Crossbridge opens new Morris campus

At 10:30 a.m., the lights dimmed and the spotlight beamed on the stage. The worship team opened with the song “Unstoppable God.”

Sunday marked the first church service for the Morris campus of Crossbridge Community Church of the Nazarene. About 200 people walked through the doors of Morris Grade School for the service, which was a mix of current members who once attended the parent church in Ottawa and newcomers.

There are now three Crossbridge Community Church of the Nazarene campuses: Morris, Ottawa and Peru.

After two songs, Morris campus leader Brian Bullock stood before the crowd and welcomed each one and offered a gift to first-time guests. Worship continued and Pastor Sherry Stevenson opened with prayer and information about the video service they were about to watch of Pastor Kevin Donoho at the Ottawa church.

Bullock said the church had a calling to come to Morris due to a population of members from the Morris and Seneca area. He worked with Morris Elementary School District 54 superintendent Shannon Dudek to find a location. Bullock first wanted space in the former Shabbona Middle School, but Bullock said Dudek thought it was in the best interest of the church to host services at Morris Grade School.

Approximately 65 to 70 people who attended the Ottawa church showed interest in the move to Morris and now help with worship team, children’s ministry, technology and setup. Bullock also noticed new faces in the group who attended the Sept. 9 service.

Even though the launch date was this past weekend, Crossbridge Community Church of the Nazarene members have already woven themselves into the Morris community and its events. They sent 9,000 flyers out through the mail, and during the Liberty 5K and the AnyBODY 5K, children and adults from the church hosted water stands and passed out water bottles to runners.

“We wanted to get our name out there so when we launched in September, people would know about us,” Bullock said.

The Ottawa church has been in existence over 100 years, but under a different name until recently. Seven years ago, the name changed to Crossbridge Community Church of the Nazarene.

Bullock said the church opens its doors to anyone and has the desire to bring people closer to Jesus.

“No matter the problems someone has faced, we all need stronger relationships with Jesus. Their hurts and hang-ups are in the past,” Bullock said.

Nick McLaughlin began his journey with the church in Ottawa two years ago, and now has switched to the Morris campus. He said the church truly lives out its mission.

“They met me where I was at, led me to Jesus and have continued to support me through my faith. It is a people-focused church. We have all kinds of people, and you can come as you are,” McLaughlin said. “I feel we will do some pretty powerful things in the Morris community through this church.”

Services will be on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in the cafeteria at Morris Grade School. Children’s programs from infant to fourth grade are in place. A youth program for grades seven to 12 will launch in January, but fall events have been planned. Small groups for adults will start as well.

For more information, go to crossbridge.church or call the office at 815-434-3794.