ROCKINGHAM – Frequent commuters of Highway 74 may have noticed the appearance of a new community church – and a large sign displayed in yellow and grey.
Located on East Broad Street in Rockingham, North Carolina, Summit Church opened its doors to the Rockingham community one year ago. Since its inception, the young, self-supporting church has striven to offer a ministry based in giving and hospitality. On Sunday, August 5, the church will be celebrating its first anniversary in an event lovingly dubbed “Vision Sunday.” The event will recognize the persons who have volunteered their time and talents to the church as well as offer reviews of plans for future expansion and renovation of the property.
Summit Church endeavors to return to its community whenever possible. One of the ways the church achieves this is through its Bread Ministry; on Monday nights, the church gathers foods from Panera Bread to give to the community on Wednesdays. Such efforts to serve the community are not limited to the local region; in addition to a drug rehabilitation center in Savannah, Georgia, Summit Church hosts missionary efforts in the Philippines and Spain.
Sunday mornings at Summit Church begin with drinks, water, and – on occasion – tasty donut holes to ensure that all guests are comfortable and well fed. Laughs and conversations unfold in the sanctuary before service in a calm and friendly atmosphere. “It’s like going to a family reunion every Sunday,” laughed Teresa Meehan, head of Administration and Greeting Ministry over a phone call. The church aims to foster a community in which guests do not have to worry about being judged or wearing the wrong clothes, but instead have the opportunity to become part of a community – and even build family.
Though the church has already gone through much growth, Meehan says that they are looking forward to the approaching year. The Summit Church community plans on expanding its facilities to house its children’s program (which hosts children between the ages of 2 and 12). The church is also interested in outreach programs that will address the 20-40-year-old segment of the community.
In the coming years, Summit Church aspires to achieve meaningful growth and to become a permanent and sincere presence in the community. Without a doubt, the church upholds its motto: “Real people at a real church serving a real God.”
Come join Summit Church for fellowship, hot dogs, and a chili cook-off competition on Sunday, Aug. 5, at 11 a.m.
Additional information can be found on the church’s site and Facebook page (listed below).
http://www.summitchurchrockingham.org
https://www.facebook.com/SummitSouthernChurch/?rf=146716752409320
Editor’s note: This article was contributed by Loren Strong, the newest addition to our growing family of talented writers at the Richmond Observer.
