Since the intro to this page says "From the Former Pastor" it should be obvious to you that I (Rev. Frederick W. Rogers) am no longer the Pastor at St. Paul's. I have received and accepted a call to a new ministry at the Hope United Church of Christ in Wind Gap, Pennsylvania. Sunday, March 26 was my last Sunday as pastor  at St. Paul's. I begin as pastor at Hope UCC on April 1.

 It is clear that St. Paul's is at a crossroads and that there is a great need to be in transition as we move into this Millennium. We have formed a "Transition Team" whose mission is to help us to cast a realistic vision for the year 2000 and following. It is my hope that we will continue to see more and more folk in our pews on Sundays as well. However, whatever growth we will see is clearly dependent upon our working together to make it happen. As the Reverend Dr. Leonard Sweet, Dean of the Theological School at Drew University has so eloquently said, "The church of the 21st century must become EPIC." E for Experiential, P for Participatory, and I for Inclusive (C stands for church of course). The Christian Church no longer can revel in the luxury of having people attend just because their parents brought them into the church as children. Today people are seeking ways to fill a spiritual void which exists for many and the church needs to come to the fore offering the same message of Good News that Jesus preached but packaged differently than in past years (...Old Wine in New Wine skins...)

Two years ago we celebrated a Renaissance Weekend  followed by a 50 day Spiritual Adventure; a time for renewal of our faith. Starting as soon as Reverend Minshall, the evangelist who preached at the week-end long event, left and during Lent we focused upon the topic: "THE CHURCH YOU'VE ALWAYS LONGED FOR and What You Can Do to Make it Happen". There was time for us to study the scripture together in families and to share what we have learned with one another. This is an exciting time for the church of Jesus Christ. We know that many people are seeking meaning in their lives and we know that God offers answers to our many questions as well as his great love in Jesus Christ.
 

We pray that you will watch for other news about our plans AND that you will plan to take part with us in all these new exciting events as our little church GROWS in to the 21st. Century. We will try to update this site regularly so that you will not become bored. Please keep checking on us and sign our guest book.