Last Sunday Linda and I visited our Friendship Community Church in Dover, PA. Denny and Ruth Hall serve there with help from an excellent ministry staff. Denny Hamsher provides counseling services; John Harman covers visitation; Kevan Mann serves as worship director; Pam Westerhold leads pre-school ministries; and Stephanie Myers organizes children and youth activities to name just a few. It’s definitely an organized team effort geared to reaching the greater Dover area for Christ. |
Denny and Ruth’s mission in life is to see unconnected people find God in their lives. In fact the whole church wants people to say "Yes" to God! They publicly proclaim, “You are welcome no matter who you are, whether you are "burned out" by other churches, or you are unsure of God. The messages are easy to relate to while being practical and realistic, the music in worship is current and singable, and the love you'll experience …will blow you away.” It’s true! We were made to feel very welcome by all. The church offers a number of connections through the week for all ages, and worship services Saturday evening at 6 and Sunday morning at 9 and 10:45. |
We arrived right before the start of the 9 a.m. service and were warmly greeted at the door by Brother John Harman and several other folks. Inside, the lobby was abuzz with people. It’s set up café style with tables and chairs for that purpose. . We totally surprised Denny and Ruth as well as Denny and Barb Hamsher which was fun. Worship was as described, and Denny brought the word from 1 Peter 5:6-8, encouraging everyone to take their next step with Jesus and then go and make disciples. It was a message right in line with Denny and Ruth’s vision for the church. |
They felt called to plant Friendship Community Church in 1991 while pastoring the Church of God in Shiremanstown, PA. It was a huge faith step as their two boys, Joshua and Peter, were very young, and there’s no guarantee of success for a church plant. With a lot of help from area Churches of God, they gathered a group of people at the Bob Hoffman YMCA in Dover. After 12 years of weekend rental at the Y, the church built a multipurpose building in 2002 on Fox Run Road in Dover. Nearly a quarter century from its start the fruit of the decision to trust Jesus and launch a new church is evident. The measure is in transformed lives and gospel impact in the community and globally. |
Through the week the church offers a Little Friendships Preschool ministry for 2-4 year olds during the day. Faith Weaver Friends for kids meets Monday nights 6:30-8, and the youth get together Sunday for Alive at Five. Guess what time! The young adults, ladies, and men all have their own activities. I suggest a visit to the church website http://friendshipcommunity.org to check out how Friendship ministers to its people. The day we were there the church began collecting blankets for Global Aid Initiative Network. They also announced a work team project this summer in Kentucky. In addition, the church hosts a Narcotics Anonymous group every Thursday night and a kids’ day camp through the summer to name just a couple other ministries. Friendship is one vibrant church on mission for Jesus. I thank the Lord for such churches and leaders like Denny and Ruth and those who work with them for giving what it takes to make a difference in their community and around the world. It’s what it means to be salt and light! |
Ed
Soli Deo Gloria!
Winebrenner Theological Seminary Presidential Transition
Edward L. Rosenberry, Search Committee Chair
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