The Ashlan Avenue Church of Christ

July 6th - Richard Brannon - Luke Cont...

July 13th - Richard Brannon - Luke Cont...

July 20th - Garry Reagan - Christ Inner Circle

July 27th - David Bright - Heroes of Faith - Joseph

August 3rd - Richard Brannon - Luke Cont...

August 10th - Richard Brannon - Luke Cont...

August 17th - David Bright - Heroes of Faith - Moses' Mom

August 24th - Garry Reagan - TBD

August 31st - David Bright - Heroes of Faith - Moses

PLACES OF WORSHIP:

By Ron Orozco /

02/15/08 16:59:58

Bobby Dumrauf blows a harmonica in the key that worshippers at Ashlan Avenue Church of Christ in east- central Fresno are to sing acapella.

Music never is played here.

And when everyone sings "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," 14-month-old Olivia makes playful sounds in the pews. She is the daughter of David L. Bright, the church's evangelist.

Children remain in the sanctuary during the service.

Members say it is important that their congregation adhere to the Church of Christ denomination's biblical interpretations regarding no performing music and no dismissing children to classrooms during Sunday services.

"I'm not condemning anyone else who does, but this is where I belong," member Garry Reagan says.

On a recent Sunday, nearly 50 congregants sing five other hymns that are classics, including "God Will Make a Way" and "You Are My All in All."

After the singing ends, elder Richard Brannon prays before worshippers receive Communion. Children's voices again can be heard.

"There's a blessing to hear their voices cry out," longtime member Margaret Luttrell says.

Then, Bright gives his sermon on Noah, builder of The Ark and one of the heroes of faith in the New Testament book of Hebrews 11.

The talk is pleasing to W.L. Johnson, 91, an elder. "We try to stick with the Bible here," he says.

Here are other notes:

What's the first thing you notice from your pew?

The A-frame sanctuary has a special curvature that provides natural insulation, Brannon says.

What might you see here that you can't other places?

In the pulpit, Bright uses a chalkboard to write his sermon's main points.

What's everyone talking about?

Kay Adams' voice, a heavenly sound that stands out among others.

Who's the behind-the-scenes hero?

Johnson. In his youth, he was featured in "Ripley's Believe It or Not" for making 16 of 17 shots from basketball's half-court line.

The Basics

Location: 3820 E. Ashlan Ave. Fresno, CA 93726

Contacts: (559) 225-2570; ashlanavecofc@sbcglobal.net

Services: 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sundays

Child Care: Not available

Evangelist, years of service: David L. Bright, Four Years

Congregation: 75

History: Started in 1962 as Northside Church of Christ.

Religious association: Church of Christ

Doctrine: The Bible

Key Ministries: Wednesday night Bible study, Homecoming meetings, work days, Valley singing, Tuesday family Bible study, House to House/Heart to Heart newsletter, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Texoma evangelistic outreach, India mission fund, Berean children's home, Fresno Rescue Mission

Of Special Note: The church will host a gospel meeting June 25-29.

The reporter can be reached at rorozco@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6304.