Welcome New Members

We were blessed to welcome new families to BVCC on Decision Sunday 1-19-14.

 Gwen & Ashton Smith

   The family moved to Bella Vista a couple years ago from Marshall, Texas.  Gwen’s husband, Chad, had lived in Central Arkansas some during his childhood. Both were wanting to find a secure and opportunity-filled area, where you could enjoy four seasons, to raise Ashton.  Chad owns a Taxidermist business in Gravette and Gwen has worked in the medical field as a Sonographer for 19 years. She is presently employed with Mercy Health Systems.

     The family cherishes their time together.  Gwen also enjoys doing photography and Chad is a hunter.  Ashton is an 8th Grade in the Gravette School District.  She has a passion for horses and loves caring for one of her own, WannaFly. She practices Dressage and someday wants to begin jumping.  Ashton also volunteers regularly at Horses for Healing, a riding center that provides therapeutic horse rides for children with disabilities.

   Gwen is part of the Sunday evening ladies' Life Group led by Vicki Weatherford.  Someday, if the time would be right, she would like for her family to do some missionary work together.

   Hearing about the church from her co-worker and BVCC member, Suzanne St. Clair, Gwen decided to visit and has felt part of the family ever since. 

 Richard & Michelle Hittle

    The Hittle’s were visiting and looking for a home in Bella Vista for over a year, but completely settled in last August. They made the move from Andover, KS, close to Wichita.  Richard & Michelle have a son who resides in Kansas and a daughter in Washington.  They also have five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

     Both are retired from Boeing.  After 35 years with the company, Richard retired as an IT.  Following 30 years of employment, Michelle ended her career as a Program Manager.  They are enjoying their free time.  They love outdoor activities including boating, biking, walking, camping and kayaking. Together they like to work on home improvement projects.

    Central Christian Church in Wichita was their church home for many years. While there, they hosted a weekly Bible Study in their home. Michelle assisted in Women’s Ministry and also facilitated a Bible Study for moms. This season they are in Group Life with Larry & Dianne Shoe, and Michelle has signed up to be part of the Library Ministry team.

    Richard and Michelle became acquainted with BVCC their very first weekend in Bella Vista over a year ago while looking for a home. They stopped in, but did not make it back until last spring.  After visiting other local churches they decided to attend BVCC again.  Michelle said she knew the minute they sat down that “she was home.”  They both appreciate the warmth of the church family and our contemporary style services.