Brothers and Sisters, greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Welcome!
I'm writing to share the remarkable journey that brought Light of Christ Community Church to the community of Bedford. I firmly believe that understanding our origins helps illuminate our path forward as One Body in Christ.
In my faith journey, I have had the opportunity to minister to people in various ways, but what I am writing about today fills my heart with immense joy.
I was ordained as a Deacon and later as a Priest in the Old Catholic Church, a part of COCCNA. Although not Roman Catholic, our church also values scripture, some traditions, and the sacraments while embracing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, fostering a vibrant and nurturing community.
My service in Louisville involved collaboration with Archbishop McCormick and Bishop Fr. Gentry at Agape of Jesus Independent Catholic Church in J-Town. Despite thriving in urban ministry, a longing for simplicity led my wife, Amy, and me to Bedford, Kentucky, where we bought a farm. This transition brought us closer to nature but also introduced rural living challenges.
While commuting to Louisville every Sunday for worship, I felt a deep calling to establish a church in our new community. In February 2023, Amy noticed calls for revival on Trimble County's Facebook page, coinciding with Asbury University's spiritual awakening. Though initially skeptical because I first thought it to be just social media craze sparked from the Asbury phenomenon, a continued prayer led to revelation from the Holy Spirit.
My Facebook post about revival in Bedford garnered responses from Pastor Jake Nyman, Mark and Susan Smithson, and others. Also around this time Hazel from Bedford Spring Nursing Home also reached out to me about visiting there as a chaplain, as their was also a need for spiritual care there too. With some assistance from those called, our prayer group convened at the Smithsons' Wilderness Center, where the Holy Spirit began laying the groundwork.
We gathered weekly at the community center, eventually adopting the name The Countryside Christian Initiative (CCI). Despite varied reactions from other churches, we formed a core group from diverse denominations, united in Christ. This prayer group remains independent, distinct from our respective churches. I confided in Susan Smithson, a core member, about my prayer for a congregation space. It was through her that God answered, informing me of an available historical church building in town.
Our church planting breakthrough occurred when Sonny Fisher and Helen Moore offered a lease on this old church building in the heart of Bedford, and I humbly accepted. Jon Dunlap, a dear brother in Christ, has provided invaluable help in maintaining the church and its grounds, was instrumental in facilitated this connection. In the summer of 2023, I established the Light of Christ Community Church congregation there. Affectionately dubbed "The Purple Church" by locals for its Lenten Season lighting, our church required initial care. With our growing community, we eagerly undertook maintenance and planned future renovations.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, Light of Christ Community Church has become a local beacon of faith. Our mission centers on love, unity through Jesus Christ, setting aside differences, and bridging gaps between Christian traditions.
We've joyfully welcomed additional clergy members, Mark Maresca and Sharon Hill, to help spread the Holy Gospel to Bedford and beyond.
Please take a moment and read our Vision and Mission Statements below.
Praise be to God for our collective journey.
Yours in Christ,
Reverend McBride, Pastor
Light of Christ Community Church
Our vision is to proclaim that Jesus came to restore the Kingdom of God on earth, which was lost due to Adam's transgression. (Genesis 3:23-24; Luke 2:49; Matthew 6:33, 9:35, 13:11; Mark 1:15)
This vision is realized through our mission: to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom throughout the world (cf. Matthew 10:7). Our strategy for fulfilling this mission includes preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:8), healing the sick and afflicted (Luke 10:9), baptizing many in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19), and making disciples who are taught to observe all that He commanded (Matthew 28:20).
Preach the Gospel to all people. We are committed to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with everyone, fulfilling the Great Commission to spread His teachings throughout the world.
Study and teach the Word of God (Holy Scripture) through the lens of Tradition. Our interpretation is enriched by over 2000 years of teachings from the Holy Saints, maintaining continuity in holiness and truth. Studying must not become an end in itself; the Holy Spirit moves hearts to conversion by inscribing the law in the hearts of believers.
Heal people of diseases and afflictions through the Name of Jesus Christ. Healing and miracles are direct manifestations of God’s Grace, Christ’s Intercession, and the dunamis (power) of the Holy Spirit.
Provide extraordinary worship services to honor God through the Liturgy and Sacraments. This is evident as the Shekinah (Glory of the Holy Spirit) regularly becomes manifest in the lives of believers (cf. Matthew 3:8-15; Luke 3:7-17).
Provide freely for the poor, focusing on widows and orphans (the lost or forgotten) in need.