Rooted
in Prayer
A history
Rooted
in Prayer
A history
In April, God moved a group of 40 persons to begin meeting together at Forest Recreation Center in Forest, Virginia.
The name for the new body of believers was unanimously agreed upon by all. They decided on "The Kirk," which is Scottish for "church."
Reverend James R. Dellert was installed as the first full-time pastor as well as the first 6 elders.
April 29, 1984
November 4, 1984
Early 1986
Early 1986
February 10, 1985
A service of dedication was held that Sunday. Asking those committed to making The Kirk their home church to affirm their decision.
The Kirk community felt led by God to search for land on which to place a church building. The members covenanted not to borrow money to make the purchase but to trust the Lord that land would be provided.
Watch
God
work!
After the Lord's closing the door on one parcel, six acres of land became available for $60,000 if funds could be raised in 60 days.
By the 56th day, the members and friends of The Kirk had given all they could - $35,000. On the evening of the 59th day, having only $46,000, it appears the land would not be purchased.
The Lord moved a single donor to write a check for $14,000.
The Lord had provided the necessary funds.
On the 60th day, with $60,000 in hand, we glorified and praised our Lord for his faithfulness.
After the Lord's closing the door on one parcel, six acres of land became available for $60,000 if funds could be raised in 60 days. By the 56th day, the members and friends of The Kirk had given all they could - $35, 000. On the evening of the 59th day, having only $46,000, it appears the land would not be purchased. Then, in order to glorify Himself, the Lord moved a single donor to write a check for $14, 000. Donations came from as far north as Connecticut, as far west as California, and as far south as Brazil in South America. The Lord had provided the neccessary funds.
On the 60th day, with $60,000 in hand, we glorified and praised our Lord for his faithfulness.
1986, continued.
2018
2008
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in order to
THEN,
Glorify
himself,
What happened next?
Billy Miller began his tenure as pastor.
The sanctuary building is completed and dedicated.
2004
October 21, 1990
2008
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Reverend Al Stewart serves as pastor for 8 years.
The Kirk celebrated its 30th anniversary inviting former servants and attendees to mark the occasion.
The new name for our body of believers, Forest Community Church, is revealed publicly.
Bryce Enold, who had been serving with the college and youth at Forest, is ordained.
2014
2016
2008
It was Sunday, April 29th, 1984 when a group of forty persons, representing all age groups, prayerfully met at the Forest Recreation Center in Forest, Virginia. Little did they know that this was to be their church home for the next six years. They did, however, form a working relationship with the board of directors of the Recreation Center which enabled them to use the facilities for all programs of the church - Sunday school, Worship, Family Night Suppers, Christmas Pageants, and the list goes on. This was all in answer to prayer.
Under the able leadership of its own board, chaired by Mrs. Douglas (Beth) Gillette, now of Enfield, Connecticut, the board was quick to choose a name for the new church, The Kirk, Scottish for "church," was unanimously agreed upon. The board further chose to remain an independent church with no denominational affiliation. Subsequently, the church was to be known as a Christian Community Church. With its own constitution and by-laws, the congregation adopted the Presbyterian form of government at the local level. Her theology is clearly reformed as interpreted by the Book of Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
On Sunday, November 4th, 1984 the church had a special service of Dedication. All those prayerfully choosing to make The Kirk their church home joined in a Reaffirmation of Faith. In December, 1984, The Kirk extended a call to Rev. James R. Dellert to become her first full-time pastor. He was installed as pastor, along with the first six elders to be elected by the congregation, on Sunday, February 10, 1985.
As a result of prayer in early 1986 The Kirk with some 70 members was being led by God to search for land on which to place a church building. In keeping with God's word and our desire to be faithful with our benevolences, the members covenanted not to borrow money to buy land, but to trust the Lord that land would be provided.
After the Lord's closing the door on one parcel, six acres of land in Forest became available for $60,000. If funds could be raised in 60 days. By the 56th day, the members and friends of The Kirk had given all they could - $35, 000. On the evening of the 59th day, having only $46,000, it appears the land would not be purchased. Then, in order to glorify Himself, the Lord moved a single donor to write a check for $14, 000. Donations came from as far north as Connecticut, as far west as California, and as far south as Brazil in South America. The Lord had provided the necessary funds.
On the 60th day, with $60,000 in hand, we glorified and praised our Lord for his faithfulness.
After prayerfully seeking God's will, we were again faithfully led to step out in faith in the construction of a church building. He led us to plan a building that would advantage of the land's natural beauty and yet be very functional for the worship and ministries of The Kirk.
The Lord was again glorified as the cost of this building was beyond the financial means of our members. We again prayerfully covenanted to be faithful to God and not borrow any money. Ground was broken on December 17, and the church building dedicated on Sunday, October 21, 1990.
Much can be done when a church prays together. But, all in all, to Him be all the honor and glory.
The church that prays together stays together!