Gary Quackenbush

Editor’s Note: This month we welcome Gary Quackenbush to the Windsor Times. This is the first in a series of monthly columns, written by Gary, highlighting the many congregations to be found in Windsor’s faith-based community.

For more than a year town residents have watched as the cluster of buildings at 195 Windsor River Road has been transformed from a series of commercial tenant venues into a unified campus for Calvary Chapel River Fellowship (www.riverfellowship.org).
This location is the new home for 70 to 90 believers who want to serve the community and each other as they find answers to live meaningful, relevant lives following the example set by Jesus Christ.
“There is a strong feeling of acceptance within the congregation,” one visitor said, “People truly care about each other. Members and guests are greeted as old friends and made welcome with handshakes and hugs. You feel as if everyone there has known and loved you for decades. You get to know everyone in the lobby while enjoying refreshments.“
According to Pastor Chris Blaustone, “River Fellowship is unique by focusing on a verse-by-verse study of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. It’s all about being real with God and ourselves while building a relationship with him and others. We look at what the Bible says in context with the original author’s meaning as we come together to worship and discover a scriptural guide to live by. For me, it all started 37 years ago when I was pushing Jesus away, while pursuing eastern thought in an effort to find God. It never occurred to me that I’d find God’s true love by meeting Jesus and getting to know God’s vision for us through the pages of his word.”
Pastor Blaustone came to know Christ in 1981 in Southern California where Calvary Chapel was founded. Originally seen as a counterculture haven for those who may have been burned by previous church experiences, and others who had given up on traditional religion, Calvary Chapel’s appeal was in its ability to provide a friendly place where people could learn about the Lord firsthand — by hearing and reading what he says — an approach that has attracted youth and people of all ages ever since.
The Fellowship started in Healdsburg meeting at the high school, then at Lytton Springs and later at Rio Lindo Academy for 17 years before learning about the opportunity to establish a permanent home in Windsor.
They learned that property owner Robert Jenkins, with Greenmark Interests, Inc., originally wanted to build a boutique hotel on the site now occupied by River Fellowship, but later decided to sell the property rather than develop it.
River Fellowship opened its sanctuary doors in December after 18 months of renovations and upgrades, after starting Sunday morning services in the smaller building next door in March, 2017. While finishing touches are still in progress, such as the addition of a fenced children’s playground behind the church, the makeover is truly remarkable.
New windows, wood flooring, upgraded chandeliers and recessed lighting have been installed. There is fresh paint throughout, new cabinets, countertops, walls and doors, along with exterior improvements in walkways, signage and grounds.
The color scheme is accented with earth tones and beige finishes as well as warm, natural wood features that convey a sense of comfort and wellbeing to those entering.
“We saved some of the original stained glass and one pew from the previous lives of this church for future use, but wanted to present a fresh image where people will want to come, make new friends and be part of an extended family,” Blaustone said. “With a capacity of 140 people, there is plenty of room on the main floor and in the balcony.”
The large, 2,300-square foot, two-story sanctuary was previously home to a Methodist Church, a spiritual center and most recently a Windsor satellite of the Raven Theater.
In the past, adjacent units housed a pottery center, a bakery, a tax preparation consultancy and other retail outlets in a space that is now a 2,000-square foot fellowship hall featuring Edison lights, a lavatory and plenty of room for fellowship meals and gatherings.
Two modular buildings that once housed an esthetician and a barbershop have been repurposed as the administration office, the pastor’s study and three other rooms dedicated to children and young adults.
Physical building features aside, the attraction of this fellowship is found in its ability to engage everyone in opportunities to grow in faith beyond the regular weekly 10 a.m. Sunday worship service through participation in multiple experiences shared with members and their families.
There are frequent Bible studies. “Windows on Parables” and a study of 1st Peter are currently underway. The pastor’s wife, Mary, leads women’s ministries (called “Pearls”).
Bi-monthly birthday celebrations are held, as well as intercessory prayer sessions, offsite retreats, a men’s ministry breakfast, and community service projects — such as a free meals program. Christian inter-church youth get-togethers are also held.
Youth Ministries Director Jeremy Thompson coordinates special activities for young people. Elder Terry Szalai, Thompson and the pastor record Bible studies, accessible free online, that members and non-members alike can listen to anytime at home or on the go.
A live video feed in living color and sound recording worship and praise services, is being planned to further enrich and expand existing website offerings.
The worldwide Calvary Chapel movement has a great focus on missions. River Fellowship sponsors missionaries serving in a variety of countries, including Nepal, North Africa, the Middle East, Kosovo and Ireland.
“People come from all over, not just Windsor. We’re clearly seeing the move of God in our fellowship where lives are changed,” Blaustone said. “Our ‘River’ name is more of an analogy where life in Christ is like getting into a river. Once immersed, the river takes over. We want to invite people to experience the love, peace, joy and power that come with the promises of God in Christ. Believing the truth about God, ourselves and others frees us to live in a deep, personal relationship with God as we watch Him touch others with the love of Jesus through our lives. I invite you to come and experience the life of Christ with us,” he added.
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 ga**************@gm***.com.

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