Access Church Debuts in Bloomingdale

Emphasizing a comfortable, casual experience for members, Access Church will premier in Bloomingdale this fall.

Led by the Rev. Jason Burns, the church has been meeting at George Jenkins High School in Lakeland and is expanding to include the Brandon area. The church will begin meeting at 1700 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, Sunday, Oct. 7.

Burns believes attending church should be an enjoyable experience that encourages members to grow in their relationships with Jesus.

"We have created a casual and comfortable environment where you can relax and be yourself," said Burns.

The church was founded in Lakeland in 2007 by a group of residents who wanted to explore questions about God without "wading through a bunch of religious lingo," said Burns.

Access officially became a church in September 2008, and has grown steadily ever since.

Burns said visitors will encounter a weekly celebration at Access Church.

"At Access, we're always celebrating. We're excited about what God is doing in our people. The service includes passionate worship and an engaging talk that can help you in your everyday life," said Burns. "The energy level is high and the music is loud. Worship is our response to what God has done for us and we respond with all we've got."

Burns said the church is for everyone, whether they are just discovering who God is or have been longtime followers of Christ."

He added that Access also puts special emphasis on teaching children biblical values that will help them build a strong foundation of faith to grow on.

"During each service, we offer creative and exciting programs for children from birth to fifth grade," he said. "All children’s programs receive age-appropriate Bible lessons that are presented in a way that is fun, memorable and enables the child to learn."

In addition, Access offers youth groups, a group for moms, a men's group, fitness groups, young adult groups and a couples Bible study.

For those interested in learning more about the church, Access Church is offering three monthly sneak preview services at Bloomingdale High School Sunday, Oct. 7, Nov. 11 and Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.

For more information, visit the church's website.