Jerusalem, Judea, ends of the earth

NIV Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Called to be witnesses is nothing new for First Church. Our legacy is one of new congregation building. We have been, over the years, an integral part in many church starts in and through the Lexington area. The spreading of the Gospel message has not stopped at Lexington's city limit. In recent years, First Church has even partnered with churches in Estonia, Mississippi, and along the Mexico border. It is in this spirit that we embark upon a new journey toward the Andover area. We seek to be faithful witnesses in Jerusalem (Downtown Lexington), and in all Judea and Samaria (Andover) and to the ends of the earth (Mississippi, Mexico border, Estonia).

The Heart of First Church

NIV Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

First Church is a light of Christ's love to the city of Lexington, the Kentucky region and the world. We have been called by God for over 200 years to love those around us and have done so faithfully. One of the things closest to our heart is our heritage of tradition which we are resolved to building upon for future generations. Warm, inviting, inspiring, and reverent are all descriptions of the First Church worship experience. First Church at worship is a God-honoring harmony of prayer, liturgy, music and the spoken word. It is the light which emanates from the people called Methodist who gather at High and Upper streets that God uses to call people into ever deepening relationship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

THE PLAN

WHAT / WHERE IS THE ANDOVER CAMPUS?
Located on 4131 Todds Road in the Hamburg / Andover area of Lexington, the Andover campus was purchased by First Church from the Kentucky Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in 2000. We were asked to develop the site for ministry and outreach. There is not a United Methodist Church in this part of Lexington, nor is there a Traditional worshipping church in this area of town. At this time, the First Church Dance Academy, led by Maura Jones and Betsy Dixon, utilize the property and have over 200 children and adults attending a variety of dance and aerobic exercise classes. We are actively seeking new ministries to start at the campus and see an opportunity to begin another First Church worship service at the location sometime in 2008. There is much work to be done and many opportunities for your involvement.

WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR NEXT YEAR?
In the spring of 2006, the Andover Task Force team completed a three-year long analysis of our Andover property and the opportunities it represents for First Church. The final recommendation is that the Andover campus be used as a place of worship for the Andover community as well as providing green space for the Downtown campus of First Church. This recommendation was affirmed by the Administrative Council and by the First Family Event held in June.

To this end, First Church is beginning the process of starting a worship service as well a developing the entire 10 acre site for recreation activities. As the congregation explores how to make this dream a reality, the next year or more will be filled with a mix of “planning” as well as “doing”. There are many opportunities for involvement. Please pray about how God would have you involved in this journey of being witnesses in Jerusalem (Downtown), Judea and Samaria (Andover), and to the ends of the earth.

GOAL
TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE FOR THE ANDOVER COMMUNITY

PLANNING
DEMOGRAPHIC STUDIES OF ANDOVER/HAMBURG AREA
SITE PLAN / NEW AND EXISTING BUILDING PLAN
IDENTIFY VALUES/MISSION/VISION
MASTER PLAN FOR MINISTRIES

DOING
PRAYER EMPHASIS FOR ENTIRE CONGREGATION
COMMUNICATE WITH FIRST CHURCH FAMILY
COMMUNICATE WITH COMMUNITY
START 10 SMALL GROUPS IN AND AROUND ANDOVER AREA
100 COMMITTED TO MAKING ANDOVER THEIR WORSHIP HOME
BUILD UPON SUCCESS OF DANCE SCHOOL (e.g. MUSIC, ART, DRAMA)
PROVIDE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR FIRST CHURCH AND COMMUNITY
PLAN AND HOST COMMUNITY EVENTS (e.g. FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS)
PREVIEW SERVICES (e.g. CHRISTMAS EVE 2007)

First Church at Andover

Welcome to First Church's Andover blogsite. This site will serve as a place for information, inspiration (at least we will try), and integration (for the Downtown and Andover campuses). You will notice a whole host of individuals posting. Part of what this forum does is create a space for expressing what Andover means to you (opportunities, fears, etc.), therefore, you are welcome to respond to any post or submit your own post. Any and all comments are welcome. If you would like to communicate directly about something, please email Todd Nelson (Associate Pastor at First UMC, Lexington) at Todd@1stumc.org.

Come back often. Maybe even bookmark this site so that you can keep up with the latest happenings at Andover. Looking forward to hearing from you!