Those in Chautauqua County looking to renovate their lives may have a new place to turn on Sunday morning. Time Warner Cable News reporter Mark Goshgarian has more about a new church that aims to reconnect people with their faith.
JAMESTOWN, N.Y. - Pearly Gordon has lived in Jamestown for 37 years and hasn't gone to church for about a year, until now.
"It's such a loving and giving church. It's a privileged to have the opportunity to fellowship and we all need that," said Gordon.
Gordon is one of a handful of people who recently attended the new Renovation Church on Martin Road in Jamestown. The church started out offering monthly services in May, and has been open to the public on a weekly basis since Sept. 11.
"We're not trying to get folks from other churches, we're trying to get the folks that don't do church," said Edwin Attaway, Renovation Church pastor.
Edwin Attaway, who sells cable TV during the week to help support his family, serves as pastor of the church. Prior to its opening, the 30-year-old former log cabin south-side Baptist Church underwent a symbolic exterior and interior renovation of it's own.
"We just don't want folks to put a band-aid on their life, or a fresh coat of pain per say. We want folks to have a total renovation of every area of their life," said Attaway.
"God's been calling me here. Felt God real strong. It was awesome," said Eunice Crissman, Kiantone.
People like Eunice Crissman of Kiantone who says that calling sparked her own renovation.
"He made me come here. I wanted to come here. I need more in my life. Been looking for more and I think I found it," said Crissman.
The service is centered around song, scripture and a sermon, Gordon says is easy to understand.
"They're so vivid and down to earth and I can relate to them more than just reading the Bible, the word at home. When he explains it, I can take a piece of it with me," said Gordon.
Services are held Sunday mornings at 10.