The Beacon - Hanover First Church of God

The Beacon
April 2012
Volume 13, Issue 4
The Beacon is now posted on our website:
www.hanoverbeacon.org
Where was I?
Our young son often asks where he was when something significant happened before
he was born. “Where was I when you two got married?” “Where was I when Nana
died? And even “Where was I before I was inside your body?”
My response is always “You were in God’s heart.” God said as much to Jeremiah:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5, NRSV).
A Good Friday spiritual asks plaintively, “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?”
Clearly none of us was present when Jesus died. Yet as we worship on Good Friday,
we place ourselves at the cross, where Jesus bore our sins.
“Where was I,” we might ask our heavenly Father, “when they crucified Jesus?” I’m
confident that God’s tender answer is “You were in my heart.” Indeed, only because of
our place there did Jesus go willingly to the cross — and rise to assure us of
everlasting life.
—Heidi Mann
HANOVER FIRST CHURCH OF GOD
600 FAIRVIEW DRIVE
HANOVER, PA 17331
Phone: (717) 637-1100
Fax: (717) 637-8756
Email: info@hanoverbeacon.org
Website: www.hanoverbeacon.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
COUNCIL .....................................................................................................................................
1
WORSHIP SCHEDULE FOR HOLY WEEK ................................................................................
3
BAPTISM SERVICE.....................................................................................................................
4
CHILDREN’S SAVE THESE DATES ...........................................................................................
4
MUSIC MINISTRY .......................................................................................................................
5
PASTOR’S PRAYER PARTNERS ...............................................................................................
5
DEBORAH’S ANGELS II..............................................................................................................
5
BIBLE STUDIES ..........................................................................................................................
6
HYMN SING .................................................................................................................................
8
THANK YOU ................................................................................................................................
9
SPRING FEVER ..........................................................................................................................
9
DAVE FREY 10
TH
ANNUAL MEMORIAL MOTORCYCLE RIDE .................................................
9
DIVORCE CARE AND DIVORCE CARE FOR KIDS ...................................................................
10
SOLO ...........................................................................................................................................
10
SENIOR ADULTS SHARE-A-LUNCH..........................................................................................
10
ALL PRO DADS DAY...................................................................................................................
11
TENDER CARE “WALK FOR LIFE” .............................................................................................
12
STEPHEN MINISTRY ..................................................................................................................
12
PICTURES NEEDED FOR FATHER’S DAY ...............................................................................
12
THE FRIENDLY CHURCH ...........................................................................................................
12
MISSIONS MONTHLY .................................................................................................................
13
MEN’S BREAKFAST....................................................................................................................
14
CAMP YOLIJWA UPDATE ..........................................................................................................
15
AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS .................................................................................................
16
KID’S PAGE .................................................................................................................................
17
HFCOG STAFF
Jerry Shoap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lead Pastor
Jeff Harner. . . . . . Pastor of Student Ministries
Jen Sager . . . . . . . . . Early Childhood Director
Lou Trimper. . . . . . . . . . . . Facilities Manager
Bert Bohager . . . . . . . . . . .Facilities Assistant
(no e-mail available)
Dan Thomas. . . . . . . . Pastor of Outreach & Nurture
Diane Hakes. . . . . . . . . . Children’s Ministry Director
Carrie Klunk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer
Nancy Wolfe . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant
Kay Fontaine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Church Secretary
Staff e-mail addresses: staff member’s first name here@hanoverbeacon.org
