Wellspring building takes on a new, rustic look

Jeff Herr, a pastor at the new Mountain Springs Church, said he felt a calling to come to Bonners Ferry.

Since Herr and others arrived in they have been busy with a remodel of the church.  The entrance has a log cabin look to it and matches the surroundings.

Inside a unique features a mirrored glass window which nursing mothers can sit behind and participate in church service with their babies.  The new moms can see into the sanctuary but no one can see them. 

The upstairs is for the church’s youth center.  There are individual offices for the pastoral staff and counseling rooms. 

“We didn’t want to go for the traditional church look because we are not your traditional church,” said Herr.  “We are Bible tracking Christians, and go strictly by the Bible verse by verse.  We are ready to seek Jesus and find out what our plan is from God.”

Herr and the Rev. Garrett Graupner of San Diego, Calif., grew up about 15 minutes from each other in small towns, however they did not meet until January. 

Graupner, a pastor with Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego has been involved with evangelical outreaches all over the word, according to Herr.

The two met with Chris Clark a Realtor and city hall member and talked with him about the Wellsprings Church which just happened to be for sale. 

“To make a long story short, we left with a church,” said Herr.

“August 23, is our launch service,” said Herr.  But there have been a lot of people lined up on Sundays already and we are thrilled with the turn out so far.”

Since their arrival in early July, the church members have helped the elderly, disabled, single parents and people who are in general need with house work, laundry service and provided food.

“So far there have been about 226 people coming to church and a lot of people coming out to help with our community outreach,” said Herr.

Sunday July 26, there will be a pre-launch service at 10 a.m. and barbecue for the family at 11:30 a.m.

On Sunday, August 23, 2009 the Mountain Springs Church will have their launch service, officially ready to serve the community.

“We have had such a warm reception from everyone in the community, we are seeing people come back each Sunday and we are very excited,” said Herr.