FOLLOW JESUS
TOGETHER
This is our mission as a church.
We want to follow Jesus--to grow in our relationship with him, to know his voice and his teachings, and to become more like him. And we want to do it together--for everyone at Fireside to have a strong net of intentional relationships around them that are centered around loving and caring for each other (Acts 2).
OUR VALUES
CHURCH IS FAMILY
As followers of Jesus, we want to be known by the way we love each other. We want to celebrate the unique gifts and contributions of each person, while embracing the unity that holds us together in Christ. John 13:35, 1 Corinthians 12, John 17:20-23
DISCIPLESHIP IS A
RELATIONAL PROCESS
We believe that discipleship –our being transformed into the likeness of Jesus–is not an informational process, but a relational one, through relationship with God and each other.
SUFFERING WELL
We live in a broken and painful world. But we believe that when it comes to life’s circumstances, there is more than what we plainly see. Scripture tells us that we can expect suffering in this world, but that we can take joy in it by allowing God to transform our perspective. We also want to enter into the suffering of others as trustworthy companions within it. Our ultimate hope is anchored in the belief that Jesus is returning to make all things new and to wipe away every tear from our eyes. Rev. 21:4
PARTICIPATION OVER PERFFECTION
We think there is so much value in people showing up with a heart to contribute instead of consume–so we embrace the messiness that sometimes comes from lots of participation.
INTENTIONAL SIMPLICITY
We believe we can do more by doing less. In a world that is full of hurry, we want to create space rather than fill it. We want to embrace rhythms of rest. We want to uncomplicate things in order to give our full attention to loving God and loving people. Mark 2:27, John 15:5
OUR RHYTHMS
We recognize that the current of our culture and world is actively pulling us away from growing in the ways we have outlined here. For this reason, we have developed some “anchors” to hold on to together as a church community to help guard and guide our lives. The word “practice” is significant here–the goal is not the practices themselves, but rather to make space for an encounter with God so that He can transform us.
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Fireside “Embers” (what we call membership) are people from our Fireside community who make a formal commitment to practicing these rhythms in community with each other in order to own the mission of Fireside Church together.
RHYTHMS OF TIME WITH GOD
To set aside time each day to acknowledge God’s presence and nurture our soul through prayer, Scripture, and relationship with Him. Mark 1:35, Phil 4:6, Psalm 1:1-3, John 15:5
RHYTHMS OF REST
To live counter to our culture of urgency and busyness through a rhythm of work and rest. Without an anchor of rest, we will be swept away by hurry, which leads to exhaustion. Ex 20:8-11, Matt 11:28-30
RHYTHMS OF GENEROSITY
To cultivate a life of freedom from worry about money and preoccupation with possessions through generosity and simplicity. Without an anchor of generosity, we will be swept away by consumerism. Matt 6:19-21, Prov 3:9, Lev 27:30
RHYTHMS OF COMMUNITY
To create, nurture and belong to a deeply loving community where people are seen, known and can tell their stories more truly. Without an anchor of community, we will be swept away by isolation and loneliness. Acts 2:42, 1 Cor 12:27
RHYTHMS OF SERVICE AND HOSPITALITY
To serve each other as the body of Christ, and make room for others through our hospitality. Without an anchor of service and hospitality, we will be swept away by self-centeredness. Rom 12:13, Eph 4:12, Acts 20:24, Phil 2:3-11, 1 Pet 4:9
OUR STORY
FIRESIDE BEGINNINGS​
God planted the seed for Fireside Church in the hearts of Andy and Kate Bauer back in 2015. A passion for the local church and a desire to see people in New England know Jesus led them to explore the need for more churches in this area and what it would look like to be a part of starting one. In 2017 their entire world changed when their oldest daughter, Ellie, was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma. While experiencing the most difficult days of their life to date, God used their darkest days to draw them close to Himself, and it was those very days that became the soil for which the seeds for Fireside would grow.
The first Fireside gathering was in the summer of 2018--a group of 9 people in a backyard around a fire. There were many gatherings around fires after that--as well as in kitchens, libraries, and beaches--and before the new year, Fireside was meeting regularly on Sunday mornings in Salisbury Elementary school.
Along with the rest of the world, the Fireside community shifted into a difficult season during the COVID pandemic in 2020. Additionally, Ellie Bauer's cancer returned for a second time, and after another bravely fought battle, she went to be with Jesus in February 2021. But God was faithful through it all. As we pursue our mission to "Follow Jesus Together," we look to Him to continue showing us the next step.
