Covenant News

Columbia Grove (WA) Celebrates Opening

WENATCHEE, WA (October 1, 2004) - Columbia Grove Covenant Church celebrated its grand opening a week ago last Sunday at Eastmont Junior High as well over 200 were in attendance.

Following worship, the new congregation hosted a barbecue lunch with activities for children, including face painting (see accompanying photo of Pastor Andrew and Anita Thompson), and bluegrass music provided by the church's worship band and local musicians. About 30 musicians were part of the event. A songwriters Bible study has been an integral catalyst for reaching the arts community in the area.

Don Robinson, associate superintendent of the North Pacific Conference, and the Covenant World Mission representative from the conference, Keith Tungseth, were among those worshiping at the church, which began core group development in July 2003. Pastor Andrew Thompson said that the initial core group of seven has grown to more than 70 people. Given that there hasn't been a large Evangelical Covenant presence in the region, Thompson is ecstatic about the evolution of his congregation.

"We've gotten a good start and Sunday was a good steroid shot (of enthusiasm)," Thompson said. "It was predominantly local visitors and friends of friends. It was a great day. Our original seven core group members saw the crowd of people 14 months later and those people are their friends or friends of friends. It was energizing."

Columbia Grove Covenant Church is located in north central Washington, serving an area of 60,000 people. The church hosted an area music festival a few weeks ago, attracting around 150. An active women's and children's ministry has ministered to the community and service projects have given the congregation visibility, Thompson added.

To learn more about the church and its ministries, call Thompson at 509-860-4001 or visit the church website at www.columbiagrove.org.

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