History of Creekside Church and the former Elkhart City COB

PREPARATIONS FOR MOVING

David Eis became interim part-time associate pastor on July 1, 1998.

Fundraising for the new church was in progress. It was estimated that 10-12 acres would be needed at a cost of $10,000 to $50,000 per acre. A recommendation that the church enter into a four month agreement with the Immanuel Apostolic church to share the physical facility was unanimously passed. The current Sunday service continued with very little change. The original educational wing behind the balcony was used for their Sunday school.

A weekly community dinner was held in the church Fellowship Hall Wednesday evenings beginning mid-October with the concept of extending hospitality to people of the community as well as unchurched acquaintances and to provide an opportunity to fellowship with members of the church community. The meal was prepared by a church volunteer, with adult church school classes helping with serving and clean-up.

Holy Hospitality became the focus of the Deacons and the congregation in 2000.

In the summer of 2000 an offer was made in writing by the Greater Wayside Temple Church of God in Christ, a black church worshiping on Goshen Avenue in Elkhart, to purchase the Elkhart City building. After several months of negotiations the Elkhart City congregation voted to accept the purchase offer on March 11, 2001.

An invitation was received from Little Pine Church of the Brethren for discussion of a possible merger. Search continued around the south and east sides of Elkhart for 12-15 acres suitable to purchase for the new church building site.

A Walk-By-Faith campaign capital fund drive headed by Resources Services, Inc. was begun in May to raise funds for the church location. Pledges by church members totaling $439,000 were to be raised over a three year period. As of November $73,000 was received to be put into the church building account.

Preschool Director Paula Mumaw resigned in December and Tamara Fritz assumed that position to finish the 2000-2001 school year.

Jean Mann and David Eis who previously held interim positions, became full-fledged part-time employees.