On March 18, 2007 a mid-Michigan church celebrated its 20th anniversary. While the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade was marching down Center Ave, New Life Missionary Church in Bay City, Michigan highlighted their own celebration with a video displaying pictures of events taken over the last 20 years and a catered meal. Many church members who moved out of the area came back to help celebrate this momentous occasion.
Just over twenty years ago, a couple of people met for a Bible study. That Bible study quickly gained members, many of whom were looking for a new church. Soon the members were meeting for their own worship service on Sunday mornings. The service grew too large for the house that was hosting it and the Sunday morning location moved to a local township hall. The location was changed again to the YMCA on the east side of the city. Soon enough, a church building became available on the west side. Again the congregation moved locations, which was their last move. The building, at 3121 E. North Union, has even expanded since the initial move. The expansion added two more bathrooms, a kitchen, a dividable classroom, and a nursery. Members of the church hope to expand again and add on a gym.
The church has held many exciting activities in the past 20 years. In 1998, their Bible quiz team took first place at International Quizzing Finals for the Missionary Church. Also in the ’90s the New Life Softball Team battled local churches for the area title. Most times the team came in 2nd or 1st. The church hosted many concerts, seminars, and classes anybody from the community could join.
New Life Missionary Church currently has many activities for churchgoers. The children can enjoy a kid’s Sunday Morning Service, Sunday morning nursery (ages 0-2), Wednesday Night activities, Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, annual Community Fun Fair, annual Harvest party, and various other activities that pop up through the year.
The youth (junior high and high school) can enjoy Wednesday night activities, Sunday school and Sunday night activities, an annual missions trip, volunteer opportunities, and many other changing activities throughout the year.
Adults are also included at this church. There is a MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) group that meets at this church. There is also a prime timers group, men’s and women’s groups, as well a Sunday school and Bible studies throughout the week.
New Life also encourages families. They host a monthly Family Fun Movie Night. They have a Relay for Life Team. They also have picnics and celebrations throughout the year, including a Seder Meal at Passover. Many members also attend Brown City Family Camp with their church in August.
The church thanks God for everything that has happened to them over the last 20 years and hopes to be blessed with at least 20 more.
