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A Bridge To The Community

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By MAUREA SLEESMAN Hernando Today correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 8, 2008

SPRING HILL - Come celebrate the new name, spacious sanctuary and multi-purpose facility dedication ceremonies at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at The Bridge Christian Life Center. Free live music, inspired dignitaries, food, games for the kids and displays of church ministries and other events ensure family merriment and Christ-centered spiritual possibilities.

In a three-year-long building effort for this church with a local history of some 30 years, it is a major transition to be dedicating a large, new facility that will serve as a "bridge" to the community.

Dr. Chuck Fightmaster, Senior Pastor of the church, described state-of-the-art design that employs the newest sound, video and lighting technology and biblical application venues to daily life for all ages.

"And the entire family," he said. "Think of high tech live interaction simulcast broadcasts where the speaker in California responds in immediate dialogue to theological questions posed by a Spring Hill Christian, perhaps wondered about by others in the audience."

Rows of upholstered chairs can seat 300, or be reconfigured around large tables for workshops and fellowship.

"Imagine next February workshops on strengthening marriage," the pastor mused, "to re-spark those initial romantic attractions, or parenting skills updates, or later music and drama coaching for the Christmas 2009 60-cast member theater production."

The old sanctuary space will belong to the children, youth and study groups, with the entrance serving as the Holy Grounds Coffee House, where Sunday guests can enjoy java and casual conversation with the pastor and staff. An endearing story about the casually attired pastor is that he loves his daily Dunkin' Donuts coffee, often sipping it as he gives anecdotes to Sunday sermons, and during the week he adds his rescued pound puppy Dunkin' snoozing by his office chair.

The decor includes the calming black-and-white foyer of the new building, restrooms and new colorful nursery rooms R.J. Korteweg - construction project manager and deacon - thanks his wife for the interior design selections. He noted that the overall plan was to build a spacious facility for worship, teaching, music, drama and concerts. The six-acre space includes ample parking for visitors and disabled and the church-sponsored daycare center "Wiggle Worms."

Cheryl Tinker, member and church administrative assistant, said that she loves the new building and its possibilities for outreach. "It's so comfortable, and I must comment on the magnificent sound system and stage lighting, too. You can hear every nuance and see the raised staging view clearly."

"If you're dealing with an addiction, recovering from a divorce," the pastor said, "if you have a musical or other talent to share, or just want to get into a good Bible study, you will be welcomed to an active small groups weekly session or targeted group to share concerns and eventually become a disciple in outreach."

The Bridge Christian Life Center is the new name for what has been known as First Baptist Church of Spring Hill. "The new name better suits the ministries," Fightmaster said. "One newer member appreciates the blend of traditional and contemporary vision, programming and music of the church. She doesn't mind driving north from Pasco County to attend.

Fightmaster is an ordained minister who brings extensive experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist. Remembering the magic of fireflies lighting the dark skies of his Ohio childhood, and varieties of beetles, he used the allegory of countless species of insects to illustrate the diversity of people he sees welcomed at the church.

Alluding to the church, he said, "It's a glowing rainbow of people, of different races and culture, traditional and contemporary, which blend together as one. Explaining that the church is not about the Christian but the seeker, he continued. "If a Christian wishes to join our ranks we welcome them first and invite them to find a place of ministry using the talents and gifts God has given them.

"Formerly, as a retirement community, we served many older citizens. The community around us is rapidly changing and transitioning. The needs are greater. They challenge us to use whatever technology and appeal that the modern marketplace employs, from drama, music, topical issues, concerts, dynamic speakers, workshops and technology use for computers and Web sites, and video taping. We want to employ and build those bridges that effectively connect to those outside our doors.

"Contemporary praise and worship music is led by South African "newbie" Patrick Rattey, whose son leads the youth in their newer music tastes and musicianship. The church anticipates a youth rally with local Christian bands next year.

"The Apostle Paul, on his missionary journeys, listened to the needs of the people and incorporated their languages and cultures. We could have relocated to Cortez Boulevard or some other higher-profile location," Fightmaster said. But we studied the demographics and made the God-driven choice to base our ministry in this vital area between counties.

"The volunteers and staff work together to inspire their committed professional training here, so that at any moment there are teachers and students, leaders and followers, mentors and tomorrow's congregants and neighbors who will carry forth evangelical outreach, locally, regionally and beyond, ongoing.

"So we cordially invite you and your family to enjoy our dedication ceremonies, and to participate in our worship, seasonal events, concerts, workshops, fellowship and more in our family church vision."

When do they meet?

Special Dedication Celebration: 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16

Sunday worship service: 10:45 a.m.

Sunday small group studies: 9:15 a.m. Sunday

Worship Kidstyle

Monday: Recovery study, 7 p.m.

Wednesday: kids' AWANA: 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday: WOW all ages: 6:30 p.m.

Friday: Celebrate Recovery! 7 p.m.

Music, Drama, Affinity, Bible Study groups: call church

The Bridge Family Life Center is located at 7279 Pinehurst Drive (north of County Line Road), Spring Hill. Phone: 352-683-2863. Web site: firstbaptistc62@bellsouth.net.

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