A new church in San Martin literally announced its presence with
a splash on Oct. 14. Visitors to the Church and Community Fair
Kickoff donated $1 for the privilege of throwing balls to knock
P.J. Foehr, principal of San Martin Gwinn School, and Pastor
Timothy Howe, of Gilroy’s First Baptist Church, into a dunk
tank.
A new church in San Martin literally announced its presence with a splash on Oct. 14. Visitors to the Church and Community Fair Kickoff donated $1 for the privilege of throwing balls to knock P.J. Foehr, principal of San Martin Gwinn School, and Pastor Timothy Howe, of Gilroy’s First Baptist Church, into a dunk tank.
This special event was sponsored by Fellowship of San Martin, a small congregation which began meeting in February in a former Baptist church at 13620 Llagas Ave., across the street from the school. Calling themselves “a casual friendly evening church,” members observe an unusual Sunday schedule:
n 5:30 p.m. Fellowship Meal for Everyone
n 6:30 p.m. Hour of Musical Praise and Biblical Teaching
n There is a concurrent nursery and children’s ministry.
Mike Montoya is one of the new congregation’s lay leaders. He explains that many younger families these days are very busy on Sunday mornings because of their children’s sports events. These people find it more convenient to attend worship services in the evening.
The current pastor of the church is the Rev. Mike Stewart, Director of the Central Coast Baptist Association, an organization of 100 Southern Baptist churches in this area of the state.
The building where the congregation meets has been extensively renovated before reopening: new carpeting, fixtures and paint. It has a main sanctuary, several classrooms and a kitchen.
There are ambitious plans for developing the five acre property. It is hoped in the future to build a larger worship center seating 300, offices for the Central Coast Conference and a four-plex which could be used as temporary lodging for returning missionaries or for pastors on retreat.
Currently Fellowship of San Martin is emphasizing a partnership with San Martin Gwinn School:
n In August, several hundred dollars was provided to buy new school uniforms for low-income families who could not afford to buy them.
n Most of the Church and Community Fair Kickoff was provided free of charge to the 250 guests (many affiliated with the local school): barbecue lunch, jump houses, games, treats and prizes. But proceeds from the dunking booth went to a special cause: the School Garden Project.
In cooperation with the school administration, a 1/2-acre plot of school property is being developed as a location for students to learn about gardening. Architectural plans for the garden have been approved, including raised beds for growing flowers and vegetables, a storage shed and sites for trees.
Money from the fair will be used to purchase trees to be planted next month, and some rototilling has already taken place. These plans were on display at the fair, and a list of volunteers is being compiled to help with future development work.
Fellowship of San Martin is described as “a friendly, open, welcoming church which is glad to have visitors of any denomination.” In addition to Sunday activities, the community is welcome to weekday Bible studies held in members’ homes.
For more information about the church or its Student Garden Project, call (408) 683-4066.
