Do you like unusual things? Have you visited unusual places? I’m not sure if I like to be surprised — or shocked — by unexpected things and places. Not all the time, anyway. Once in a while, maybe. What about you?
What about your church location? Is your church in an urban area, in the countryside, or by the ocean or river? Is there anything unusual or interesting about where your church was built?
In the Bible, Jesus preached in the cities, in towns, on the mountainside, by the sea, and from a boat…
“The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And he spake many things unto them in parables…” (Matthew 13:1-3a)
The above verse is from the KJV Bible. In the New King James translation, we might see “boat” instead of “ship.”
A boat?
Yes, a boat!
Our Lord Jesus Christ preached a sermon from a boat to His congregation on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.
When I remembered the scriptural passage, letting my Savannah Sweethearts characters come and go through Riverside Chapel, a riverboat church docked on the old Savannah River at the city waterfront didn’t seem that unusual, after all.
My Savannah Sweethearts collection follows the lives of eleven couples who live in the coastal city of Savannah or on the nearby shores of Tybee Island by the Atlantic Ocean.
After the Ask You Later prequel, set a year before, Savannah Sweethearts really begins in Know You More, where we find Pastor Diego Flores, young, single, and serving God in a church on a riverboat… Diego has all he can handle, but there’s more.
Diego Flores has been interested in his best friend’s younger sister since their college days, but his calling to pastor Riverside Chapel in Savannah takes up most of his time.
When Heidi Wei becomes his strongest supporter in his church growth ministry, how does Diego show his feelings for her without giving her the wrong idea? Does she see him as potential husband material or just the pastor of their church?
Heidi suspects that Diego is sweet on her, but he seems to believe that his divine calling prevents him from acting on it. If it isn’t meant to be, she’s not going to push for it. Yet every time they are together, something happens between them. Have they moved beyond the platonic relationship they have enjoyed all these years to something more personal?
When a crisis hits Heidi’s family, Diego has to balance pastoring his congregation and ministering to Heidi without losing either one. Being in love while growing a small church is difficult for him to juggle. Which path is more important? Which one should he focus on?
Know You More (Savannah Sweethearts Book 1) is available on these online retailers:
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Yes, Diego has his work cut out for him. However, he has a supportive church, in spite of their busy transition to a new location. Speaking of location, let’s go back to our original question. Is there anything unusual or interesting about where your church was built?
Have a wonderful day in the Lord!
In Christ,
Jan Thompson
USA Today bestselling novelist Jan Thompson writes clean and wholesome multiethnic contemporary Christian romance with elements of women’s fiction, Christian romantic suspense with an air of mystery, and inspirational international thrillers with threads of sweet Christian romance. Join Jan's mailing list for her latest book news: JanThompson.com/newsletter
Hi Jan, thanks for your thoughts, and for sharing about your story. My church is based at the school I work at (we call it a church plant) so it is designed to connect the school and church communities. Makes for a non-traditional church in many ways!!
Blessings:)
Hi Jan! Thanks for your informative and thought provoking blog. Our family church is located on what was a farmer’s apple orchard. While during the summer, we have some drive-in churches, especially for evening services. On Labor Day weekend we have Beach Services to enjoy the TriState Sailboat Regatta (Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois). Our Michigan weather does not allow for Riverboat Church, but south of us in Indiana the Blue Chip Casino is on a Boat on the Water. Different strokes for different folks.
Interesting blog. My church is in the “town” meaning it’s surrounded by a library, homes; the mall and various business. I like it also because it’s a quick drive from home.
That’s neat re: church plant! Thank you for your comments!
How nice re: apple orchard. Are there any leftover apple trees anywhere?
When visiting Florida, I’ve seen drive through churches (as opposed to drive in). I didn’t stop to check how it works, but it was quite non-traditional.
Cool re: regatta! Over here, we’re close to a lake where they sometimes have dragon boat festivals. I haven’t had time to go to one, but I’m guessing it’s very colorful.
Thank you for your comments!
It’s always nice to attend a church close by so you can do more church activities. Our current church is the nearest to us by far (35-40 minutes each way when there is no traffic). Our previous churches were many more towns away, and driving time for me was like 60-70 minutes, longer if we get stuck in rush hour.
When we started attending our present church, we went, “Wow! It’s only 40 minutes each way?!” LOL and most of our church friends are 5-15 minutes away. Some could even walk to church bc they live so close…
Thank you for your comments!
Most of the churches we’ve attended over the years (we’ve moved a lot) have been in the midst of a small town. Our current church home is out in the country, near enough to a rushing river that families with small kids need to pay attention! It’s also the church in the valley farthest away from our home (about 20 minutes)… but the one where we feel most at home.
I’ve enjoyed visiting Diego’s riverboat church in your stories!
Indeed re: “feel most at home” – Love that! I’ve been in churches of all sizes, but the best one is still one we can call our home church!
That sounds picturesque, the way you described your church setting. I can just imagine how pretty the church and scenery are through all four seasons, maybe especially in the fall with the autumn leaves all around the river and winter with snow everywhere. Sounds like a painting! :-)
Glad you enjoyed reading about Diego’s church! Even in the spin-off series, the characters have mentioned Riverside Chapel. Maybe it’s because I like that place a lot also!
Thank you again!
My church, Manassas Baptist Church in Manassas, VA, was founded in March 1884 with 8 members. Right outside Manassas is where there were two battles of the Civil War, and the battlefield is now a park. Over fifty years ago the members bought land and were laughed at b/c the spot was “out in the boonies” compared to their location at that time. Now the city has grown and totally encompassed “the boonies.” This area, being w/in commuting distance of Washington, DC, attracts a lot of immigrants, and we have become quite a multi-national church. Once a year we have a service called “A Taste of Heaven,” which emphasizes all the areas around the world that members come from, and then we have a big multi-national potluck lunch. Over 50 different countries are represented at that service!
My church has handcrafted woodwork from centuries ago still gracing the sanctuary.
Wow! That’s amazing. Love old churches!
That reminds me of the little chapel at The Cove in Asheville, NC, the one where Ruth Graham had pews shipped from UK, from an old church there.
And also all the old medieval churches still in UK. Some day I’ll visit them…
Thank you for your comments!
How cool! Manassas is a very historic place. That, and Williamburg, are on my bucket list of places to visit!
Love your comments on your international church! Since I write multiethnic fiction, I try to incorporate a lot of international echoes in my books also. Almost all the churches we have attended have been multiethnic, which reflects the world we live in today, IMHO. God did create only one race: the human race.
Have fun at your church potlucks with so many different cuisines! It’s interesting to try our different dishes.
Thank you for commenting!