Memories from 50 years from the CFC Family
My first memory of Aug 4, 1974, was that we arrived early at the Union Building at U of E and set up about 100 chairs in the Formal Lounge to prepare for our first service. Then we went upstairs to pray for God to be honored and for Him to work in each person who came. (I also asked the Lord to help me with that first message). When it was about time to begin we came down from upstairs to see who might be coming, and the room was already full and there was not enough room for everyone to get in. So we quickly moved around the corner to the “Great Hall,” and set up chairs in that room. We passed around a clipboard, and nearly 450 people signed in! It was beyond our wildest imagination. From that first day we were convinced this was God’s going and that we had to trust Him and try to obey Him for everything else that would ever happen.
-David N.
One of my fond memories of CFC is of the forming of small groups in the very beginning days of our meeting together. We could only use the auditorium at Seton Manor on Sunday mornings, so we couldn't have other large meetings during the week. But we could have small groups in homes. Someone knew about a man named Chuck Miller in California who was a great leader and who trained people to function well in small groups. We brought him to train us, and many came to a meeting where he taught us a Bible study method he called 2PROAPT. That stood for Pray, Preview, Read, Observe, Apply, Pray, and Tell someone about it. Chuck helped us practice using these steps on short passages of Scripture, so we could use this same method for our small group meetings. We did the 2PROAPT study on our own and shared about what we learned from our study with our groups.
I remember working on dividing people into small groups. We ended up with 20 groups of about 10 people each. I loved our small group! We were so glad to be together and study the Word. And we loved singing the songs that were coming out of the Jesus Movement in CA. There was real joy and celebration. The small groups led to great connections among people and were a great source of growth. They, along with the Biblical preaching, became the backbone of the church.
-Judy N.
I remember the first service that Kevin and I attended clearly. It was the first service in the brand new Worship Center in November 2001. We heard Pastor David share the Gospel so clearly, and for the first time, we understood and believed! We'd both been to church on and off our entire lives, but we'd never understood. (Shout out to Janet & JR Huff for continuing to invite us.)
-Andi M.
I came in 1980, and even though I came from a congregation of about 20 on Sunday to here at 1,000, I seemed to fit in. They passed the hat ( a real one) and asked to put your name in for a small group...I put my name in and have been in one ever since. I would have never learned so much or been a mature Christian had I not come here from my former church. I was single with 2 kids and there was an usher at the same place every Sunday... He continued there for 10 years and helped me to feel welcomed. He asked about my children as they grew up . He has gone to heaven long ago ,but I will never forget him helping each Sunday just by being there and being interested in my family.
-Sandy M.
I'll never forget the first weekend I visited CFC. Pulling into the parking lot, the building looked kind of scary, and I was nervous about how the people inside would treat me. But as soon as I walked in the doors it felt like home. People were waiting to greet me with smiles and excitement! The building was full of joy and fellowship. I felt so refreshed. Over a decade later, CFC still feels like home, and the joy our church exudes during events and at weekend services is a constant blessing to me through the ups and downs of life.
-Madeline H.
Thousands of pastors and women leaders are blessed and impacted by the ministry of CFC all over India, so we are so much grateful for all the prayers and supports you've given over all these years. Congratulations!
-Abraham J.
Barry first came to know Pastor Dave when he was in college at U of E. Pastor Dave led a Men’s Bible study that Barry attended. When Pastor Dave started CFC that first Sunday, Aug. 4, 1974, Barry was there helping set up chairs. Pastor Dave officiated at our wedding on June 18, 1977. We went to CFC for many years. We have appreciated and thank God for giving us Pastor Dave and Judy, CFC, and many long time friends!
-Barry & Angie J.
SO many of my favorite memories from the last 10+ years of my life happened either at CFC or in the company of dear friends I met because of CFC. The CFC building is the place where Joe and I met and got to know one another as we served together in the worship ministries there. It's also the place where we got engaged and where we were married. To me, the F for Fellowship in CFC is extremely appropriate because it has been through CFC that I have experienced the truest, deepest, and richest fellowship with other people. I love that I have gotten to know and cherish other believers of all different generations, as well as learn alongside them and from them.
-Kristina E.
I had worked for Friends Forever as a preschool teacher and attended BSF at CFC before our family started attending here. We attended a small church and our kids were needing a strong children's program. As a non-member, but an employee, I saw the love of the staff from the inside out! We have always loved the music and the teaching at CFC, but it was the Children's Ministry that drew us here! The Children's Ministry was and is committed to teaching God's Word in a fun, inviting, age-appropriate way. We have now attended CFC for 20+ years and my husband and I are still involved with kids ministry! My grandkids are now a part of CFC Kids, woohoo! We love our church and are so thankful for our church family!
-Sandy B
I first came to CFC, I believe, in 1982 or 83. We were attending another church, but sensing it was not home. I ran into a high school friend one day who had become a strong Christian, and she told me about CFC and the teaching she felt was so biblical. My husband and I decided to come and bring our 4 children, and we continued until the children grew up and went away to college or married (2 of them by Pastor David in the CFC Chapel). I began working in the Tape Ministry near the end of 1985 and have been here since on staff part time. My husband and parents have passed, and my children have all grown up and live out of town and state, but I am so thankful for many here over the years who have prayed for, loved, comforted, and blessed me through many happy, joyful, as well as sad and difficult times,. I'm also blessed by the countless saints who influenced my life, some who have gone on to be with Jesus, who I will never forget and look forward to seeing again in the presence of Christ. God is good!!
-Kathy W.
Twenty five years ago, as engaged college students, Katie and I made our way to CFC. we were in search of the church that would be our church home. We were welcomed to CFC by a newly hired college minister fresh out of seminary and his new bride. Jeff had a passion for ministry and life and an infectious smile. Both, he and Gretchen, loved people and they drew us in immediately. They loved as well, counseled us, married us, and discipled us from 1999 until Jeff's unexpected death in 2002. Jeff was an incredible influence in my life and ministry. He was so closely tied to my favorite early memories at CFC including my wedding. God placed him and CFC in my life at just the right season. Jeff and Gretchen were part of the CFC body for just about three years but their fingerprints are all over my life and ministry. I’m so grateful for the stories and the people who have shaped CFC over the years-whether they have been active in the life of the church for 50 years or they built into the lives of our people for a few years in the middle or if they are just getting started. This community is what it is because of the investments we make in each other.
-Kyle C.
Bob and Marie Greek invited us to visit. We were leaving a large church and wanted to go to a smaller church. This was February, 1979. Well, God had others plans, and we are still here. They introduced us to [Pastor] David that day. When we came back the following week, he remembered our names. The church had just moved from the gym into the original worship center. There was just one service but wasn't long before another was added. Our lifelong friends came out of our supportive fellowship.
-Ruth S.