Church Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Closed Saturday & Sunday
i
The Beacon
COUNCIL
Steve Latta, Chairperson, Elder (‘10) 633-0232
TBD, Vice Chairman
Sharon Hamme, Secretary, Deaconess (‘10) 259-9710
Pastor Dan Thomas 637-4681
Carroll Ekstrom, Deacon (‘10) 521-1037
Michael Zeise, Deacon (‘11) 632-9780
Larry Piper, Elder (‘11) 225-5880
Pastor Jerry Shoap 630-0409
Wendy Stauffer, Deaconess (‘11) 359-4735
Lynda Bohager, Deaconess (‘12) 633-5114
Mike Sponseller, Elder (‘12) 632-8759
John Meyer, Deacon (‘12) 359-0169
Not on Council:
Paul Holcomb, Financial Secretary
Gene Latta, Assistant Financial Secretary
Carrie Klunk, Treasurer
TBD, Assistant Treasurer
COMMISSIONS
Benevolent
Children's Ministry
Debbie Ekstrom, Chairperson
Tom Bortner, Co-Chairperson
Cindy Bortner, Secretary
Marley Gross, Treasurer
Kay Stuffle, Assistant Treasurer
Carroll Ekstrom, Council Liaison
Diane Hakes, Chairperson
Jen Sager, Co-Chairperson
Wendy Stauffer, Council Liaison
Brent Golding
Scott Lobach
Mark Stuffle
Amber Klinedinst
Carrie Klunk
Chrissy Updyke
Carolyn Gross
Joan Lobach
Missions
Outreach & Nurture
Mike Wheat, Chairperson
Lynda Bohager, Co-Chairperson & Council Liaison
Mike Shaffer, Treasurer
Linda Wheat, Secretary
Pastor Dan Thomas, Chairperson
Sharon Altland, Secretary
Sharon Hamme, Council Liaison
Brent Golding
Betty Shaffer
Stan Wickline
Todd Hakes
Gloria Slaybaugh
Jeff Furr
Kathy Hankey
Beth Meckley
Tony Meckley
Larry Piper
Kirsten Schaub
Peg Sellman
Mike Sponseller
Betsy Struss
Kim Todd
Special Needs
Stewardship & Property
Michael Zeise, Chairperson & Council Liaison
Lou Trimper, Chairperson
Mike Hartman, Co-Chairperson
Kay Fontaine, Recording Secretary
Mike Sponseller, Council Liaison
Gail Berger
Pat Warrentfeltz
Carmen Zeise
Sharon Hamme
Jeena Hamme
Emily Nix
Bob Combs
Mike Toomey
Steve Hoover
Paul Miller
Worship & Music
Youth Ministry
Pastor Jerry Shoap, Chairperson
Steve Latta, Council Liaison
Pastor Jeff Harner, Chairperson
TBD, Council Liaison
Shirley Combs
Tim Horner
Howard Mills
Tim O'Keeffe
Linda Funk
Bob Laughman
Darlene Parlette
Stan Wickline
Candi DeVita
Karl Gatz
Bryan Perry
Tony DeVita
Kim Marcum
Page 1
The Beacon
Worship Schedule For Holy Week
Hanover First Church of God
April 1
Palm Sunday
April 5
Maundy Thursday 7 p.m.
Communion & Foot Washing Service
On Maundy Thursday,
the infant nursery
will be open, but not staffed.
April 6
Good Friday
(Church Office Closed)
April 8
Youth Led Easter Sunrise Service
6:30 a.m., Chapel, then moving to Front Lawn
(Bring your blankets)
In case of inclement weather, entire service will be held in Chapel.
Breakfast will follow the service in the Atrium.
8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Traditional Services
in Chapel
9:30 a.m.
Contemporary Service
in Fellowship Hall
11 a.m.
The Gathering
Fellowship Hall
Normal Sunday school classes
will be held on Easter morning.
Page 3
Volume 13, Issue 4
Have you accepted Christ as Savior, but have not
yet been baptized as a believer in Him?
Scriptures tell us that we should be baptized as a
public witness of our commitment to Jesus as our
Lord and Savior. Won’t you give this matter your
prayerful consideration? The Baptism service will
be held on Sunday, April 22, 7 p.m. Preceding
the baptism, at 6 p.m., there will be a potluck
dinner in the Atrium. Please call the church office
if you are interested.
S.T.A.M.P
Summer Theater Arts
and Multi-media
Production
CAMP
August 12-17
9-3 PM
periences for
3 Great Family Ex
!
the Whole Family
ns”
“Great Expectatio
June 3 - FX Live!
t
ith Discovery Nigh
July 25 - Family Fa
Show
ten Friends Reptile
August 25 - Forgot
ker
with Jesse Rothac
n
30pm & Family Fu
FREE dinner @ 5:
pm
begins @ 6:30
Save these dates
All events sponsored by Hanover First Church of God
Registration information coming soon! Check website for updates.
Contacts: Diane Hakes and Jen Sager
diane@hanoverbeacon.org or jen@hanoverbeacon.org
Page 4
The Beacon
Praise the Lord.
How good it is to
sing praises to our
God, how pleasant
and fitting to praise
him!
Psalm 147:1
The Brethren Home
Friday, April 27, at 2 p.m.
Hanover Hall
Monday, May 21, 7 p.m.
The Brethren Home
Friday, June 29, 2 p.m.
Prayerfully consider where the Lord leads
you to participate. God is so good to us!
Contact Darlene Parlette (359-7011) with
ideas or questions.
PASTOR’S
PRAYER
PARTNERS
Deborah’s Angels II
(Submitted by Ellen Merryman)
110 Broadway
Hanover, PA 17331
633-6726
Monday-Thursday
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
with appointment openings
otherwise
Come visit our facility to gain information
about our organization and see antiques on
display and used books for sale. Help join
forces to assist the less fortunate.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our culture today seems to prefer sickness or
sorrow to the saving faith in Jesus Christ. As
Christians, we can rest assured that we bear
witness to the same Jesus today who
showed His power and mercy during His life
on earth.
We can still cry out to Him, “Lord, I believe
You can do it - even though I don’t know
how!” Our God is still a God who works
miracles, including the greatest miracle of all:
extending salvation to sinners.
(Submitted by Ellen Merryman)
Wednesday Evenings
7 p.m.
Pastor Jerry’s Study
