People and organizations can adopt new names for various reasons. The Scott Depot Christ Fellowship has begun to call itself "The Depot" for good and exciting reasons, according to Dr. Rod Taylor, pastor of the church.

"We are called to be heaven's outpost on earth. 'The Depot' will become our brand -- who we are. It captures God's vision for us. It's an expression of who we are as we reach out to our community with the love of God."

Two years ago, the church literally planted claim stakes around the county to claim this community for God. The church then embarked upon a journey of special prayer, dynamic worship, a corporate commitment to know God in real experience and an inspired vision to "share the life." God began to bless, and the church has experienced exceptional growth. Now, God is setting before the church a fresh and greater vision.

On June 1, Dr. Taylor introduced to the congregation a new name and vision with "The Depot." The people responded with cheers! The people of the congregation invite guests with "Let's go to the Depot." The greeters welcome each guest with "Welcome to the Depot."

Taylor says, "We are to be a base of operations for the kingdom of God. God wants us to see who we are in Christ. This is God's magnificent vision."

In what ways can a church be compared to a depot? Pastor Taylor answers, "A depot is, one, a store house, especially for military supplies; two, a place for assembling military recruits and replacement troops for training and assignments; three, a station where fuel, goods and supplies are deposited or from which fuel, supplies, vehicles, trains or people are dispatched."

The church is constantly facing enemies of the Christian faith and the traditional values of the nation. Jesus said, "I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Mt. 16:18).

The Bible has a lot to say about spiritual warfare. Paul wrote to the church of God at Corinth: "For weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds" (2 Co. 10:4). The church is always encouraged to "Fight the good fight of faith...in the presence of many witnesses" (I Tim. 6:12).

On June 1, the church was introduced to the new name. Now, on Sunday, Sept. 28, the church wants to introduce "The Depot" to our community. They are calling it "Community Day at The Depot."

According to Pastor Rod, "this will be a day of celebrating God, inviting guests and reaching out to the community." Gifts will be given to several community groups such as Putnam Aging Program, Teays Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Teays Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Dr. Taylor says, "We want Teays Valley to know that we care and that God cares."

On this special day, "The Depot" will have a meal on the grounds after the morning service to which all guests are invited.

Dr. Taylor cordially invites the community to join the congregation at "The Depot" on this landmark day, on Sept. 28, beginning at 10 a.m.

Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist who can be reached at P.O. Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560; phone 304-757-6089.

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