WOW AND DOUBLE WOW!
Last Sunday, Linda and I attended the dedication service for the new ministry center for the Chambersburg First Church of God in our Eastern Region. What a facility! The realization of this day came after eleven years of praying, planning and a lot of hard work by many people. In its history, the congregation has experienced many tests of faith, but they persevered and came to this momentous day. The building is well set on the growing edge of Chambersburg in a truly state-of-the-art building sited on 24 acres. This is a long way from the congregation's humble beginnings.
The church organized in 1850 and for the next few years met in rented facilities. In 1858, they bought an unfinished building from the Baptist church and completed construction. The work prospered, but on July 30, 1864 things changed. General McCausland of the CSA ordered Chambersburg burned and the Church of God bethel was intentionally set on fire due to its abolitionist stance while other church facilities were spared the torch. After the war, the congregation rebuilt and continued their ministry with success. During the twentieth century, the congregation relocated several times to expand its ministry options and went through another devastating fire in 1972. Through it all, the church continued to grow; so, this move to Grand Point Road is just the latest in the journey of God's people.
The dedication service began at 4 p.m. and involved all the staff. Of course, Pastor Earl Mills had to preach. He affirmed by name the many people who made the project a success and stressed the importance of using this new facility to reach people for Jesus Christ. After the service, tours of the building (still under construction) provided an insight into the ministry potential of this new facility. The sanctuary can seat 540 people on the main floor and an additional 150 in the balcony. With approximately 50k square feet under roof there is plenty of room for ministry to all ages. Outstanding features include a "Connections Café," a sizable library, youth room, gym, children's ministry wing, etc.
In actuality, the first Sunday morning services (8:15 a.m. and two simultaneous services at 10:45 a.m.--Sunday school is at 9:30 a.m.) will be this weekend with a Grand Opening Celebration planned for November 4th. One of the neat features of the sanctuary will be a Möller organ with 2500 pipes donated to the church by the Frick Museum in Pittsburg to be used for community concerts as well as congregational worship. With its five-fold emphases upon worship, evangelism, discipleship, service and fellowship, the church is poised for increased impact for Christ in its community and the world. To their vision for and commitment to the Gospel, I say to Chambersburg First, "Keep on keeping on!" and I say to God, "Wow, and double wow!!!"
Ed
A view of the new facility (main entrance at left)
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Meet Your Administrative Council
Pastor Douglas E. Nolt is the president-elect of the CGGC Administrative Council. He is the pastor of 14 years at Ney Church of God in Ohio, Great Lakes Conference (GLC). He also serves as a member of the GLC Foundation Board, the GLC Director's Advisory Committee, the CGGC Constitution Committee and is a member and treasurer of the Bryan Area Ministerial Association.
Doug says, "I gave my heart to Christ in February of 1967, was baptized and received into membership at the First Church of God at Lancaster (PA) in March, 1967. I responded to the call to ministry on Friday, April 13 [thus all Friday 13 are special reminders to me of my calling--nothing to fear]. I was ordained to Christian ministry on June 22, 1983.
"God has blessed me with a wonderful wife and three sons I am proud of. He continues to use me and has given blessings and honors far beyond what I could hope or deserve. It is a humble privilege to serve Him."
Doug enjoys watching football (the San Diego Chargers in particular), model railroading and computer tinkering.
Doug and his wife, Judy, have three sons, Daniel (21), Jacob (19) and Benjamin (12).
