Some members of The Quest Church team include, left to right, Sue Bermudez, Pastor Miguel Bermudez, Vanessa Lundeen, and Kerrie Hall. The church will hold its first service on April 16, Easter Sunday, at 11 a.m. in Setchell Studio at 723 Washington St., downtown Mendota. (Reporter photo by Jennifer Sommer)

MENDOTA – The Quest Church will hold its first official service on April 16, Easter Sunday, at 11 a.m. in Setchell Studio at 723 Washington St., downtown Mendota. The service will be casual and contemporary.

Originally from Kewanee, Pastor Miguel Bermudez felt led to start a church in Mendota. The process has been in the works for the last couple of years, starting with the Quest Resale Shop.

“Many people know the Quest Resale Shop, but don’t really know that it’s a church organization,” said Pastor Miguel.

The idea of forming a new church in Mendota began after Pastor Miguel and his father, also a pastor, began praying about it. He knew the Illinois District Council Assemblies of God wanted to put another church in this town.

“I have always had a heart for smaller communities. In school I played sports and competed against Mendota so I was familiar with the town. Are there other communities that need Jesus and our help? Yes, but Mendota was something we couldn’t get out of our minds. We started driving around the community, coming out to eat here, and just fell more in love with the area,” he said.

The resale shop has been a good way for people to get to know Pastor Miguel, who has since moved here.

The resale shop started out slow and Pastor Miguel was nervous that the shop would not get any product or customers. Slowly over time, it has continued to grow. “Word has gotten out. We have people coming here from over an hour away,” he commented.

Although items vary from household to clothes in all sizes, the shop has a large concentration geared toward children, all supplied by donation. “We have just about anything you need for babies and children,” said Sue Bermudez, Pastor Miguel’s mother.

“We want people to come here to save money so they can put more money toward their bills, household expenses, and things they need for their family,” added Pastor Miguel.

Over a year ago, volunteer Kerrie Hall began shopping at the resale store and getting to know Pastor Miguel. Now she says she is obsessed with the store and the church’s vision. “I wanted to help as much as I can. A year later, I am still here.”

With the resale shop doing well, it was time to focus on the church. “We are very excited for the next step of the process,” Pastor Miguel said.

Originally located on Main Street, The Quest Resale Shop moved to 725 Washington St. with an opportunity to hold the church service next door in Setchell Studio. And so the planning began.

“I felt Mendota needed a really good contemporary church for children and young families. There are a lot of good churches in the area, but I felt none that really focused on the young families,” he stated.

Pastor Miguel graduated from Global University, an accredited distance education university endorsed by the Assemblies of God. He has pastored for the last eight years with a background as a youth pastor and associate pastor. He will be the lead pastor at The Quest Church.

Short-term goals include a Spanish ministry led by his parents.

His fiancé, Vanessa Lundeen, will lead the children’s ministry, Quest Kids.

The Quest Church is part of the Assembly of God affiliation. “We want people to feel comfortable. Whatever your past is, we want you to come in and feel welcomed. You can come in jeans if you want. We are very laid back,” he said.

Whether coming to the resale shop or the church, Pastor Miguel wants people to feel loved, too. “Kerrie is a prime example. First she shopped here, then she volunteered, now she is helping with the church,” he noted.

The church team members have been preparing and are now ready for the Easter Sunday service.

“We are hoping for a good turnout. We invite people to come if you are looking for a church, or if you haven’t thought about going to church before, this is a good place to get started. No judgment, just come as you are,” Pastor Miguel offered.

Although their focus is on young families, children, and single parents, their goal is to be multigenerational. “I want the grandma’s and grandpa’s to be able to help teach our young parents, or newly married. They have more experience and something to offer,” Pastor Miguel said.

He hopes the church will provide something for everyone.

The Quest Church will hold contemporary praise and worship services. Feel free to bring your tablets or phones with your Bible app.

“There are so many things that this town needs and I feel The Quest Church is going to be the answer. It’s just a matter of time.”

For more information on The Quest Church or Resale Shop, call (815) 579-6795 or find them on Facebook. Quest Resale Shop hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.