North Augusta Celebrates 20 Years of TrueNorth Church
North Augusta is buzzing with excitement this week as TrueNorth Church marks its 20th anniversary! What began as a humble gathering of just eight families has blossomed into a vibrant community hub that’s touching lives and spreading messages of hope and love across the region. The church, known for its engaging services and community outreach, is celebrating two decades of faith-driven growth and service.
A Journey Worth Celebrating
TrueNorth Church kicked off its journey in 2004 in Augusta, with the first public service held at Hammond Hill Elementary. Over the years, they’ve made quite a name for themselves and have now established a strong presence in North Augusta. On August 25, 2024, they threw a large celebration to recognize this incredible milestone, and it was a heartfelt affair. The church has worked hard to stay true to its mission of spreading God’s word, and it’s evident they’re doing something right, as their congregation continues to grow!
Connecting with the Community
Pastor Steve Davis and other leaders have always aimed to create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home. Associate Pastor Gene Jennings mentioned, “TrueNorth is just a reminder that we are looking up to Jesus Christ, and he is our true north.” This philosophy resonates with many, as the church has cultivated a diverse community that includes families from not just North Augusta but also nearby areas, including Appling, Columbia, Aiken, Edgefield, and even Richmond counties.
Staying Relevant for a New Generation
One of the standout features of TrueNorth is their focus on connecting with younger folks. According to Jennings, ages 18 to 29 are critical years where many people drift away from church. To combat this trend, TrueNorth mixes contemporary music and casual clothing styles into their services, making them relatable and approachable for young students and families. Jennings noted, “Our focus is to reach young students, young adults, and young families.”
Community Giving During the Anniversary
During the recent anniversary service, the church collected a special offering that significantly benefited local charities like The Golden Harvest Food Bank, RECing Crew, Bridge Builders, and Bridge 2 Home. Each organization received over $10,000 to support their missions. This initiative truly reflects the church’s commitment to uplifting the community!
The Growth Story of TrueNorth
TrueNorth’s story of growth is truly inspiring. When they first started, the small group of families gradually attracted more and more community members simply by sharing their purpose. Laura Owings, one of the original members, recalls how the early gatherings were organic, with people just showing up curious about the emerging community. Their once small meetings at an elementary school mushroomed into services at the North Augusta High School due to overwhelming interest!
A Place for Everyone
The mission at TrueNorth has always been clear: to foster a welcoming environment for all. Jonathan Dawkins, a long-time member and one of the church elders, appreciates how the church breaks down barriers. “You can come as you are,” Dawkins shared, emphasizing that everyone is met with open arms. The memories made—like breaking ground at their current location—remain etched in his mind.
Looking Ahead
As TrueNorth Church continues to grow with an average Sunday attendance of around 2,500, leaders and members alike remain committed to service and faith. Owings summed it up perfectly, “We hope the community would know if we shut our doors tomorrow.” The church schedules Sunday morning services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., encouraging everyone to join in and be part of their journey.
As TrueNorth Church looks ahead to the next 20 years, there’s an air of excitement and readiness to continue serving and loving the North Augusta community!