You are invited to pray with
Pastor Jerry and others.
Remember
Articles for the May 2012
issue of The Beacon are
due in the
Church Office
no later than Friday,
April 13.
Page 5
Volume 13, Issue 4
Bible Studies
“Go where God leads you”.
Wednesday Evenings with Kelley Latta
Join the study by Kelley Latta for both men and women, “Tested By Fire: Will What You Build
Survive?” Kelley will be offering another five week study. The class will be limited to 30 people.
Please sign up by using the Response Form in your weekly bulletin. The group will meet
Wednesdays, beginning May 16 through June 13, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. in room 103. It is important
that you plan to attend all five sessions. For questions, you may contact Kelley Latta by email at
kelley@KelleyLattaMinistries.com, or by phone at 633-0232.
Visit KelleyLattaMinistries.com Be inspired in your daily walk by “Kelley’s
Word on Wednesday,” a weekly teaching that will help you to sow God’s truth
into your own life and learn to walk by faith.
Friday Mornings with Heather Trent
“Women of the Word” Are you looking for friendship and a deeper understanding of God’s Word?
Do you have a Bible that you need to pick up and apply all that God has for you? God has the power
to change your circumstances and fulfill your life! Let us get to know Him together as we become
“Women of the Word"! We are studying the life and heart of Paul the Apostle. This remarkable man
of God poured out his life for the cause of Christ. His dedication and self-sacrifice provides us an
example of what it means to serve Christ faithfully. Get to know the man who said,” I can do all
things through Christ who strengthens me." Let us follow Paul's example of living daily for Christ!
We meet Friday mornings from 9:00 a.m. - 11 a.m. in the home of Heather Trent. For
questions, contact Heather at Trenth7@comcast.net or (717-630-9179). This is your invitation to join
us at any time!
“Women Living Heart to Heart” Friday Evenings, Once a Month,
with Tammi Shea and Kirsten Schaub
Come and spend time with us, as we grow Heart to Heart. Be inspired into deep truths as we gather
for a full evening. First, we will start by sharing a meal, then have a time of study centering on
“Living Your Life as a Beautiful Offering”, rekindle your hearts by returning your lives to God, by
Angela Thomas. The evening will conclude with a time of prayer. You may wish to enhance your
study by communicating with one another throughout the month via facebook. (However, facebook
is not required!) We will meet April 20, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the home of Kirsten Schaub. Please sign
up by contacting Kirsten Schaub at (717-235-8505) or kirsten90@comcast.net or Tammi Shea at
(717-650-8052).
Saturday Mornings, with Wendy Mbakop
8 a.m., 2nd Saturday of the Month
This is an “Intercessory Prayer Fellowship Breakfast” meeting at the home of Wendy Mbakop.
Please contact Wendy at 717-521-9141 for more information. Ask Wendy about receiving her
encouraging newsletter.
Page 6
The Beacon
Saturday Mornings, with Lisa Coradi
9 a.m., Once a Month
This bible study is “Faith in Fertility” for those seeking encouragement and strengthening their
faith during infertility. The group meets at the home of Lisa Coradi and will be held this month on
Saturday, April 21. Please contact Lisa at 717-634-7739 for more information.
Sunday Morning Women’s Sunday School Class, with Kelley Latta
11a.m., Room 103
Discover what happens “When God’s People Pray.” Learn how to pray God’s will and open the
floodgates of heaven.
Small Group, Sunday Mornings
11 a.m., Room 105
This group, for men and women, will be lead by Ron Benecke and will be using a DVD series
by J.D. Grearer; The Gospel Revolution. The Gospel Revolution will help you to learn how to
abide in Jesus Christ. You will find when you do passion, self-control, kindness, and patience,
radical generosity will be the natural result as you become captive by the love of Christ.
Men’s Class
Sundays, 11 a.m., Room 101
This study is on Solomon and the Book of Ecclesiastes. For more information, contact Mike
Wheat (717-637-6245).
Small Group Bible Study for Men
Mondays, 7 p.m., Rooms 102, 103, 105
An eight week study for men using the Bible study material from the move Courageous will be
offered every Monday night beginning April 16. Please sign up if you are interested in being a
part of this study by using the sign up sheet at the Atrium Information Center or the Response
Form in your weekly bulletin.
Men’s Book Study
Wednesdays 6:30 p.m., Room 105
This 10 week DVD/book study is on Prayer: The Great Adventure by Pastors Jim Cymbula and
Mark Batterson. Contact Mike Wheat (717-637-6245) for more information.
Page 7
Volume 13, Issue 4
Hanover First Church of God
Presents:
Annual Spring Hymn
Sing
Saturday, April 21 at 6 p.m.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
Glorious praises to our risen Savior
through hymns and grand musical surprises!
Be sure to bring your friends.
600 Fairview Drive, Hanover PA, 637-1100
Page 8
The Beacon
Spring Fever
Four high school students afflicted with
spring fever skipped their morning classes.
After lunch, the boys told their teacher they’d
had a flat tire.
