Provoking Change
08.25.06
The latest addition to Humboldt County’s faith community is a nondenominational Christian church that promises to break the stereotypes of classic tradition. Catalyst, which means to “provoke change,” is positioning itself to connect with the next generation while expressing a central concern for issues of social justice and community service. Open to the public, its weekend services will launch Sunday at 6 p.m. at the D Street Neighborhood Center located on 13th and D streets near HSU in Arcata.
Lead Pastor Dan Davis commented, “I grew up in this community, I’ve seen the challenges my peers have faced. Like many of my friends, I left for college thinking that I would never return. But somewhere along the way I realized that I could not walk away from the huge potential in the emerging generation of this county.”
Davis spent seven years in Orange County, during which he finished a master’s degree and worked at an innovative mega-church in Costa Mesa called Rock Harbor, which sees over 5,000 attendees weekly. Most of the attendees are college age and are attracted by the unique style, which includes rock music, teaching by pastors wearing shorts and T-shirts and an emphasis on community service. Two of the church’s weekly services take place in a rented night club.
Beyond its style, Catalyst hopes to become known for an unsurpassed drive to actively serve the local community. “We want to earn a reputation for getting our hands dirty in a community action and issues of social justice,” said Executive Pastor Jason Cseh, who recently relocated to Arcata from Newport Beach. “Through service and compassion, we will earn the respect of those who do not share our faith perspectives.”
The first service on Sunday will include an original dramatic reading, which will narrate the entire story of the Bible in under 30 minutes. Music will be led by local musician Tristin Roberts, whose music samples can be listened to at www.myspace.com/tristinrobertsband. Child care will be available.
Courtesy of The Eureka Reporter