Our family moved to Evansville, IN, and began attending Christian Fellowship Church as it was nearing completion in 1974. We became members of the first Missions Team … which planned the church’s first mission conference weekend and we were both amazed and thrilled with the strong positive response…Dave [later after making the move to full time missions] became a strong missions mobilizer for North American churches. Together we saw our mission was to help leaders fulfill their roles in The Great Commission. Dave’s personal vision was a movement of churches making world evangelism central. CFC became our sending church and supported us financially and faithfully nearly 30 years! Many friends in the church were on our support team and we met periodically with them to update them on the ministry... How thankful we were to be an extension of the CFC family those years! How we praised God to be allowed to serve Him and CFC in this capacity. All glory to God!
-Marcy M.
In '79 as Purdue freshman, I was invited to CFC by sophomore Lori Padget, PU '84. Mark & I were married @ CFC by Dale Hansen. Last Sunday, over 40yrs later, while visiting, I was once again able to walk down the aisle with my father, Paul Carnes who will soon be 96 years old. What a blessing this church and congregation have been to us all. Congratulations CFC on 50yrs!! For your faithfulness David & Judy and now Dale & Andree, thank you.
-Jennifer D.
My [one word to describe my time at CFC] is “Intentional.” I’ve gone to CFC since I was a kid. I’m so thankful my parents were intentional on dragging Scott Dallas and me to CFC each Sunday after being invited by friends of theirs. My take away after growing closer to Christ through CFC is how intentional CFC has always been at teaching the truth, always praying, having missions that reach the talents of many near and far, and offering many small groups for all different ages to see people grow in their relationship with Christ. Their dedication to intentionally praying for our family and helping us find the resources we needed during difficult times was very much appreciated, and we love being a part of the CFC family!
-Lori H.
We were a newly married couple…when we joined CFC in late 1982. We immediately got involved in small groups and teaching grade school Sunday School classes. Perhaps our favorite memory involved our small group…Harry Repphan [leader] was a wise and Godly man, with a strong servant's heart. He modeled Christ's love for us and others...On the day we were to move out of our apartment and into the home, just a few days before Christmas, Harry and Joanne, and several others in the group offered to help us move our boxes across town and unpack and set up the home…while we were finishing the unpacking, someone came across a box of Christmas ornaments and came up with the idea that we needed to get a tree. Someone volunteered to do that and off they went, later returning with a beautiful cut Christmas tree…[and they] placed the tree in front of the picture window, strung the lights and adorned it with the second-hand decorations. Harry led a prayer of blessing over our new home. Late that evening, Gwen left work to return to our new home for the first time. She actually drove by the unfamiliar home the first time, as she saw the lighted tree in the window and thought "No, THAT can't be our home." Over the years we've told often told the story of the love and kindness modeled for us by our first church small group at Christian Fellowship Church… we've never forgotten those years and the great fellowship that flowed from CFC.
-Randy & Gwen M.
I first came to CFC in 1980, I was 21 yrs old, and I had just turned my life over to Jesus Christ a couple months earlier. I was still very confused about life. A good friend of my brother's, Greg Droste invited us both to CFC service. My eyes were opened to the teaching of scripture. David Niedenagel was teaching straight out of the bible word for word and we were following along. I was amazed and I was hooked on the bible. I've been to lots of church as a kid, but never realy knew what the bible was used for, Now I do. I got involved in "Career" a singles group for ages18-35. This group had weekly bible study and fellowship. Within the group we had accountibilty groups, which we encouraged and prayed for one another. This group mentored me and showed me how to be an effective Christian. Many close friendships were formed, I've seen many marry within the group, including myself. I have raised 3 children here in the church, I'm sure they can tell you some great stories as well. The ones that still live in town still call CFC their home church. I still love studying scripture!
-Marilyn M.
Some 23 years ago, Mark and I joined CFC. Our lives were enriched by the weekly teachings of Pastor David. His precious wife Judy invited me to help begin CFC’s prayer team. We quickly became close friends with Patty & Harold Stovall. We stood on their condo balcony in July to watch fireworks and they sat at our table for Thanksgivings. Our families became one. . . Praying, sharing and caring. Without CFC we would never have met the Stovall branch of our family.
-Mark & Sandy A.
I walked into CFC for the first time about 12 years ago. I was dropping off my son at Friends Forever. He was crying and I was upset. A fellow mom (Melanie Scheu) introduced herself to me that morning and made me feel so welcome. We are still friends to this day! Friends Forever was the beginning of our CFC adventure. We started worshipping there, became part of a small group, and attended Bible study. We have met so many dear friends and we continue to grow stronger in our faith. We love you CFC - you are home to us. ❤️
-Krystal H.
My family started attending CFC in 2005 when I was in Middle School. I remember thinking it seemed like such a huge church, but it doesn't seem that way any more. It really does feel like family. Since Middle School, everything in my life has revolved around my relationship with Christ, and that relationship has been fostered and enriched at CFC. My family, my friends, mission trip, camps, retreats, serving opportunities, and even my career have all been shaped my this local body. I met my wonderful wife here, got married here, and have the privilege of raising our daughter here. I never would have guessed in 2005 all of what God had in store for me at CFC through the next 20 years. I'm excited for the years to come!
-Joe E.
How clearly and fondly I remember the day of the first service. I was a 15 year old junior in high school. My friends knew David as a Young Life leader and youth pastor. They had such excitement that there would be a new church starting, and we all wanted to be a part of it. I rode to church with a friend. I remember getting to UE and expecting to see a few people in the lounge. Instead hundreds of people came and immediately the service had to be moved to a bigger space. I remember 1 Thessalonians was one of the first sermon series. I wasn't a believer yet, but the Bible teaching struck a chord with me as it seemed fresh and new. This was the start of a journey of faith for me.
-Lori B.
Aidan and I are transplants. Aidan moved to Evansville after college, and I joined him after we got married. We did not have any relatives in this area, and CFC became our family. From throwing us a baby shower for our first born and visiting us in the hospital, to counseling and supporting us through marriage difficulties, to teaching and encouraging us as we raise two kids and helping us grow on our spiritual walk, the LORD provided us everything we need through CFC. Our church family celebrated, laughed, and cried with us. We are thankful for the family the LORD provided us here in Evansville. We met wonderful people who are no longer with us, like Dr. Spence and Corky Downs, Hal and Dorothy Resseguie, Alice Casey, and Judy Hall. Some of our favorite family memories are made here, including weddings, birthday parties, Friends Forever Preschool events, the Easter Pageant, VBS, Autumn Fest, Run for Rakai, Christmas, and Robanza. We don’t get to choose our family, but we feel blessed that CFC adopted us. Happy Anniversary, CFC!
-Ner Moo K.
My husband, Greg , and I attended SCM (School of Christian Ministries) soon after our marriage and starting at CFC in 1981. It was our first comprehensive learning about the Bible and the Christian life. We attended special meetings with a speaker about creation, also a first for us learning about that issue from a Biblical perspective. Then there was Larry Burkette and learning about a Christian view of finances. I remember concerts at CFC with Don Francisco and Steve and Annie Chapman and helping with VBS. Some of those VBS songs still roll around in my head! Doris Bass led a Bible study for some of us young women and Becky Payne worked in the church office and mentored me for several years. I remember growing through 50- Day Spiritual Adventures with Chapel of the Air. And learning about Missions through supporting our homegrown missionaries. CFC shaped our early lives, and I am so grateful for it. Happy Anniversary, CFC!
