11/01/2023
It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the closing of Community Baptist Church in its present form. The focus of Community has been on the unique diverse population of Noel. The Tyson plant brought in folks from all over the world. We have attempted to share the Gospel as best as we are able for many years in this setting. Over time, God has blessed us richly. Community was a mixture of speakers of English and S’gaw Karen. We have been blessed to share our building with five other small churches speaking Pohnpeian , Chuuk , Marshallese, and Spanish. In the years that followed, over 70 were baptized and God’s kingdom grew.
The closing of Tyson hurt us hard. The populations we targeted the most were without employment. Many moved. Our ability to have a focus on refugees and immigrants seems greatly diminished. Much of our support has came in from the outside . With the change it seems increasingly unlikely that the church could continue as it has.
Pastor Josh will officially resign on December 1st. The building will be in the posession of our association. The current plans will include the opening of a new church on the premises starting January 1st. The remaining churches sharing our building will find new buildings to worship in. The name may change. The Gospel does not change. Christ will be preached at 201 Harmony Street in Noel for years to come, just as it has for many years before.
I must express my profound gratitude for the volume of people who have supported my family for all this time. God bless you all.
