In the early 1980's, Bona Vesta United Brethren Church in Bryan, Ohio was struggling.
They almost closed the doors permanently.
Attendance had dwindled.
Dick Thorp moved his family to Bryan, Ohio in July 1984.
On his first Sunday as the new pastor of this tiny church,
there were 16 people in attendance.
And slowly, renewal began.
Soon a young Andy Sikora was impacted by the ministries of this now-healthy, thriving church.
Andy studied at Huntington University.
I became friends with Andy afterward while he taught at 707 and I taught at Catalyst.
And now Andy is planting a new church in Ohio.
In 2011, Colwood Church will partner with Andy to help start Renew Communities in Berea, Ohio.
And slowly, Renewal begins.
And old Dick Thorp from 1984?
In God's complete providence, he joins Colwood in 2011 as our new Visitation Pastor.
Not to mention that little Danny Thorp, who started kindergarten in Bryan, Ohio, is our Worship and Missions Pastor.
God's amazing threads are woven together.
Bringing Renewal to all things.
Join us in building something beautiful in 2011.
More this Sunday, as we share details of our Christmas Offering...
