Generous Gift Helps Church Plant Launch First Service

Post a Comment » Written on April 11th, 2008     
Filed under: News
SYRACUSE, NY (April 11, 2008) – Catalyst Covenant Church held its first preview service on Sunday, thanks in part to the generosity of Crossroads Community Church in South Lyon, Michigan, which celebrated its first service in its own new building 500 miles away.

Nearly 100 people attended Catalyst’s service at Nottingham High School, where the church meets. They were able to worship with an excellent sound system because Crossroads, which was started 17 years ago, donated its 21-foot trailer filled with music and video equipment to the new work.

Catalyst pastor Mike Mazzye says he is extremely grateful for the expensive gift. “They are so kingdom-oriented,” he adds. “I want us to be able to do the same thing in the future.”

A group began forming the church last fall, but Mazzye was hesitant about starting preview services this month. Larry Sherman, Great Lakes Conference assistant superintendent, believed they were ready.

“Larry has been a big-time encouragement,” Mazzye says. “When I didn’t see how it could happen, he said we could do it.”

Planting churches rarely is easy, and Mazzye says starting Catalyst has been difficult because they are trying to reach unchurched people in their 20’s and 30’s. The demographic has a wide range of needs. “Some 25-year-olds have four kids already and some are still playing video games in their parents’ basements,” he explains.

At the same time, Mazzye and others are trying to assure older Christians that their wisdom and experience are vital to the congregation’s future. Mazzye hopes they will see the church as a mission opportunity.

Mazzye was happy to see the turnout for the launch, but it was another number that thrilled him. “Two people came to Christ, so I know that it was all worth it.”

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