Standing here at Bonita Wesleyan Church you are stepping into a story that began long before these walls existed. This is a story of faith and community. It shows how a small group grew into a cornerstone of Bonita.
The roots of Bonita Wesleyan Church trace back to a “Little White Chapel”. It became too small for its growing congregation. This chapel was originally built in 1915 as a Quaker Meeting Hall. Imagine that little building. It housed the seeds of what would become this church.
In 1964, the Wesleyan Church Of The Valley made that little white church their home. But that was not the end of the journey. In 1980 the church was transported across the valley.
The big move happened because four acres were bought from Chet Simmons in May 1979. A groundbreaking ceremony was held. One member of the building committee did a good job getting the grading started. Apparently it was about the only work he did on the project.
Sweetwater continues to thrive as Bonita’s community church. It is a neighborhood gathering place. Several groups call Sweetwater their home. Youth groups meet here. Homeschool groups gather. You might even find karate and music classes happening. Authentic relationships grow here among believers in Jesus Christ.
Bonita Wesleyan Church is on a path. It strives to be a multi-generational multi-cultural and family church. They envision a “come as you are” church. Vulnerability is welcome here. Honest conversations are encouraged even if they are difficult.
This church is tired of performance-driven religion. They seek to impact people by building relationships. These relationships extend within the church and into the community. Bonita Wesleyan Church wants people to see and understand Jesus. They believe His Spirit can transform lives. He can bring peace to people in this crazy world.
The Wesleyan Church has core beliefs. There is one God. He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is the source of salvation. Those who receive new life in Christ should be holy. They can live this way by being filled with the Lord’s Spirit. The Bible is God’s inspired Word. God wants everyone to know him. The church’s purpose is to tell the world about Christ. They do this through worship loving deeds and witness.
Bonita Wesleyan Church extends its reach far beyond these walls. The Wesleyan Church is strongly missions-oriented. It reaches out to 90 countries. They support orphanages hospitals schools and free clinics. They also provide disaster and poverty relief. Bonita Wesleyan Church has targeted HIV/AIDS and human trafficking as major outreach programs. Some churches offer short-term missions trips.
Bonita Wesleyan Church stands as a testament to faith. It embodies community. It actively lives out its beliefs. From its humble beginnings to its current outreach it seeks to transform lives.