we gathered for a potluck supper at the Salvation Army (another venue which, like the Legion, has kindly been provided for us since our church fire 6 months ago.) Instead of a guest speaker for our service that evening, we were the speakers, recounting the events of the day and then worshipping God for His goodness and provision for us.
– Maggie Rice, Church Secretary
