Center Bethel's 175th—CGGC eNews Vol. 8, No. 43

(Click here for printable version.)

John Hickernell

Thomas Hickernell

The year was 1839. The place was Stonersville (Alverton today). Then and there a twenty-five-year-old shoemaker turned preacher, John Hickernell (1814-1897), organized a new Church of God in the Mennonite Meeting House. Just the year before the churches in eastern Pennsylvania sent him out as a missionary to the west. So began his lifelong calling as a church starter in western Pennsylvania and Ohio. Thomas Hickernell (1813-1887), John’s brother, also shared in this work and in the same year formed a church in the home of Henry Rosenberger in nearby Ruffsdale. Another congregation was organized in the same area at Landis’ schoolhouse.

Today’s Center Bethel takes its name from the convergence of the three congregations named above that merged at the central location of Alverton. In 1841 the congregation erected its first bethel, as the Churches of God, General Conference (CGGC) originally called their meetinghouses, which was replaced in 1863 with a “more commodious” structure. Over the years the church expanded and remodeled the building (1881, 1908, 1928) as the congregation grew. 

Center Bethel c. 1930

A fellowship hall, classrooms, and a larger parking area were added in 1986. In 2013 the congregation averaged 147 in its three weekend worship services and recorded five conversions and nine baptisms. In 2014 so far they’ve added twenty new members.

Current Center Bethel facility

Education building

Pastor Lee and Sue Kline

Ministry at Center Bethel definitely has an outward focus as evidenced by their support for Operation Christmas Child, CGGC Hear the Call, and Cross Cultural Ministries. They also host a community Thanksgiving meal and distribute food bags to children in the local schools. On their website they list no less than seventeen outreach connecting points or organizations. One of them is a group called Messiah Riders which is for motorcycle riders. Pastor Lee Kline is a charter member! He and his wife Sue returned to Center Bethel in October 2012 after he served as Allegheny Region director (2008-2012). They had previously pastored Center Bethel from 2003-2008.

---

Ed Rosenberry portrays John Winebrenner

Back in June, Lee asked if I would come as John Winebrenner to Center Bethel’s fall anniversary day and homecoming to which I readily agreed. What’s not to enjoy about such an event? When I knew there would be a CGGC potluck dinner afterward that sealed the deal. Linda and I did not attend “The Experience” on Saturday night, but arrived in good time for the “Up at Eight” service on Sunday which was followed by Sunday School and the second service at 10:30 a.m. I spoke as John Winebrenner on “Hear the Call” from Acts 16. I challenged each one in the congregation to take their next step with Jesus and invited them to become involved in kingdom expansion much as their forbearers had done in starting Center Bethel. Who in the future may the Lord call to serve him from the congregation?    

---

Pastors present at the 175th celebration (l to r): Lee Kline, Fred Bauer, Wendell Grimm, Ed Rosenberry (not pictured, Bill Shoemaker)

Birthday Cake!

In the past Center Bethel has been an Antioch church in that they’ve sent many into ministry. In 1872 they launched the CGGC congregation in the neighboring town of Mt. Pleasant and founded (by emigration) a CGGC church in Harmony, Iowa from which came Clara Landis, the first CGGC missionary to India in 1898. Center Bethel also served as a proving ground for a president of Findlay College (William Harris Guyer), a US congressman (Tennison Guyer), a medical missionary to China (Dr. Harold Loucks), as well as many educators including Ida Hickernell, founder John’s granddaughter. 

Youth choir with the adult choir

Children's Chat

Given Center Bethel’s involvement in their community and their world vision there’s no doubt that they are making a difference in Jesus’ name today. The fact that nine teens joined twelve adults to lead worship is evidence enough, but add twenty plus children who came forward for the kid’s talk and the picture of a healthy church becomes clearer. 

New members received into the Center Bethel congregation

At the root of it all is a groundswell of love that grows directly from the heart of Jesus as evidenced by the pastor, the congregation, and the ministries of the church. Oh, that all churches could experience and express the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It’s why Center Bethel still prospers after 175 years, and how any other church could do the same. 

ONe Mission together,
Ed,
Soli Deo Gloria!

---

Pastor Clinton Bobray recently spoke with the local television station, KTVU2. 
Click here to view his interview.

---

Search for New CGGC Executive Director in Progress

The Churches of God, General Conference, based in Findlay, Ohio, is now receiving applications for the position of Executive Director of the denomination. Bill Reist, CGGC president, is serving as the chairperson of the transition team along with eight others from across the Church.

An application, position description and desired attributes of the Executive Director are available on the Churches of God website or by contacting wreist@collegefirst.org or revrockey@gmail.com. Applications received by December 15, 2014 will be given priority, with a decision to be made, Lord willing, by March 31, 2015.

For more information regarding values, beliefs and history of the CGGC you may visit http://www.cggc.org/about/ online. Please direct all inquiries pertaining to the Executive Director position to the e-mail addresses above and not to the CGGC offices.

---