-Nancy M.
My one word impression of CFC is "friendly!" We have been attending since [my children] Ben was 3 and Erin was on the way, or 39 years. I remember how much fun it was to come on Sunday, and the kids and I would so enjoy a hot breakfast catered by Mr. Earl!! Thank you for all our wonderful memories and the faith we have gained by attending this awesome church!!!
-Kitsy J.
CFC has meant so much to me over the last 20 years! It was the church that I came to when I moved to Evansville from Illinois. The first Sunday, Pastor David’s sermon challenged me. I heard the music while walking in & had a warm feeling this was my new church. Little did I realize that my future husband was likely on that stage playing guitar that weekend. I got involved with the young singles group where I met many new friends and eventually my husband there. I got married there. We dedicated our 2 girls there. Then, my husband got sick with cancer, and the people of CFC were amazing! Our small group and many others were on the front lines with us! John went home to Jesus after about a year battle with cancer. We had his funeral at CFC. Friends and family at CFC still walked along side me and my girls, while I was a single mom. About 4 years later, I remarried, and Greg moved from 3.5 hours away. We got married at CFC, and he made CFC his new home church. Last year, he was baptized at CFC. So much life and memories lived at CFC. I am forever thankful for the Lord bringing me here.
-Bridget C.
Knowing marriage was in our future. David and I wanted to find our “own” church. The first visit in 1979 was all it took. Within a year we were married, back when David N had all dark hair…LOL. Marriage counseling is worth it! The job took us to Albion, IL, and I am grateful to say we still attend weekly. After 45 years it’s hard to say what stands out the most: knowing how loved I am, to never stop praying, reading your bible even if it doesn’t make sense. God is so so faithful. His presence in my life makes the high and low lows doable. P.S. Albion pop. is 2000, equal that or CFC.
-Shelley S.
Back in the 1990s, I lived in Mt Carmel, IL. I was single, as was my good friend, Karen. [We heard] about a Friday night singles event (volleyball) at ...Christian Fellowship Church. ... So, the next Friday night, we attended. And we began attending other singles events with T & T (Twenties and Thirties), the then adult singles group at CFC. The events were great, and a special blessing because alcohol was NOT involved... But, more important than the pleasant social time afforded by these singles events, it was through T&T that I met my husband, Albert, with whom I have two beautiful children. I could go on and on in describing the many ways in which CFC has been in my/our life — from Sunday morning services to Friday night supportive fellowship meetings, from Bible studies to stamping nights — but to say CFC changed my life is not an exaggeration. I couldn’t be more thankful.
-Jody K.
Barbara & I had our 1st child in 1982. After a few months, she decided we need to "find religion." Even though we both came from Christian backgrounds, we had strayed. She was familiar with David from his time as a youth pastor at 1st Pres. She suggested we try his new church. That 1st Sunday I was hooked. I had never heard "preaching" like this! David was TEACHING, not lecturing. He was actually explaining and interpreting the word! Soon after that visit, we invited Evangalism Explosion to visit our home. We talked and they left me John to read. The next week they came again, and I prayed to receive Jesus (for real this time!!). We have been at CFC ever since!
-Charlie C.
We will never forget the very first Sunday meeting at U of E when the Lord brought more people to the service than were expected who were hungry for God’s Word and Christian fellowship. So many wonderful memories were made through small groups and the “Under Thirties” gatherings. God was in the business of blessing and growing us all more than we could ever imagine.
-Becky & Larry G.
For fifty years CFC has been our church home & this celebration brings back many memories. Here is where our children would grow in their love for the Lord & where friendships would be developed that would support us through the thick & thin of life & still do to this day. Growing in the Lord while attending All City Bible class under the tutelage of Phyllis Niednagel & then Corky Downs & Carole Miley was amazing. David’s sound teaching, Dale’s gift of teaching plus the other gifted ministers & church leaders have been so important in our daily Christian walk. We have certainly been blessed with a church family that I would never have thought possible when we first moved to Evansville 56 years ago.
-Margaret M.
I have many wonderful memories of my time at CFC, but my favorites would have to be leading the VBS Praise Team for 6 or 7 years, being an adult leader at grade school and middle school camps, co-teaching Pre-K Sunday School for multiple years, the four years I spent co-leading the sweetest group of middle school, then high school girls, and participating in the numerous Women’s Ministry Bible Studies and events. Most especially, I value the time others volunteered to share Jesus with our five children and their friends. The memories are endless. Although we are no longer active at CFC, Scott and I consider ourselves to be “on mission” to help grow a local small church that is serving Evansville’s Downtown community. It is a blessing to have learned so much about God, the Holy Spirit, and the love of Jesus at CFC. Thank you!
-Amy K. A.
I was lucky enough to help build the new sanctuary in (2001)? The people of this church took all of us in the gym and fed us like a family reunion each Friday!! They prayed for us and loved on us each week. We were always used to being shunned, no dirt, no noise, just get the job done. But CFC treated all of us, sometimes 150 men, like royalty!! I’ll never for forget that. Sharon and I were members here shortly after. I love this church congregation!!!
-Steve H.
I have nothing but wonderful memories of my 32 years attending & being a member at CFC. My parents started going to CFC from the very beginning. My dad remembers having to set up & tear down chairs at the early meetings. I wish my mom were here to share stories because she would have so many!! My earliest memories are of the gym as a child. Running circles up the stairs & around the gym, watching people fellowship. And of course, I loved the donuts. But as I grew up, the middle school & high school ministries were quite literally life-changing for me. Pastor Niednagel baptized me when I was 11 yrs old & I have been walking closely with God ever since. I especially loved CFC’s emphasis on overseas ministry. I had the opportunity to go to China as a 15 yr old with the CFC high school ministry, & it changed the entire course of my life from then on! My husband Joe became a believer through the high school ministry & we both ended up being missionaries supported by & sent by CFC to Slovakia for 3 yrs. One of my favorite memories is before we left for our training, they called us down to the front of the church service & said “here come Joe & Megan with little Faith.” Of course everyone burst into laughter at the sound of it. Now today that little Faith is often found leading worship at “big church” (what we always called it) on Sundays & her husband is the high school director. Talk about life coming full-circle. Thank you to every leader, director, family who made our years at CFC so amazing & thank you to everyone who continues the legacy of grace & love today. We love CFC & always will.
-Megan D.
