INFORMATION UPDATE – April 21, 2011
Download this article to PDFLIGHTHOUSE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH CELEBRATES 1ST ANNIVERSARY
After a day of heavy rain and wind, the sun broke through the clouds on Sunday, April 17, and spread its warmth on members of Lighthouse Fellowship Church as they joyfully gathered to celebrate one year as a congregation. 
The Son, Jesus, also shone His glory on the congregation as they worshiped and testified to God’s faithfulness over the past year. Being Palm Sunday, Nancy Eldredge, wife of Elder Tom Eldredge, assisted by her son Daniel, led in a meaningful worship reflecting on the events of Passion Week through a reading, Scripture, and songs. The children of the congregation, joined her in leading this worship celebration.
Pastor Hector and Jennie Muñiz, (left), expressed gratitude to the Lord for His leading in the formation and development of the congregation. Pastor Hector acknowledged that in the natural realm he resisted the call to be a pastor. Often the responsibilities seem beyond his ability. However, both he and Jennie have found God’s grace sufficient to meet every need. They took time to acknowledge individuals and congregations that have been a source of blessing and encouragement to them. Many of those individuals, along with members of other HFC congregations in Connecticut, were present. Over 100 persons came to worship and celebrate this special occasion. The congregation currently meets for worship at the Southend Community Center in Bridgeport.
A choir from Pivot Ministries, a local men’s rehabilitation ministry, which Pastor Hector is vitally involved with, presented very beautiful worship in song. The “Castro sisters”, blended their voices in beautiful harmony giving praise to God.
During the service, Pastor Hector called members forward who were part of the original core group a year ago. That group (some pictured to the left) numbered around twelve. Today, approximately twenty five to thirty are part of the fellowship. 
Another highlight of the service was the installation of Norma Castro (at right) as the first Deaconess for the congregation. Pastor Hector presented her with a certificate certifying her role as deaconess. Norma has been faithfully serving the congregation from the beginning, often working behind the scenes, always sensitive to the needs of Pastor Hector and Jennie and the congregation. She is a school teacher by profession. She testified that while she received a number of certificates and diplomas in her life, the call of the Lord and the church, along with this certificate, is the most meaningful in her life.
Bishop Henry and Millie were invited to give words of encouragement at the beginning of the service. They affirmed the ministry and challenged the congregation to have a growing relationship with the Lord and to put their full trust in Him. Henry concluded the day with a sermon entitled, “God’s Grace: The Motivation for Christian Service,” with his text taken from Colossians 1:1-8. Henry shared how so many pastors and leaders today experience “burnout” because they depend on self-effort rather than the “oil” of God’s grace. The church at Colossae, however, was effective and motivated in their ministry because “they understood God’s grace in all its truth.” As we understand God’s grace and apply it to our life, we will also be fully committed and grateful to serve. Grace will also help us see people through the eyes of Christ. Several people then responded to Bishop Henry’s invitation for a special prayer of recommitment to total dependence on God’s grace.
After the 2½ hour service, everyone was invited to stay for a meal where an abundance of delicious food was provided! Everyone went home blessed and
encouraged by the clear evidence of God’s presence and work. Lighthouse Fellowship Church truly desires to be a bright light to the city of Bridgeport, and wherever God calls them. We are very thankful to have this congregation and ministry as a vital part of Harvest Fellowship of Churches.
Members from Good News Christian Church eagerly anticipated their 1st anniversary celebration. They gathered early to arrange and decorate their meeting place facility. To accommodate all the visitors, they also cooked a lot of delicious food. Members and friends from HFC congregations in Connecticut as well as some members from local congregations joined with the congregation for this special event. Many newcomers from the local neighborhood responded to invitations from members and came to the church for the first time. Several said they would return. Around 255 people, including 31 children, packed into the basement fellowship hall of the Church of the Holy Nativity, the weekly meeting place for the congregation.
Andrea and Pastor Pedro and Amy Vazquez on a Saturday morning in the Bronx for breakfast. Later they took a walk in the neighborhood where Pastor Miller explained how God had called them to that specific area even though they did not have any formal contacts at that point. The Millers moved into the neighborhood in August of 2009. On March 29, 2010, exactly one year later after that breakfast meeting, the congregation held their opening celebration with around 20 persons in the core group at that time. Now, one year later, around sixty attend the congregation on a weekly basis. We give glory to Jesus for the new life in Christ that is coming forth in the Bronx. The Miller’s are extremely blessed and encouraged by the spiritual commitment and enthusiasm of the members.