“Thank you so much for the out pouring of
cards, love, and prayers for the passing of
my mom, Phyline (Cracker) Adams. What do
people do who have no church family and a
Great God to count on? Mom truly loved the
visits Pastor Dan made, and the Wendy’s
goodies he would bring her. The memoriam
for her was done in such an eloquent
manner. We can be so proud of our pastors
and their search for God’s wisdom and
leading. You are a special church family.”
Thank you.
Bob and Linda Funk
Much to the boys’ relief, the teacher smiled
and said, “Well, you missed a test, so take
seats apart from one another and take out a
piece of paper.”
Still smiling, she waited for
them to sit down. Then she
said, “First question: Which
tire was flat?”
Dave Frey 10th Annual Memorial
Motorcycle Ride
June 9, 2012
Please join us for the Dave Frey Annual Motorcycle Ride. The ride was
organized as a way to remember Dave and support our church camp,
Doubling Gap Center. In celebration of the 10th year, t-shirts and breakfast
will be available at a cost of $10.00. Registration and breakfast will start at
7:30 a.m. at the church, with pre-registration available in the church lobby
starting April 15.
.
The ride will leave the church at 9 a.m. sharp, to arrive at Doubling Gap Center approximately
noontime in Newville, PA. Upon arrival at the camp, there will be a brief program and non-riders are
also welcome to attend. Open house is June 9 at the camp and lunch will be available at a cost of
$7.00. Should it rain too much to ride, we will still serve breakfast and plan to meet at Doubling Gap
Center for the program and lunch.
Since the start of the ride in 2003, we have raised over $24,000 enabling the camp to purchase
needed equipment and vehicles. If you would like to make a donation, you may do so at the
registration table in the church lobby. If you have any questions, please contact Mark or Kay Stuffle
(359-7423).
Page 9
Volume 13, Issue 4
Divorce Care and Divorce Care for Kids
Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Divorce Care is open to adults who are separated or divorced. This ministry is open to HFCOG and
the Hanover community. Divorce Care will meet in Room 105. DC4K is a ministry to help children,
pre-school through pre-teen, deal with a divorce situation. This is also open to children in the
Hanover community and will meet in Room 108. For more information, contact Paul (717-4791604), Debbie Miller (717-817-8941), or Pastor Dan at the church.
(Submitted by Julie Richwine)
Singles Outreaching for the LOrd welcomes any single adult, 25
years and older, who is interested in a support group designed to
give opportunities for building faith and finding fellowship in a safe
and nurturing environment. If you have found yourself single by
being separated, divorced, widowed, or never married, you are
not alone. The SOLO community would like to welcome you to
join us for our next gathering. Please call Kim Todd (646-9788) if
you have any questions.
Senior Adults
Share-A-Lunch
Thursday, April 19
11:30 a.m.
Atrium
(Submitted by Pastor Dan)
Join us for a fun day “at the movies”. We'll be showing an old black & white film from the 30's or
40's. For lunch we'll eat food from the “concession stand”: hot dogs, soda, popcorn and whatever
you bring. Everyone is asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share. Be sure to fill out the
response form and return it to the church by April15. Invite a friend to come to the movies with you.
******************************************
Senior Adults Share-A-Lunch, April 19
Please fill out the form below and return it to the church.
Name(s): ______________________________
Names of Guest(s): ______________________
Page 10
Phone Number: _______________
The Beacon
Hey dads and kids...
join us for the
HFCOG ALL Pro Dad’s Breakfast
Saturday, April 14
8 AM-9 AM
Ryan’s Restaurant, Hanover
and
stions
e
u
q
r
Fo
ation,
inform act
Cont
@
Hakes
Diane
100
637-1
Team up with other dads and kids for a quick
breakfast and a 45-minute program of fatherhood and
family topics. You’ll take away some great tips and
resources to help you be the best Dad you can be,
and you’ll strengthen your relationship with your kids
at the same time. It’s fun and there will be some free
give-aways! See you there...
Please RSVP to diane@hanoverbeacon.org
Page 11
Volume 13, Issue 4
Tender Care “Walk for Life”
May 12, 10 a.m.
The Brethren Home
(Cross Keys)
Pictures Needed For
Father’s Day
The Mission Commission members have
chosen to honor Larry Ruppert for his
devotion to the mission of the Tender Care
Pregnancy Center by becoming walkers in
the 2012 Walk for Life. Registration will begin
at 9 a.m. and the walk will begin at 10 a.m.
We are encouraging the members of our
congregation to support us in this endeavor
by either joining us as a walker or as a
sponsor. Please see one of the Commission
members if you wish to sponsor or contact
Gloria Slaybaugh (677-9565) if you are
interested in being a walker along side us.
We will be having special t-shirts made for
the walkers. It is a privilege to honor Larry for
his service and to give glory to our Lord by
supporting this ministry.
Pastor Jerry is putting together a video for
Father’s Day and would like to have
pictures from our congregation of fathers