First, CFC had such great music! One song stands out. Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris had recorded "More Than Wonderful," a stirring and soaring song extolling Jesus. One Sunday we had a pair of soloists, from our own congregation, who had voices almost as powerful as Sandi's and Larnelle's, sing "More Than Wonderful." A group of high school kids were sitting together down front in what is now the Chapel, and heard the song in the first service. I was impressed when they stayed for the next service – so they could hear that song again! CFC provided a rich environment for learning about God. In addition to David's excellent teaching, we were introduced to many other ministries... who spoke at CFC, as well as countless missionaries. We had a Friendship to Internationals group, so you didn't have to go abroad to be a missionary. One year the University of Evansville asked if CFC could provide people to befriend 50 Arab men who were coming to study at UE! There were many opportunities to go on short-term mission trips, and our sons, as teenagers, got to go to Mexico, China and Uganda with first-class CFC leaders. Perhaps this is the best memory. When the current Chapel was the Worship Center, prior to the auditorium being built, it had the feel of an amphitheater; it was easy to look all around the room and see people. When you saw certain people – knowing their stories and how God had changed them – that was a beautiful thing!
-Cheryl N. & Terry N.
We followed David and Judy from Bosse High School Young Life ... newly married ... to UE when CFC was formed where many showed up ... hungry to know God's Word ... The Christlike impact that they made in our lives has been invaluable. The foundational biblical teaching grew us individually and prepared us to share the gospel with family and friends ... Community units ... supportive fellowships ... countless bible studies, Sanctity of Life Sunday, Jews for Jesus, prayer groups, missionaries, marriage and parenting classes, retreats, conferences ... answered prayers, hospital visits, births, baptisms, marriages, and funerals have drawn us closer to God's family and Christ, our Lord. Our family received the example and Word of God under David, and now our grandchildren are under Dale's teaching. CFC began and continues to be focused on the Word of God, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and a focus toward missions. We are grateful to God for all He has done.
-Randy & Terri D.
40 years ago I was asked to sing in the CFC 10th anniversary choir at The Center. I heard it was Steve Stewart's attempt at getting a 100 voice choir together. I remember the name of the cantata was "No Turning Back." I would say we pretty well listened to that wouldn't you? Keep up the good work. Happy 50th.
-Jeff D.
The word that best describes CFC to me is Generations. Our family has been involved with CFC for 4 generations. My parents (Bill & Martie Shaw) were in their 40's when CFC began (Generation 1), I (Kathy Shaw Osburn) was in high school and my sister (Sally Shaw Sigler) in middle school (Generation 2). My kids (Ann Osburn Pohl and Paul Osburn) were raised at CFC (General 3) and now my grandkids (William & Maddison, Myla & Aro) can be found learning in the Children's Ministry each week (Generation 4). Our involvement goes back to before that first Sunday 50 years ago. I remember clearly Mom and Dad telling me what was going on and asking me to pray for God's wisdom and guidance as starting a new church was being considered. We've been blessed to be ministered to in so many way. Mostly through ministries we've been involved with, thinking we were ministering to others, but we were ministered to instead ... Several in our family have even worked for the church in various capacities over the years (mom as David's 1st secretary and in later years in the office, myself as one of the 1st interns in the mid-70's, my daughter and my son, and my brother-in-law) .The teachings ... have given us the Biblical foundation to live our daily lives walking with God. CFC has been there during the good times and the bad times in our lives. We're now down to 3 living generations (my parent's are rejoicing in Heaven) and we continue to be blessed each week. It's going to be fun to see how God uses CFC in our lives and the lives others the next 50 years.
-Kathy O.
Marshall and I came to CFC in the Spring of 2003 and decided to stay/join because of the preaching of the Word, the music, and Global Missions. We joined a small group of couples ...This group was such a blessing during some very difficult times. When Marshall fell from a tree after the ice storm of 2009 and was in the hospital, the first day I returned home after being with him at the hospital, the driveway was lined with cars, and I heard the buzzing of chain saws! Several from our group had come and cut down the broken limb from which Marshall had fallen, and also removed a tree in the back yard that they had learned we were planning to cut down but couldn't afford to do at that time. I'm presently blessed to be in a close-knit group of women; we pray together and for each other, study God's word together and enjoy such sweet fellowship.
-Willa M.
In 2006, my wife and I were feeling a prompting from the Holy Spirit to seek out a new church. We had visited a few local churches but just wasn't felt drawn to make any of those for our new church home. Then a friend of mine at work said "hey why don't you come to CFC and hear the Worship Team?" We had some of our W/T lined up to come with us. (See, I was still active in our team at my home church at that time). Well, they all backed out, and Sonja said "what are you going to do?" I said that I had told Doug that i was coming so we went. After visiting a few Saturday night services, I remember Sonja asked me in January of '07 what I wanted to do for my birthday, and I said I wanted to go to CFC to church. When we got to the car that evening we looked at each other, and I said I know where we need to be, and she said CFC! We lived in Illinois but that didn't even make any difference. We just felt the Holy Spirit in that room from the first note Sam played till David said Amen!!
-Greg & Sonja S.
BACK TO 50TH PAGE
-David N.
One of my fond memories of CFC is of the forming of small groups in the very beginning days of our meeting together. We could only use the auditorium at Seton Manor on Sunday mornings, so we couldn't have other large meetings during the week. But we could have small groups in homes. Someone knew about a man named Chuck Miller in California who was a great leader and who trained people to function well in small groups. We brought him to train us, and many came to a meeting where he taught us a Bible study method he called 2PROAPT. That stood for Pray, Preview, Read, Observe, Apply, Pray, and Tell someone about it. Chuck helped us practice using these steps on short passages of Scripture, so we could use this same method for our small group meetings. We did the 2PROAPT study on our own and shared about what we learned from our study with our groups.
I remember working on dividing people into small groups. We ended up with 20 groups of about 10 people each. I loved our small group! We were so glad to be together and study the Word. And we loved singing the songs that were coming out of the Jesus Movement in CA. There was real joy and celebration. The small groups led to great connections among people and were a great source of growth. They, along with the Biblical preaching, became the backbone of the church.
-Judy N.
I remember the first service that Kevin and I attended clearly. It was the first service in the brand new Worship Center in November 2001. We heard Pastor David share the Gospel so clearly, and for the first time, we understood and believed! We'd both been to church on and off our entire lives, but we'd never understood. (Shout out to Janet & JR Huff for continuing to invite us.)
-Andi M.
I came in 1980, and even though I came from a congregation of about 20 on Sunday to here at 1,000, I seemed to fit in. They passed the hat ( a real one) and asked to put your name in for a small group...I put my name in and have been in one ever since. I would have never learned so much or been a mature Christian had I not come here from my former church. I was single with 2 kids and there was an usher at the same place every Sunday... He continued there for 10 years and helped me to feel welcomed. He asked about my children as they grew up . He has gone to heaven long ago ,but I will never forget him helping each Sunday just by being there and being interested in my family.
-Sandy M.
I'll never forget the first weekend I visited CFC. Pulling into the parking lot, the building looked kind of scary, and I was nervous about how the people inside would treat me. But as soon as I walked in the doors it felt like home. People were waiting to greet me with smiles and excitement! The building was full of joy and fellowship. I felt so refreshed. Over a decade later, CFC still feels like home, and the joy our church exudes during events and at weekend services is a constant blessing to me through the ups and downs of life.
-Madeline H.
Thousands of pastors and women leaders are blessed and impacted by the ministry of CFC all over India, so we are so much grateful for all the prayers and supports you've given over all these years. Congratulations!
