by Kirby Lindsay Laney, posted 28 February 2017
Fremont has a strong sense of community, particularly for such an urban neighborhood. Still, many people may struggle to connect and find a place here, where they feel comfortable and welcomed.
Two Bridges hopes to help people connect, with one another and with God, at the Center of the Universe. “Our mission is to show Seattle that Jesus matters,” explained David Ginn. The new pastor for Two Bridges Church acknowledged that they want, “to connect people to God and to each other. As the Church, we want to connect people to God, and each other.”
‘Everybody Has A Place’
Ginn works a day job at Fremont Brewing, serving beers and meeting his neighbors. He also works as Pastor for Two Bridges, this very young church with a very young and new congregation. Currently, Two Bridges meets weekly (on Wednesdays) for a community potluck and bible study, providing a place for the curious and the seeking to come find a meaningful connection. “You can be a part of the Two Bridges family,” Ginn said, “even if you don’t attend every Wednesday. Everybody has a place.”
“Treating each other with respect, building one another up, and showing that we love one another by loving God,” is the mission of Two Bridges, Ginn said. He also sees Two Bridges as, “being a church that works with other churches.”
Ginn described Two Bridges as a ‘toddler church plant’, where everyone is welcome to share in the meal and the discussion. “I would consider it a bible study,” he explained, “I’m not preaching. We’re going through the Book of Matthew.” He avoids being didactic, pushing forward his own agenda or morality. “Let’s talk and learn,” Ginn invited. “We don’t know what we are going to be,” he said, “we’re still forming an identity.”
Ginn wants to open up the bible with others, sharing the words and exploring the meanings in community. “As the leader,” he explained, “I look over the text and have questions prepared,” with the weekly sessions intended more as a guided discussion than teaching. “We’re going to be following through the bible,” he said.
‘Opportunities To Enter Service’
As to weekly services, Ginn isn’t sure exactly when they will begin their full worship schedule. “We want to get to know each other,” he explained, “before taking communion together.” Two Bridges will evolve, based on its membership of people come together to form this new faith community. Ginn wants to give everyone time to figure out what the church will look like before launching a regular service schedule.
That said, another big part of building the Two Bridges community, for Ginn, is about Social Justice, and serving those around us – in Seattle and world-wide. “We’re looking for opportunities to enter service,” Ginn observed, “You can’t read the bible and not see service to the broken, the poor, the sick…”
Ginn and other members of Two Bridges are learning about what already is being done in Fremont, and what needs more attention. “We need to learn what the resources are already available,” he observed, “We want to help with needs not already being met.”
Ginn believes, “support your strengths, and complement your weaknesses.” He hopes that Two Bridges can support our community, by shoring up and serving in places where there are weaknesses. “I want to be about supporting Fremont,” Ginn acknowledged, “Fremont is where my heart beats the loudest.”
In March, on the 19th & 26th, Two Bridges will host open, public discussions intended to allow us to understand ourselves better, and find where service might be needed. The meetings, called ‘Faith & Philosophy’, welcome everyone’s ideas about meaning, purpose, and the problems of humanity. Held in the backroom at MiiR Flagship, the talks will cover the concerns and comments from all of us, on our modern lives.
Strength In Smallness
Ginn moved to our area, from Montana, in 2008, when his wife came to attend dental school. While living here, he volunteered at a non-denominational Christian church, serving in the kids’ and student ministries. In 2014, the couple moved to Reno, Nevada, to allow Ginn to continue his studies and complete a two-year church planting residency at Living Stones Church. After he had completed the courses and got affirmed, he returned to Seattle (and Fremont,) with his wife, their two small children, and an eagerness to get involved.
Last July, Two Bridges launched, in partnership with Cross & Crown Church, although Two Bridges holds no particular affiliation. This is a local, independent, non-denominational, reformed Christian church.
Ginn describes Two Bridges as ‘a toddler church with an infant pastor’, and he acknowledged that, “Our greatest strength is in our smallness.” The size of Two Bridges gives it flexibility in responding to the requests of its members. It also allows everyone to be involved and part of something growing into greatness. “You have more say,” Ginn acknowledged, “Your voice is heard.”
Say Hello!
Two Bridges currently meets weekly, on Wednesdays, in the Fremont Baptist Church. Members gather at 7p, for a potluck supper (Ginn suggested that first-timers can feel free to just show up,) with the guided discussion held from 7:30p – 8:30p. It’s an ideal opportunity to share your time, and learn more about what this new faith community has to offer.
Those interested in joining in a public discussion of ‘Faith & Philosophy’ may RSVP for the talk on either March 19th or March 26th. Both start at 2p, but space is limited at MiiR and saving you and your friends some seats, at info@twobridgeschurch.com, would be wise.
And, as Ginn frequently mentions, be sure to say hello the next time you stop in at Fremont Brewing!
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©2017 Kirby Laney. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.