Early in 2000, three Christian couples (Jim and Diane Lillibridge, Bob and Lynette Holzworth, Bob and Robin Hostetler) began to consider taking part in the planting of a new church in the Oxford, Ohio, area.

Over the course of several months, the three couples deliberated, not sure how their thoughts and desires fit into God's will. They agreed, however, to spend the month of June praying, fasting, and seeking counsel. During that month, they met with several pastors who have planted churches in the area, and received a few warnings and many encouragements from them.

By the end of June, none of the six had any doubt about the course they should take; they agreed to work together to do something they had never done--plant a new church. So the planning began in earnest at that point.

After spending July and August in prayer, planning, and preparation, the Lillibridges, Holzworths, and Hostetlers began to spread the word among some of their friends that they would begin meeting to worship together on Sunday, September 10, 2000, in the auditeria of Talawanda High School in Oxford, Ohio. The plan was to develop a core group of solid Christians who would meet together for roughly seven months to lay the foundations of a new church to be known as Cobblestone Community Church. About 70 children, teenagers, college students, and adults participated in a thrilling time of celebration, worship, and fellowship on that first Sunday.

The next seven months were dedicated to preparing--and adding to- that core group, to make sure that all understood and agreed with the mission, vision, and values of the church, and to get the structures, systems, and resources ready for a full launch on Palm Sunday, April 8, 2001. A provisional constitution and bylaws were adopted on that first weekend, with plans to renew, revise, or replace those bylaws on or before September 9, 2001.

Over the course of the first few months, the core group of Cobblestone grew steadily, topping 100 in attendance in December 2000. The average weekly attendance remained over 100 through the months of January, February, and March 2001.

In January, 2001, four new members were added to the Cobblestone leadership team; Greg Beck, John Johnson, Deborah Saas, and Daryl Zimmer joined the Lillibridges, Holzworths, and Hostetlers.

On April 8, 2001 (Palm Sunday), Cobblestone Community Church was officially and publicly launched. Paid newspaper advertisements as well as feature articles in area newspapers and announcements on the radio and local cable systems heralded the day, and 217 worshipers joined in the celebration of that "Launch Sunday." Four weeks later (May 6), the Sunday celebrations were moved to Talawanda Middle School, where they remain to this day.

That is the short story of Cobblestone Community Church, a church designed to to be distinctly community-oriented, student-friendly, seeker-aware, and outward-focused. But, however short it may be, it is only the beginning.

Our Values

Character and Integrity
Outward Focused
Biblical, Culturally Relevant Teaching
Broad and Deep Relationships
Loving Leadership
Edifying Worship
Sincere Encouragement
Trusting Prayer
Open and Warm Fellowship
New and Innovative Methods
Evaluation and Effectiveness

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For More Information

To send an electronic message, please e-mail us. To call or fax us, please dial (513) 523-3905. Or contact any member of the Cobblestone Leadership Team.

 

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