-Abraham J.
Barry first came to know Pastor Dave when he was in college at U of E. Pastor Dave led a Men’s Bible study that Barry attended. When Pastor Dave started CFC that first Sunday, Aug. 4, 1974, Barry was there helping set up chairs. Pastor Dave officiated at our wedding on June 18, 1977. We went to CFC for many years. We have appreciated and thank God for giving us Pastor Dave and Judy, CFC, and many long time friends!
-Barry & Angie J.
SO many of my favorite memories from the last 10+ years of my life happened either at CFC or in the company of dear friends I met because of CFC. The CFC building is the place where Joe and I met and got to know one another as we served together in the worship ministries there. It's also the place where we got engaged and where we were married. To me, the F for Fellowship in CFC is extremely appropriate because it has been through CFC that I have experienced the truest, deepest, and richest fellowship with other people. I love that I have gotten to know and cherish other believers of all different generations, as well as learn alongside them and from them.
-Kristina E.
I had worked for Friends Forever as a preschool teacher and attended BSF at CFC before our family started attending here. We attended a small church and our kids were needing a strong children's program. As a non-member, but an employee, I saw the love of the staff from the inside out! We have always loved the music and the teaching at CFC, but it was the Children's Ministry that drew us here! The Children's Ministry was and is committed to teaching God's Word in a fun, inviting, age-appropriate way. We have now attended CFC for 20+ years and my husband and I are still involved with kids ministry! My grandkids are now a part of CFC Kids, woohoo! We love our church and are so thankful for our church family!
-Sandy B
I first came to CFC, I believe, in 1982 or 83. We were attending another church, but sensing it was not home. I ran into a high school friend one day who had become a strong Christian, and she told me about CFC and the teaching she felt was so biblical. My husband and I decided to come and bring our 4 children, and we continued until the children grew up and went away to college or married (2 of them by Pastor David in the CFC Chapel). I began working in the Tape Ministry near the end of 1985 and have been here since on staff part time. My husband and parents have passed, and my children have all grown up and live out of town and state, but I am so thankful for many here over the years who have prayed for, loved, comforted, and blessed me through many happy, joyful, as well as sad and difficult times,. I'm also blessed by the countless saints who influenced my life, some who have gone on to be with Jesus, who I will never forget and look forward to seeing again in the presence of Christ. God is good!!
-Kathy W.
Twenty five years ago, as engaged college students, Katie and I made our way to CFC. we were in search of the church that would be our church home. We were welcomed to CFC by a newly hired college minister fresh out of seminary and his new bride. Jeff had a passion for ministry and life and an infectious smile. Both, he and Gretchen, loved people and they drew us in immediately. They loved as well, counseled us, married us, and discipled us from 1999 until Jeff's unexpected death in 2002. Jeff was an incredible influence in my life and ministry. He was so closely tied to my favorite early memories at CFC including my wedding. God placed him and CFC in my life at just the right season. Jeff and Gretchen were part of the CFC body for just about three years but their fingerprints are all over my life and ministry. I’m so grateful for the stories and the people who have shaped CFC over the years-whether they have been active in the life of the church for 50 years or they built into the lives of our people for a few years in the middle or if they are just getting started. This community is what it is because of the investments we make in each other.
-Kyle C.
Bob and Marie Greek invited us to visit. We were leaving a large church and wanted to go to a smaller church. This was February, 1979. Well, God had others plans, and we are still here. They introduced us to [Pastor] David that day. When we came back the following week, he remembered our names. The church had just moved from the gym into the original worship center. There was just one service but wasn't long before another was added. Our lifelong friends came out of our supportive fellowship.
-Ruth S.
Our family moved to Evansville, IN, and began attending Christian Fellowship Church as it was nearing completion in 1974. We became members of the first Missions Team … which planned the church’s first mission conference weekend and we were both amazed and thrilled with the strong positive response…Dave [later after making the move to full time missions] became a strong missions mobilizer for North American churches. Together we saw our mission was to help leaders fulfill their roles in The Great Commission. Dave’s personal vision was a movement of churches making world evangelism central. CFC became our sending church and supported us financially and faithfully nearly 30 years! Many friends in the church were on our support team and we met periodically with them to update them on the ministry... How thankful we were to be an extension of the CFC family those years! How we praised God to be allowed to serve Him and CFC in this capacity. All glory to God!
-Marcy M.
In '79 as Purdue freshman, I was invited to CFC by sophomore Lori Padget, PU '84. Mark & I were married @ CFC by Dale Hansen. Last Sunday, over 40yrs later, while visiting, I was once again able to walk down the aisle with my father, Paul Carnes who will soon be 96 years old. What a blessing this church and congregation have been to us all. Congratulations CFC on 50yrs!! For your faithfulness David & Judy and now Dale & Andree, thank you.
-Jennifer D.
My [one word to describe my time at CFC] is “Intentional.” I’ve gone to CFC since I was a kid. I’m so thankful my parents were intentional on dragging Scott Dallas and me to CFC each Sunday after being invited by friends of theirs. My take away after growing closer to Christ through CFC is how intentional CFC has always been at teaching the truth, always praying, having missions that reach the talents of many near and far, and offering many small groups for all different ages to see people grow in their relationship with Christ. Their dedication to intentionally praying for our family and helping us find the resources we needed during difficult times was very much appreciated, and we love being a part of the CFC family!
-Lori H.
We were a newly married couple…when we joined CFC in late 1982. We immediately got involved in small groups and teaching grade school Sunday School classes. Perhaps our favorite memory involved our small group…Harry Repphan [leader] was a wise and Godly man, with a strong servant's heart. He modeled Christ's love for us and others...On the day we were to move out of our apartment and into the home, just a few days before Christmas, Harry and Joanne, and several others in the group offered to help us move our boxes across town and unpack and set up the home…while we were finishing the unpacking, someone came across a box of Christmas ornaments and came up with the idea that we needed to get a tree. Someone volunteered to do that and off they went, later returning with a beautiful cut Christmas tree…[and they] placed the tree in front of the picture window, strung the lights and adorned it with the second-hand decorations. Harry led a prayer of blessing over our new home. Late that evening, Gwen left work to return to our new home for the first time. She actually drove by the unfamiliar home the first time, as she saw the lighted tree in the window and thought "No, THAT can't be our home." Over the years we've told often told the story of the love and kindness modeled for us by our first church small group at Christian Fellowship Church… we've never forgotten those years and the great fellowship that flowed from CFC.
-Randy & Gwen M.
I first came to CFC in 1980, I was 21 yrs old, and I had just turned my life over to Jesus Christ a couple months earlier. I was still very confused about life. A good friend of my brother's, Greg Droste invited us both to CFC service. My eyes were opened to the teaching of scripture. David Niedenagel was teaching straight out of the bible word for word and we were following along. I was amazed and I was hooked on the bible. I've been to lots of church as a kid, but never realy knew what the bible was used for, Now I do. I got involved in "Career" a singles group for ages18-35. This group had weekly bible study and fellowship. Within the group we had accountibilty groups, which we encouraged and prayed for one another. This group mentored me and showed me how to be an effective Christian. Many close friendships were formed, I've seen many marry within the group, including myself. I have raised 3 children here in the church, I'm sure they can tell you some great stories as well. The ones that still live in town still call CFC their home church. I still love studying scripture!
