By David Rogers. November 2, 2011. BLOWING ROCK -- FaithBridge United Methodist Church has a new home, is proud of it, and invites the High Country community to a "Grand Opening Worship Service" on Sunday, November 13, 2011.

"This building is the culmination of seven years' hard work by FaithBridge's building committee and our congregation," Marianne Romanat, Pastor of FaithBridge UMC, told Blowing Rock News on Sunday morning, as the church was preparing to hold its first worship service. "As they designed the building and oversaw the construction, our members kept in mind the church's purpose: 'Building a Bridge of Faith Through Christ for Those Who are Disconnected from Church.'"

Formed in June 2002, FaithBridge held its first worship services and planning meetings in the garage of one of its founders.  It moved to the Band Room of Blowing Rock School, then to the School Cafeteria, and finally the School Auditorium, although from July 2003 through August 2006, the church rented space in a building beside Mystery Hill, worshipping where Doc's Gem Mine currently operates.

From the beginning, Romanat has provided spiritual leadership, charged by the Bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church to establish a year-round United Methodist church in Blowing Rock.

The new building at 196 Aho Road (just east of U.S. 321), is phase one of a three-phase project.  It includes a multi-purpose Worship Space that can double as  a Fellowship Hall, a Prayer Room, a Lobby, a Coffee Bar, a Children's Ministry Room for infant's and toddlers and, of course, restrooms.

In the worship area, the stage has been dedicated as "Stage Wright" in memory of beloved church member Tommy Wright, who served as a youth counselor and praise band member until his tragic death in an auto accident in 2010.  Similarly, the Prayer Room has been dedicated in memory of Billy Cannon, described by Romanat as "...a beloved church member, supporter, encourager, and prayer warrior, who died in 2007."

For the November 13th Grand Opening, community members are invited to worship with the congregation, enjoy refreshments, and take tours of the new building.  Children's ministry will be available during the worship service for children 5th grade and younger.

For more information, call 828-295-8333, or visit www.faithbridgeumc.org.

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