by Dennis Dalman
Pastor Scott Peterson is still smiling, with joy in his heart, many days after the fun-filled Sept. 21 open house at his Faith Journey Church in Sartell.
It was the first open house that relatively new church has held for anyone and everyone to enjoy. And enjoy it they did. Many also brought food items the church often brings to the St. Cloud Salvation Army Food Shelf.
“Looking back on that day, the word that best expresses the open-house event is ‘joy.’’’ Peterson told the Newsleaders. “From the songs, prayer and sharing of the Word of God in the worship service, to the laughter of children and relaxation of adults at the party and picnic, there was much happiness and gladness of heart of all who attended. Being with a group of genuinely friendly people of the Faith Journey congregation who were joyfully serving with their friends and family the people of central Minnesota was a blessing I will always remember.”
About 100 people attended the event.
The free open-house party and picnic offered so much to enjoy: three bouncy houses, face-painting, games for all ages, free hot dogs, sno-cones, popcorn, prize drawings from local restaurants and desserts baked by members of Faith Journey Church. Free pulled pork and pulled chicken were provided by Faith Journey paying for those items to “Up in Smoke,” a local business.
“We had great weather, no injuries and plenty of smiles,” Peterson said. “All extra hot dogs and buns and more were taken to Place of Hope in St. Cloud, which they really appreciated.”
Last but not least, there was a sing-a-long led by Faith Journey’s Minister of Music Chris Stone, a professional musician who has recorded a CD of Christian hymns and songs.
Faith Journey Church began in Waite Park in 2008 with the name of Park Fellowship. It relocated to its current address about 10 years ago. That building had been constructed sometime in the 1980s. Since April 2022, Peterson has been pastor of Faith Journey’s church in Sartell (technically it’s in LeSauk Township). It’s located at 32932 CR 4.
Why the name change from Park Fellowship to Faith Journey?
“Because we are all on a faith journey,” Peterson answered.
Faith Journey is an evangelical Bible-based church. It holds a worship service every Sunday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. The church also has a nursery, Bible study groups and other faith-based services and groups. Faith Journey has partner ministries by partnering with other area groups such as the Salvation Army, Place of Hope, Pregnancy Resource Center and Youth for Christ. It also partners with more groups – one of them called Send Relief (to battle human trafficking). The other group is the International Mission Board, which helps unreached people connect with the Gospel of Christ.
Peterson and his wife, Stephanie, have three grown children.
For more information about Faith Journey, visit its website: www.fjcmn.org.
People begin to gather for a party/picnic at Faith Journey Church in Le Sauk Township right next to Sarell. The free “open house” was a big success with free food and many fun activities.