-Marilyn M.
Some 23 years ago, Mark and I joined CFC. Our lives were enriched by the weekly teachings of Pastor David. His precious wife Judy invited me to help begin CFC’s prayer team. We quickly became close friends with Patty & Harold Stovall. We stood on their condo balcony in July to watch fireworks and they sat at our table for Thanksgivings. Our families became one. . . Praying, sharing and caring. Without CFC we would never have met the Stovall branch of our family.
-Mark & Sandy A.
Happy Anniversary CFC. The memories, friendships that developed, and spiritual growth that came from that body of believers are deep in my heart.
-Jackie V.So many memories, so many friends, so much spiritual growth from pastor and leaders!
-Connie D.I walked into CFC for the first time about 12 years ago. I was dropping off my son at Friends Forever. He was crying and I was upset. A fellow mom (Melanie Scheu) introduced herself to me that morning and made me feel so welcome. We are still friends to this day! Friends Forever was the beginning of our CFC adventure. We started worshipping there, became part of a small group, and attended Bible study. We have met so many dear friends and we continue to grow stronger in our faith. We love you CFC - you are home to us. ❤️
-Krystal H.
My family started attending CFC in 2005 when I was in Middle School. I remember thinking it seemed like such a huge church, but it doesn't seem that way any more. It really does feel like family. Since Middle School, everything in my life has revolved around my relationship with Christ, and that relationship has been fostered and enriched at CFC. My family, my friends, mission trip, camps, retreats, serving opportunities, and even my career have all been shaped my this local body. I met my wonderful wife here, got married here, and have the privilege of raising our daughter here. I never would have guessed in 2005 all of what God had in store for me at CFC through the next 20 years. I'm excited for the years to come!
-Joe E.
How clearly and fondly I remember the day of the first service. I was a 15 year old junior in high school. My friends knew David as a Young Life leader and youth pastor. They had such excitement that there would be a new church starting, and we all wanted to be a part of it. I rode to church with a friend. I remember getting to UE and expecting to see a few people in the lounge. Instead hundreds of people came and immediately the service had to be moved to a bigger space. I remember 1 Thessalonians was one of the first sermon series. I wasn't a believer yet, but the Bible teaching struck a chord with me as it seemed fresh and new. This was the start of a journey of faith for me.
-Lori B.
Aidan and I are transplants. Aidan moved to Evansville after college, and I joined him after we got married. We did not have any relatives in this area, and CFC became our family. From throwing us a baby shower for our first born and visiting us in the hospital, to counseling and supporting us through marriage difficulties, to teaching and encouraging us as we raise two kids and helping us grow on our spiritual walk, the LORD provided us everything we need through CFC. Our church family celebrated, laughed, and cried with us. We are thankful for the family the LORD provided us here in Evansville. We met wonderful people who are no longer with us, like Dr. Spence and Corky Downs, Hal and Dorothy Resseguie, Alice Casey, and Judy Hall. Some of our favorite family memories are made here, including weddings, birthday parties, Friends Forever Preschool events, the Easter Pageant, VBS, Autumn Fest, Run for Rakai, Christmas, and Robanza. We don’t get to choose our family, but we feel blessed that CFC adopted us. Happy Anniversary, CFC!
-Ner Moo K.
My husband, Greg , and I attended SCM (School of Christian Ministries) soon after our marriage and starting at CFC in 1981. It was our first comprehensive learning about the Bible and the Christian life. We attended special meetings with a speaker about creation, also a first for us learning about that issue from a Biblical perspective. Then there was Larry Burkette and learning about a Christian view of finances. I remember concerts at CFC with Don Francisco and Steve and Annie Chapman and helping with VBS. Some of those VBS songs still roll around in my head! Doris Bass led a Bible study for some of us young women and Becky Payne worked in the church office and mentored me for several years. I remember growing through 50- Day Spiritual Adventures with Chapel of the Air. And learning about Missions through supporting our homegrown missionaries. CFC shaped our early lives, and I am so grateful for it. Happy Anniversary, CFC!
-Nancy M.
My one word impression of CFC is "friendly!" We have been attending since [my children] Ben was 3 and Erin was on the way, or 39 years. I remember how much fun it was to come on Sunday, and the kids and I would so enjoy a hot breakfast catered by Mr. Earl!! Thank you for all our wonderful memories and the faith we have gained by attending this awesome church!!!
-Kitsy J.
CFC has meant so much to me over the last 20 years! It was the church that I came to when I moved to Evansville from Illinois. The first Sunday, Pastor David’s sermon challenged me. I heard the music while walking in & had a warm feeling this was my new church. Little did I realize that my future husband was likely on that stage playing guitar that weekend. I got involved with the young singles group where I met many new friends and eventually my husband there. I got married there. We dedicated our 2 girls there. Then, my husband got sick with cancer, and the people of CFC were amazing! Our small group and many others were on the front lines with us! John went home to Jesus after about a year battle with cancer. We had his funeral at CFC. Friends and family at CFC still walked along side me and my girls, while I was a single mom. About 4 years later, I remarried, and Greg moved from 3.5 hours away. We got married at CFC, and he made CFC his new home church. Last year, he was baptized at CFC. So much life and memories lived at CFC. I am forever thankful for the Lord bringing me here.
-Bridget C.
Knowing marriage was in our future. David and I wanted to find our “own” church. The first visit in 1979 was all it took. Within a year we were married, back when David N had all dark hair…LOL. Marriage counseling is worth it! The job took us to Albion, IL, and I am grateful to say we still attend weekly. After 45 years it’s hard to say what stands out the most: knowing how loved I am, to never stop praying, reading your bible even if it doesn’t make sense. God is so so faithful. His presence in my life makes the high and low lows doable. P.S. Albion pop. is 2000, equal that or CFC.
-Shelley S.
Back in the 1990s, I lived in Mt Carmel, IL. I was single, as was my good friend, Karen. [We heard] about a Friday night singles event (volleyball) at ...Christian Fellowship Church. ... So, the next Friday night, we attended. And we began attending other singles events with T & T (Twenties and Thirties), the then adult singles group at CFC. The events were great, and a special blessing because alcohol was NOT involved... But, more important than the pleasant social time afforded by these singles events, it was through T&T that I met my husband, Albert, with whom I have two beautiful children. I could go on and on in describing the many ways in which CFC has been in my/our life — from Sunday morning services to Friday night supportive fellowship meetings, from Bible studies to stamping nights — but to say CFC changed my life is not an exaggeration. I couldn’t be more thankful.
-Jody K.