and their children. You may e-mail the
photos to Pastor Jerry as a jpeg format or
bring them to the church office to be
scanned. Make sure that the names are on
the pictures.
The Friendly Church
(From the Internet)
A friendly church is one where worshipers greet
one another warmly and sincerely.
A friendly church is one where members seek
out newcomers and make them feel welcome
and important. Visitors hear that the
congregation can help meet various needs:
spiritual nourishment, Christian education,
fellowship, friendship, service opportunities,
support and comfort during difficulties and more.
Christ Caring for People through People is
one way to care for our congregation and
community. There are Stephen Ministers
in our congregation who are available to
walk alongside anyone who is hurting. If
you would like a Stephen Minister to be a
friend and walk along side you, please call
Pastor Dan at the church office, Kathy
Hankey (632-1872) or Betsy Struss (6378703).
Page 12
A friendly church has
something for everyone.
It becomes a loving
home where people
desire to return
frequently for spiritual,
social, physical and
emotional support.
The Beacon
Missions Monthly - April 2012
(Submitted by Lynda Bohager)
Ever had an idea about missions, but didn't know who to contact or where to direct it?
We are taking a break this month from the regular articles so that we can hear from you!
During the month of April, we would like to conduct a short survey of attendees of HFCOG on the
area of missions in our church.
The survey is available in 3 methods:
1. Type the site below in the address field online, respond to the questions, and click Done:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/77L9DKS
This site will record your replies anonymously. There is no way for us to trace them back to an
email address or IP address if you choose not to give us your name in Question #5.
2. Take the flyer in the bulletin, reply to the questions, and drop the completed flyer in the box in
the Atrium or in the offering plate.
3. Write your answers at the bottom of this page, tear it off, and place it in the response box in the
Atrium or in the offering plate.
We ask that you choose one of these 3 ways to reply by Sunday, April 29. The survey will close on
Monday, April 30.
We are truly interested in your feedback. Please take a few moments to let us know what you think.
You do not need to provide your name unless you would like to be contacted personally.
Thank you very much for your time. God bless.
1.
How do you define “missions”?
2.
What do you believe that our church does well in missions?
3.
What would you like to see done better with regards to our church and missions?
4.
What training or other resource would you need to go on, or lead, a mission trip?
5.
If you would like to go or lead a mission trip, please include here your name, phone,
email, and how you would like to participate.
Page 13
Volume 13, Issue 4
Come and Enjoy Great Food and Fellowship
When: Saturday April 21, 2012
7:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
Where: Hanover First Church of God, Fellowship Hall
Who: All men 18 years and older
Cost: Free
Please register using the response form and put it in
the Response Box at the Welcome Centers
Final day to register is Sunday, April 15
********************************************
Name: __________________________ Phone #: ______________
Number of men attending: _____
Page 14
The Beacon
Page 15
Volume 13, Issue 4
At the Foot of the Cross
Written by Marcia Krugh Leaser
Fearing the battle was over
And I’d already lost the war,
I was tired of trying and failing.
I just couldn’t fight anymore.
So, dragging my battle-scarred body,
I crawled to the foot of the cross.
And I sobbed. ‘Oh please, Father forgive me.
But I tried…I tried.. and still lost.’
Then the air grew silent around me.
I heard his voice just as clear as the dawn:
‘Oh, My child, though you are tired and weary,
You can’t stop, you have to go on.’
At the foot of the Cross, where I met Him,
At the foot of the Cross, where He died,
I felt love, as I knelt in His presence.
I felt hope, as I looked in His eyes.
Then He gathered me lovingly to Him,
As around us God’s light clearly shone.
And together we walked through my lifetime
To heal every wound I had known.
I found bits of my dreams, long forgotten,
And pieces of my life on the floor.
But I watched as He tenderly blessed them,
And my life was worth living once more.
I knew then why I had been losing.
I knew why I had not grown.
At the foot of the Cross came the answer:
I’d been fighting the battle alone.
At the foot of the Cross, where I met Him,
At the foot of the Cross, where He died,
Then I knew I could face any challenge
Together–just my Lord and I.
Page 16
The Beacon
Page 17
SUNDAY SERVICES:
8 a.m. - Traditional Service - Chapel
9:30 a.m. - Contemporary Service - Fellowship Hall
11 a.m. - Traditional Service - Chapel
11 a.m. - The Gathering - Fellowship Hall
SUNDAY SCHOOL:
9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Our Mission:
We will serve as a lighthouse offering a beacon of hope: bringing people to Christ, and strengthening believers in
their faith.
Our Values and Vision:
We believe in the value of each person in God’s sight. Therefore:

We will reach out with the love of God and be demonstrations of His grace to others as well
as to each other.

We will meet spiritual needs of those who do not know Christ by sharing the gospel
through every means possible and every avenue at our disposal to bring them to Christ.

We will meet the spiritual needs of believers by offering a variety of ministries that will
help them in their development in the faith to become more like Christ in every way.
We believe in the value of the local congregation as a Bible based community. Therefore:

We will use the Bible, being Word of God, as our only and all sufficient source for all
matters of faith and practice.

We will teach the principles and truths of the Bible as being relevant to our time and
culture.

We will challenge people to make the Bible their guide and rule for daily life.
We believe in the value of the local congregation as a Christ centered community. Therefore:

We will make the message of Jesus Christ, His person and salvation, central in our teaching.

We will promote our unity in Christ, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit
through the bond of peace.

We will offer ministries that build the body of Christ while assisting the individual Christian
to conform to the image of Christ.
We believe in the value of each believer being involved in ministry that promotes the gospel and builds the body of
Christ. Therefore:

We will encourage and challenge everyone who is a part of our congregation to discover,
develop, and deploy their spiritual gifts.

We will challenge and make every effort to keep each member of our congregation
involved in a ministry that is related to the area of their spiritual giftedness.

We will strive to offer training opportunities to those involved in the ministry that each
of us might serve to the best of our ability.
We believe in the value of the local congregation demonstrating the relevance of God’s Word for today’s world.
Therefore:

We will present God’s Word through our teaching, our worship, and our service to others
in ways that are relevant and effective to our time and culture.

We will strive to find new and effective ways of sharing the gospel, using every means at our
disposal to reach as many as possible and introduce them to Christ.

We will provide worship experiences that are glorifying to God, while uplifting to the
participants as we come into God’s presence in spirit and truth.