X

Potsdam Neighborhood Church offers free picnic June 6

Posted 6/3/15

POTSDAM -- The Potsdam Neighborhood Church, 6950 Route 56, invites the community to a free picnic from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 6. “Stop on by and we'll put a burger or dog on the grill for …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Potsdam Neighborhood Church offers free picnic June 6

Posted

POTSDAM -- The Potsdam Neighborhood Church, 6950 Route 56, invites the community to a free picnic from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 6.

“Stop on by and we'll put a burger or dog on the grill for you and anyone with you,” said Pastor Joe Selenski. “Our porch and cafe will be open for your convenience, so enjoy a no-cost lunch, our treat!”

The new church has been holding regular evening services on Sundays since November.

“We’re hoping for a great turnout on Saturday,” said Pastor Doug Buchanan. “While many in the community know we’re here and have watched us turn a rundown building into a vibrant place of worship, we’d love to actually meet more of the people who make up the Potsdam and Norwood community.”

The new church says it is part of a recent movement that seeks a return to basics: A simpler model for the local Christian church that is informal and contemporary, while maintaining some traditional elements. The new church has American Baptist roots, while expressing itself in presentation with a Jesus-centered, inter-denominational emphasis.

Saturday’s picnic will include free hot dogs, and hamburgers, while supplies last, chips, beverages, and dessert items. There will also be live music segments throughout the afternoon and tours of the building. Pastors and church members will be on hand to talk, answer questions, and explain the mission and goals of Neighborhood Church.

The church says the Strategically Small Church Movement is about attaining smaller buildings, basic and without any extravagance or trendy extras, keeping ministry expenses minimal, cost-efficient and ready to gather in smaller groups much like the original, Biblically-modeled church of the first few centuries. Smaller groups in a simplistic yet comfortable and casual living room or café setting gather for worship, teaching, prayer, community closeness, and to offer help and assistance to folks in need in surrounding neighborhoods.

“The early church was simplistic, casual, flexible and sought authentic Christian faith that could be taught, expressed and encouraged in a tight spiritual community setting,” said Pastor Selenski.

The renovated church building is small, efficient and comfortable. There are café tables, a sofa, scattered and row seating available. Coffee is always on and light snacks available.

Leaders eventually expect a very diverse demographic for Neighborhood Church’s gatherings. They say services are fast-paced, yet meaningful.

There is room for up to 50 people in each service or gathering at Neighborhood Church, yet smaller groups will enjoy the intimacy and closeness of a faith-based community that meets with genuine desire to grow in their faith walk. Longtime believers or newcomers seeking to investigate Christian belief and lifestyle can appreciate the casual setting and simplistic church approach, according to church leaders.

For more information, contact neighborhoodchurch@localnet.com, 261-4602 or visit the church’s Facebook site at PotsdamNeighborhoodChurch or website visit www.neighborchurch.com.