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A Simple Message

By YVETTE C. HAMMETT

yhammett@tampatrib.com

Published: December 17, 2008

RIVERVIEW - It's not about wearing expensive clothes, giving until it hurts or entertainment.

South County Christian Fellowship is about relaying a simple message: People can grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, says Pastor Chip Holmes.

Holmes planted the church several years ago and recently relocated his small congregation from a rented space on U.S. 301 to the South Pointe clubhouse.

"We support the philosophy and flavor of every church," Holmes said. "But we believe God has given us a plan for our lives. We're kind of like a ministry to the community."

The small nondenominational congregation meets at 10 a.m. each Sunday and once monthly for potluck, prayer and fellowship. The church also offers small group ministries for men and women.

The services are set up for the entire family, said Kathy Holmes, the minister's wife. "We like having whole families worship together."

The Holmes family, who used to live in Tampa, relocated from a church home in Atlanta several years ago, feeling a calling from God to return to Florida, she said.

"Chip has been a pastor for about 18 years, and we've planted churches in other places, but we felt the nudge to come to Riverview," Kathy Holmes said.

"A curvy path led us here, and we want to reach out to the community."

It's all very casual, the pastor said. "I usually preach in jeans." Shorts or jeans are typical for church members.

As a way to introduce the church to the community, South County Christian Fellowship is planning a Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m., featuring candlelight, seasonal music and a Christmas message. Hot chocolate and cookies will follow.

The clubhouse is inside the South Pointe community at 10520 Southern Pointe Blvd., off U.S. 301 just north of Big Bend Road. Call (813) 758-3406.

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at (813) 865-1566.

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