Date: April 19, 2012 | |
Categories: Church Updates, Ecclesia News
The Bridge is a new community of faith being developed in Easton, PA under the guidance of Mike & Judy Hollenbach. They had previously been a part of New Life Church in Dresher, PA since 1998 where Mike served as associate pastor. Their hometown is nearby Perkasie, PA – a small town about 30 minutes south of Easton/Coopersburg.
Mike is a graduate of Westminster Seminary and Judy graduated from Penn University and went on to teach for the Philadelphia School District for more than 10 years Judy and Mike have two sons – John and Rachyeed – who are 21 and 22 years of age; the adoption of their boys at age 8 and 9 began the creation of their family. They also have a daughter, Kaira, who is 6 years old and an adopted daughter, Talia, who is 4 years old.
It was not until Mike was 25 when Jesus became the center and focus of his life. Concerning his time serving at New Life Church as an associate pastor, Mike says, “It is here, in this community, where the gospel became real, tangible and relevant to my everyday life. This church is my family. They are my friends. And it is here where I can really open up and be honest about my life. When that happens the gospel breaks in with power to really change us.”
Mike is very competitive and loves to play sports (especially with his sons). He enjoys especially both bluegrass, folk and heavy metal music. He can think of nothing more relaxing than a hike by a stream, a swim in a waterfall or a weekend camping trip.
Judy is very happy to be able to be at home raising their girls. She is also competitive, but now understands competition differently as she officiates high school girls’ lacrosse and field hockey in the Lehigh Valley. Judy also volunteers at Kaira’s elementary school and is treasurer of the PTA. As a former teacher, being on the parent side of public schooling has created many interesting opportunities for relationships with parents and teachers alike. Judy also loves a good camping trip and taking the kids places to explore.
Here is how they describe Bridge Community Church … is a growing number of individuals committed to journeying together as we follow Christ in a world of PARADOX – a world filled simultaneously with tears of JOY and SADNESS, LAUGHTER and GRIEF, LOVE and PAIN. As we journey together, our commitment is to following Jesus with increasing dependency on the grace of the gospel (our COMMUNION)… following Jesus with deepening intimacy with others (our COMMUNITY)… and following Jesus with a growing passion for loving and blessing others (our CO-MISSION)! It is a journey no one should travel alone!
We are glad to have Mike, Judy, their children, and the Bridge part of the Ecclesia Family.
Corby Shields said...
1Congrats to BCC! I’m excited for the journey y’all are on Mike and Judy!
06/5/12 4:18 PM | Comment Link
Robbin Hunsberger said...
2Greetings!
We are wondering if Bridge Community Church is meeting on Sundays yet, and if so where. The daughter of one of our congregants is now living at a women’s shelter in downtown Easton (long story), and we would like to recommend that she attend your church.
Thanks for any help you can offer!
Blessings,
Robbin Hunsberger
Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church
Bethlehem, PA
610-868-5501
11/30/12 3:19 PM | Comment Link