A Wesleyville Welcome

Pirates and Pierogis

Southwest & Pittsburgh pastors got together for a baseball outing. It was a great time as they had opportunity to watch the Pittsburgh Pirates play at PNC field AND a Pierogi Race. Seriously!

Meanwhile, in York...

Rev. Dan Woodring. Pastor Dan is currently serving as the interim pastor at FBC York. Dan and Barbara are on furlough from their ministry as missionaries in the Dominican Republic, where both serve alongside pastoral & congregational leaders to raise up church planting teams. These servants of God have amazing hearts for missions and seeing people come to know Jesus.

Mount Zion 150

Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Altoona celebrated their 150th Anniversary. Rev. Keith Moore has served Mt Zion for almost ten years alongside his wife, Rev. Ruth Moore, who is also the Dean of Advancement for our ACTS Christian Education Program. Mt. Zion has a rich history, including being a Station on the Underground Railroad, launching the first Head Start program in Blair County, and being the oldest African-American Church in continuous operation in the County (and one of the oldest in PA). State Senator Judy Ward presented a Citation of Accomplishment, while Altoona Mayor Matthew Pacifico gave Pastor Keith a Key to the City.

A Place In The Conversation

“A Place in the Conversation” hosted the first of an ongoing series of seminars under the Title “A Community at Worship”. These seminars are based on a book by the same title authored by Rev Dan Nicewonger and Chris Wells. These seminars are designed to help congregations to explore their unique worship cultures, the theology behind that culture and the best way to practice worship in that culture.

Red Letter Day

ABCOPAD Southeast GPS Dan McDowell writes, "It was a red letter day at GraceCrossing! By a unanimous congregational vote we decided to partner with a Brazilian 7th Day Adventist congregation that is forming in Phoenixville. Our mission is to “Follow Jesus, love others and build community. There is a growing Brazilian community immigrating to Phoenixville and this gives us a small part in helping to reach them for Christ (even though none of us speaks Portuguese). After we signed the lease, giving this congregation full use of the facilities on Saturdays from 8 am - 2 pm, we prayed together that our partnership would soon lead to Baptisms."

Greensburg 150

lFirst Baptist Church, Greensburg, celebrated 150 years of witness and ministry. Following a time of worship, a banquet was held at a nearby restaurant. Both pastoral leaders and members of the church family shared their testimonies, remembering how the church’s ministry has impacted their lives. It was a wonderful trip down “memory lane” as one person after another shared how God used this ministry to bless individuals and families connected to the church.

A Sugar Grove Welcome

Welcome, Pastor Kevin!

Come and Get It!

Calvary Baptist Church of Allentown (Rev. Melvin Thomas) held a community Food Truck event in their parking lot. There was a great turn out and connections were made with a lot of folk in the community. Members brought their friends, families and neighbors. This was such a great idea for outreach in their neighborhood and plans are already underway to do this event next year with even more vendors.

Pool Party

Susan and Mark Mahserjian-Smith recently hosted the annual Love Unlimited Church Picnic held at their home. It was a blessing having a relaxing afternoon enjoying good food and even better fellowship. So grateful for these brothers and sisters in Christ and a chance to share a meal together.

Mr. Moderator

Leaders from the Abington Association gathered over lunch to plan events for the coming year. There was also discussion about officers for the association for the coming year. On the right side of the picture, you will see Mario, BJ Richards' (UBC Taylor) grandson, going into kindergarten this year. He volunteered to be the moderator of the association if needed. Thank you, Mario!!!

Men @ Prayer