Barbara & I had our 1st child in 1982. After a few months, she decided we need to "find religion." Even though we both came from Christian backgrounds, we had strayed. She was familiar with David from his time as a youth pastor at 1st Pres. She suggested we try his new church. That 1st Sunday I was hooked. I had never heard "preaching" like this! David was TEACHING, not lecturing. He was actually explaining and interpreting the word! Soon after that visit, we invited Evangalism Explosion to visit our home. We talked and they left me John to read. The next week they came again, and I prayed to receive Jesus (for real this time!!). We have been at CFC ever since!
-Charlie C.
We will never forget the very first Sunday meeting at U of E when the Lord brought more people to the service than were expected who were hungry for God’s Word and Christian fellowship. So many wonderful memories were made through small groups and the “Under Thirties” gatherings. God was in the business of blessing and growing us all more than we could ever imagine.
-Becky & Larry G.
For fifty years CFC has been our church home & this celebration brings back many memories. Here is where our children would grow in their love for the Lord & where friendships would be developed that would support us through the thick & thin of life & still do to this day. Growing in the Lord while attending All City Bible class under the tutelage of Phyllis Niednagel & then Corky Downs & Carole Miley was amazing. David’s sound teaching, Dale’s gift of teaching plus the other gifted ministers & church leaders have been so important in our daily Christian walk. We have certainly been blessed with a church family that I would never have thought possible when we first moved to Evansville 56 years ago.
-Margaret M.
I have many wonderful memories of my time at CFC, but my favorites would have to be leading the VBS Praise Team for 6 or 7 years, being an adult leader at grade school and middle school camps, co-teaching Pre-K Sunday School for multiple years, the four years I spent co-leading the sweetest group of middle school, then high school girls, and participating in the numerous Women’s Ministry Bible Studies and events. Most especially, I value the time others volunteered to share Jesus with our five children and their friends. The memories are endless. Although we are no longer active at CFC, Scott and I consider ourselves to be “on mission” to help grow a local small church that is serving Evansville’s Downtown community. It is a blessing to have learned so much about God, the Holy Spirit, and the love of Jesus at CFC. Thank you!
-Amy K. A.
I was lucky enough to help build the new sanctuary in (2001)? The people of this church took all of us in the gym and fed us like a family reunion each Friday!! They prayed for us and loved on us each week. We were always used to being shunned, no dirt, no noise, just get the job done. But CFC treated all of us, sometimes 150 men, like royalty!! I’ll never for forget that. Sharon and I were members here shortly after. I love this church congregation!!!
-Steve H.
I have nothing but wonderful memories of my 32 years attending & being a member at CFC. My parents started going to CFC from the very beginning. My dad remembers having to set up & tear down chairs at the early meetings. I wish my mom were here to share stories because she would have so many!! My earliest memories are of the gym as a child. Running circles up the stairs & around the gym, watching people fellowship. And of course, I loved the donuts. But as I grew up, the middle school & high school ministries were quite literally life-changing for me. Pastor Niednagel baptized me when I was 11 yrs old & I have been walking closely with God ever since. I especially loved CFC’s emphasis on overseas ministry. I had the opportunity to go to China as a 15 yr old with the CFC high school ministry, & it changed the entire course of my life from then on! My husband Joe became a believer through the high school ministry & we both ended up being missionaries supported by & sent by CFC to Slovakia for 3 yrs. One of my favorite memories is before we left for our training, they called us down to the front of the church service & said “here come Joe & Megan with little Faith.” Of course everyone burst into laughter at the sound of it. Now today that little Faith is often found leading worship at “big church” (what we always called it) on Sundays & her husband is the high school director. Talk about life coming full-circle. Thank you to every leader, director, family who made our years at CFC so amazing & thank you to everyone who continues the legacy of grace & love today. We love CFC & always will.
-Megan D.
First, CFC had such great music! One song stands out. Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris had recorded "More Than Wonderful," a stirring and soaring song extolling Jesus. One Sunday we had a pair of soloists, from our own congregation, who had voices almost as powerful as Sandi's and Larnelle's, sing "More Than Wonderful." A group of high school kids were sitting together down front in what is now the Chapel, and heard the song in the first service. I was impressed when they stayed for the next service – so they could hear that song again! CFC provided a rich environment for learning about God. In addition to David's excellent teaching, we were introduced to many other ministries... who spoke at CFC, as well as countless missionaries. We had a Friendship to Internationals group, so you didn't have to go abroad to be a missionary. One year the University of Evansville asked if CFC could provide people to befriend 50 Arab men who were coming to study at UE! There were many opportunities to go on short-term mission trips, and our sons, as teenagers, got to go to Mexico, China and Uganda with first-class CFC leaders. Perhaps this is the best memory. When the current Chapel was the Worship Center, prior to the auditorium being built, it had the feel of an amphitheater; it was easy to look all around the room and see people. When you saw certain people – knowing their stories and how God had changed them – that was a beautiful thing!
-Cheryl N. & Terry N.
We followed David and Judy from Bosse High School Young Life ... newly married ... to UE when CFC was formed where many showed up ... hungry to know God's Word ... The Christlike impact that they made in our lives has been invaluable. The foundational biblical teaching grew us individually and prepared us to share the gospel with family and friends ... Community units ... supportive fellowships ... countless bible studies, Sanctity of Life Sunday, Jews for Jesus, prayer groups, missionaries, marriage and parenting classes, retreats, conferences ... answered prayers, hospital visits, births, baptisms, marriages, and funerals have drawn us closer to God's family and Christ, our Lord. Our family received the example and Word of God under David, and now our grandchildren are under Dale's teaching. CFC began and continues to be focused on the Word of God, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and a focus toward missions. We are grateful to God for all He has done.
-Randy & Terri D.
40 years ago I was asked to sing in the CFC 10th anniversary choir at The Center. I heard it was Steve Stewart's attempt at getting a 100 voice choir together. I remember the name of the cantata was "No Turning Back." I would say we pretty well listened to that wouldn't you? Keep up the good work. Happy 50th.
-Jeff D.
The word that best describes CFC to me is Generations. Our family has been involved with CFC for 4 generations. My parents (Bill & Martie Shaw) were in their 40's when CFC began (Generation 1), I (Kathy Shaw Osburn) was in high school and my sister (Sally Shaw Sigler) in middle school (Generation 2). My kids (Ann Osburn Pohl and Paul Osburn) were raised at CFC (General 3) and now my grandkids (William & Maddison, Myla & Aro) can be found learning in the Children's Ministry each week (Generation 4). Our involvement goes back to before that first Sunday 50 years ago. I remember clearly Mom and Dad telling me what was going on and asking me to pray for God's wisdom and guidance as starting a new church was being considered. We've been blessed to be ministered to in so many way. Mostly through ministries we've been involved with, thinking we were ministering to others, but we were ministered to instead ... Several in our family have even worked for the church in various capacities over the years (mom as David's 1st secretary and in later years in the office, myself as one of the 1st interns in the mid-70's, my daughter and my son, and my brother-in-law) .The teachings ... have given us the Biblical foundation to live our daily lives walking with God. CFC has been there during the good times and the bad times in our lives. We're now down to 3 living generations (my parent's are rejoicing in Heaven) and we continue to be blessed each week. It's going to be fun to see how God uses CFC in our lives and the lives others the next 50 years.
