Guiding believers toward discipleship and a closer relationship with Jesus is the mission of the Journey Church of Windsor, located at 332 Windsor Road, one block from the train station. Pastor Shawn Marshall says for each of us, loving people is at the heart of this personal journey that can change the world and everyone around us.
“If people feel like they belong and are part of a fellowship that accepts them as they are, without first having to jump through hoops or clean up their act, they want to fit in, relax and have an inner desire to become more like Christ,” Marshall said.
His father and grandfather were both pastors. Marshall first came to Windsor in 2011 when the congregation had only 11 members — mostly those age 50 or older. Today, between 40 and 50 attend regularly and throughout the year, the number swells to 60 or more, during Christmas, Easter and at other special times, and the auditorium has room for up to 75. He and his wife have four children and five grandchildren.
Built in 1943, the 75th anniversary of the church building was celebrated last June. This worship center was previously home for the Lighthouse Chapel as part the Pentecostal Church of God, the same denomination as The Journey Church.
Marshall says belief in Jesus’ words and example is the first step. “He loved people, healed them, fed them and considered even the lowliest among them as his friends. He forgave their sins and counseled them to go and sin no more. He never forced anyone to change behaviors and attitudes first. He just said, ‘follow me.’ Like him, we have to take obstacles and barriers out of the way so others can receive the blessings only Christ can give.”
As a pastor, Marshall’s focus is to transfer ownership of what he believes and feels to those around him in the community. “God is love and he has chosen us as his people. He has never loved us more or less than he does right now. But as we come closer to him, he comes closer to us and changes us from the inside out.”
The goal of the Journey Church is to be relevant to today’s needs. To achieve this, Marshall has assembled a talented group of leaders, and empowers young people to participate in the praise team and to play important roles in the congregation.
He said the Journey Church embodies the structure of the early church of Christ’s disciples mentioned in the Book of Acts.
“We are a small, growing group that includes many young people and families. My son Nick and daughter Tarah, invite their friends here for socials, pizza parties, film nights, games and other activities youth enjoy, as well as to connect with each other and build strong, healthy relationships. When I look outside twice a day and see all of the Windsor High School youth passing our doors by the droves, I would love to open an after-school teen center where they could hang out and have fun in a wholesome environment. We also have a separate activity center for the very young during adult services.”
In addition to regular Sunday morning services at 10 a.m., there is a women’s Bible study Monday nights at 6:30 p.m., and a Wednesday night Bible study course at 7 p.m. entitled: “Pathways to Discipleship” taught by the pastor. Every three months Journey members join with other Windsor Christian fellowships at joint worship nights held at rotating locations. For seven years the Coraza Celestial Spanish Ministry has held services on Friday nights at 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Over the years, Journey Church members have been active in the community by supporting the backpack project for Windsor kids, and by participating in town clean up days. There have been picnics and barbecues in the park, and softball games for members, families and friends.
“The Bible tells us that by beholding Jesus we become changed. So, by studying and getting to know who he was and what he did, believers come to reflect the spirit of Christ, and everyone around them has an opportunity to do the same and to make a major, positive difference in their lives as well as among others in our community.”
For more information, call 707-867-6650, go to www.journeychurchwindsor.com, or go to Facebook @JourneyWindsor.
Gary Quackenbush is a Windsor resident and writer with his own public relations consultancy. He is the founder of the Windsor Care Network and a former CEO of the Windsor Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at [email protected].
