Hearing Of
Their Faith

I am often asked by people, as they prepare to move or go on a trip, where a faithful congregation of the Lord’s church is located near their destination. For those concerned about the purity of the church and the teaching, worship, and work conducted by it, such questions are extremely important. Since it is often the case that bad news travels fast, one is more likely to hear about churches that have left the old paths than those that are faithfully serving the Lord.

In several Scriptures throughout the New Testament, we are instructed to mark, note, avoid, withdraw, and have no fellowship with those who teach and practice error. However, it is equally important for us to acknowledge and announce those who continue to worship, teach, and practice according to the New Testament.

As the apostle Paul was writing to the church in Rome, he declared to them, "...I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world"(Rom 1:8). Paul also spread the fame of the much poorer and smaller groups of brethren in Macedonia, declaring how that their zeal had provoked the much larger and wealthier church in Corinth unto good works and benevolence (2Cor 8:1-3).

Similar passages of praise for faithful brethren are found in Eph 1:15, Phil 4:21-22, Col 1:4, 1Thess 1:7-8, Philemon 1:5, 2John 4, 3John 3. It is, therefore, the purpose of this section of the Fruit Of The Spirit to recognize and rejoice in the various churches throughout California that continue to stand for the Truth and faithfully serve the Master.

This section will not constitute a "peer group" of churches nor will it exclude any congregations that we disagree with in matters of expediency or opinion. The sole standard for determining each congregation of the Lord’s church that will be featured in this section is determined for us by the Word of God. "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin" (1John 1:7).

Located among the fertile farm lands of northern California, the city of Woodland is home to a unique and special group of people simply called Christians. The Kentucky Avenue church of Christ began meeting in October 1993 in the senior Citizens’ Center with 14 members. There, they worshipped and served God, faithfully upholding the Bible as the sole standard for life and godliness.

From these modest beginnings, they have flourished and grown to a membership of over 80. In 1996, they purchased an old store on 470 Kentucky Avenue and made modifications to the building to accommodate their needs, building on three new class rooms. Additionally, they are in the process of building a baptistry, which will free them of having to use the hot tub of one of their members.

The brethren at Woodland are an active group with high hopes and noble goals. Having become fully self supportive, they continue to expand their influence and work throughout the community. In 1999, several families placed membership with them and 16 souls were added through baptism. They have a well balanced mix of all ages and Bible classes for all ages as well.

The largest part of the work in Woodland consists of home Bible studies, both with non-Christians and members. Although they have primarily relied on the men of their congregation for the teaching and preaching in the assemblies, they have also had part-time preachers assist in the work. Currently, Harry Washington is preaching part-time for the Kentucky Ave. church. Harry, a serviceman in the Air Force, is a faithful and loving servant of the Lord and is also a member at the Vacaville congregation.

Other works of the church in Woodland include an annual ladies retreat to the coast, Gospel meetings, and a visitation program. Their Sunday morning Bible class starts at 9am, followed by worship at 10am. Sunday evening worship is at 6pm and Wednesday Bible class starts at 7pm.

I have visited with the Kentucky Ave. brethren many times and found them to be a most affectionate group, and their singing is filled with the joy they have in Christ and the love they have for one another. May the Lord God continue to bless them all and preserve them by His most holy Word. FS