-Kathy O.
Marshall and I came to CFC in the Spring of 2003 and decided to stay/join because of the preaching of the Word, the music, and Global Missions. We joined a small group of couples ...This group was such a blessing during some very difficult times. When Marshall fell from a tree after the ice storm of 2009 and was in the hospital, the first day I returned home after being with him at the hospital, the driveway was lined with cars, and I heard the buzzing of chain saws! Several from our group had come and cut down the broken limb from which Marshall had fallen, and also removed a tree in the back yard that they had learned we were planning to cut down but couldn't afford to do at that time. I'm presently blessed to be in a close-knit group of women; we pray together and for each other, study God's word together and enjoy such sweet fellowship.
-Willa M.
In 2006, my wife and I were feeling a prompting from the Holy Spirit to seek out a new church. We had visited a few local churches but just wasn't felt drawn to make any of those for our new church home. Then a friend of mine at work said "hey why don't you come to CFC and hear the Worship Team?" We had some of our W/T lined up to come with us. (See, I was still active in our team at my home church at that time). Well, they all backed out, and Sonja said "what are you going to do?" I said that I had told Doug that i was coming so we went. After visiting a few Saturday night services, I remember Sonja asked me in January of '07 what I wanted to do for my birthday, and I said I wanted to go to CFC to church. When we got to the car that evening we looked at each other, and I said I know where we need to be, and she said CFC! We lived in Illinois but that didn't even make any difference. We just felt the Holy Spirit in that room from the first note Sam played till David said Amen!!
-Greg & Sonja S.
I so remember the first Sunday that we were invited by Charley and Beth Storms to attend CFC. ... We dropped our kids off at the rehabilitation center where they had the nursery and Sunday school. We continued over to St. Mary’s auditorium. I can’t remember what David was preaching on, but but I remember that I thought next week I need to remember to bring a notebook. I asked Artie did he want to go back next week, and he said we’re going back next week because it’s like a soap opera -- you gotta find out what happens next. CFC, Sunday school, middle school, and high school leaders poured their hearts and God into our four daughters. Two of our daughters are now members of CFC and the other two attend other churches. I remember sewing curtains for the nursery, doing a puppet show for the late service because there was no Sunday school, helping in Sunday school, attending a couples small group class, and serving on mission trips to Georgia and Turkey. All of this is because CFC helped prepare our hearts to serve Jesus. I have three grandchildren that are active in the college ministry and the middle school ministry. Two of those grandchildren have served on mission teams along with their mother to the Dominican Republic. I praise God every day that we heard the call to attend CFC. Blessings on all of the pastors currently serving, serving in the past and pastors that are deceased. I praise the Lord for the teams that help support the ministry of CFC. I pray for many many more years and CFC will be able to Minister to the people of Evansville and the surrounding area. -Art & Patti S. Something that has always been a part of my life at CFC is Kids' Choir. I remember Cheryl Stroud leading Kids' Choir when I was in elementary school and being a part of several musicals. Fast forward to 1996 when I graduated from Taylor University where I had volunteered in a Kids' Choir ministry at the church I attended while there. When I came back home to CFC, I was asked to take over the Kids' Choir ministry here. I have been blessed to be able to continue with this ministry for the last 28 years. I have loved the fact that it has allowed me to disciple many children during those years and help the kids (some for multiple years) learn more about the Lord and help them draw closer to Him--just as my own Kids' Choir leaders and Sunday School teachers did for me. I am also thankful that CFC has always been Christ-focused and worship centered in both Children's and adult ministries. -Jamie F. CFC has been part of my family since the beginning. I attended the first service at UE while I was a student there, followed to St Mary’s gathering area, and then on to the church which use to be only the chapel before the big sanctuary was built. I have been through many seasons of life with brothers and sisters at the church and grown through each one. My children loved Sunday school, children’s choir, and the many activities. CFC helped me give them the spiritual understanding needed to hold on to their faith, and they both know Jesus as their Savior and are participating in churches with their families. I was so blessed to have walked into that first service. I have met so many beautiful, faithful women through the Women’s ministry, love singing with the Voices of Praise in the 8am service, love caring for and loving on the little ones in the nursery, and being involved with the young mothers in Mom’s Group. Love you all! -Lottie C. One of my favorite memories of my time at CFC was when we participated in the Chapel of the Air’s 50 day spiritual adventure. These were the 50 days leading up to Easter... The church handed out Scripture study guides that prepped us for the upcoming message each week. When we walked into service, we could feel the excitement and electricity. Everyone was one the same page, expectant, eager to hear what God was going to say to us. Every week also came with some sort of challenge, and I remember one in particular. David was going to teach in Matthew 6, and the challenge was to do something “in secret” for someone or many “someones,” not expecting praise or recognition. What a joy to be sneaky kind! It seemed like everyone came to service early to share what the Lord had done for them or how He had provided. Everyone was so full of praise and thanks. These acts of sneaky kindness didn’t just go on for that week. For a long time we kept hearing stories as the Lord continued to bless us all. -Sheree W. I got baptized on June 11, 2006 in the worship center baptismal, and not in the lake, because of rain. Praise the Lord, oh my soul. -Tony H. It would be impossible to overstate the impact that CFC has had on our lives. As newlyweds, we attended a Sunday School Class called the Year of Vision, which greatly impacted the direction our lives would take as we learned about unreached people groups. We also joined what was then called a "Supportive Fellowship" and got to know and love several amazing families in the church. We served together in the Jr. High ministry and experienced the beauty of a team of lay leaders ministering and sharing life together. Then as a family with young children, we were blessed by children's Sunday School and nursery workers who loved on our girls. In 1991, we moved to St. Louis to attend seminary, and from that time until we returned from Kazakhstan in 2009, we experienced more love, support, encouragement from the church as a whole and the MANY people who prayed for and generously and faithfully supported us than we can describe. Because of the CFC body and the commitment of the Church, the Kazakhs have the Bible in their own language and the church is alive and well in this country! Hallelujah! Words could never express how grateful we are to the Lord for the people of CFC and how He has used them in our lives and the lives of so many others in Evansville and around the world. May He continue to use CFC to be a blessing to all nations. -Scott & Lora W. Newly married with a blended family, we were lost and looking for a new direction. We were invited to CFC in the fall of 1980, and from the first visit we noticed “something” different on the faces of the people there. We weren’t sure what they had that we didnt, but we knew we wanted it. In early 1981 I found out what that “something” was. David Niednagel was teaching on Genesis 3 about hiding from God. Danny Wilhite sang a song “Adam, Where Are You,” and I surrendered my life to Christ. My first Bible study was with 6-8 young women around Carole Miley’s dining room table. We joined a small group that was not only the catalyst for life long friendships, but also became a source of growth and strength as we all lived out the Christian life. And week after week, David’s rich Bible teaching was deepening both our knowledge and our faith. We moved to Florida in 2001 where the Lord blessed us in many ways, but CFC will always hold a special place in my heart because it was there that my life was changed for all eternity. -Susan V. |
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