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Titusville
Campus
Sunday 10AM
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Tuesday 6:30PM
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Ministry
Sunday 12PM
Meadville Campus
Saturday 6PM
History
The First Church of God - Meadville, had its first beginnings in 1939 when a large group of Church of God people moved into the area because of employment opportunities. They met in the ISALY’S store front on Chestnut St., holding prayer meetings and Sunday services.
In 1943 Rev. Ralph Radaker was called to be the first pastor of this group of believers.In 1946, under his ministry, the church decided it was time to build a building - the first church - at the corner of Dunham and Turner Roads.
In 1964, under the leadership of Pastor Alvin Kriebel, the people felt the need to relocate to larger and better facilities.
Two lots were purchased on North Main St. Ext. and in 1970, under the leadership of Rev. Malcomb Lavender, a church building was erected.
In 1975 God called Rev. Frank Towers as pastor and the church experienced its greatest growth since its inception. Rev. Towers was called to another pastorate and 1986-1992 where years of great struggle with several part-time pastors and interim pastors causing attendance to drop drastically. But God was not through. He still had a people that wanted to do His will.
In the fall of 1992, after much prayer, it was decided that the future of First Church of God was dependent upon the calling of a full-time pastor and efforts to plant a new church in the present facility.
The people made a decision to partner with our Western PA Kingdom Builders and completely trust God to do a miracle and revitalize this congregation to the glory of God.
Pastor Harold Ferraro was called in February 1993, along with Pastor Bill Sandstrom as his Associate. On March 21, 1993 a DREAM was born with 55 in attendance and a Worship Team of 6.
By the end of year one, the church was averaging 125 people and added a second Worship Service. The Sunday School was expanded, a youth group organized and The Counseling Centre was opened under the direction of Pastor Cindy Kightlinger.
By the end of year two, the church was averaging around 180 people and added a third Worship Service on Saturday evenings. God was so faithful in allowing us to share His gospel of love with many people. The staff was burning out fast and every square inch of the building was being used. It was time to expand our facility or stop growing.
On June 21, 1998 with the congregation averaging 385 in attendance, they relocated to the corner of Shartle & Leslie Roads, building a 15,300 square foot Family Life Center. God has continued to add His blessing and we are presently averaging 900 in attendance and launched a church plant in Vernon Township in October 2002, Cornerstone Church of God.
In January 1996, we launched our FULFILLING THE DREAM Capital Stewardship Campaign. Our miracle goal for this campaign was to raise $175,000 over a three-year period. Little did we know how miraculously God was going to work in our midst. Miracle after miracle began to happen as God did exceedingly more than we could have ever dreamed.
We exceeded our miracle goal of $175,000 and on February 10, 1996 we received 95 commitments totaling $235,000. But God wasnt done yet over the 3-year period we actually received $310,000.
In July 1996, 73 acres of property became available at the corner of Shartle and Leslie Roads for $125,000 and the church voted to purchase the property and relocate.
Because of our continued growth, we needed to add a fourth worship service and to expand our counseling services. In February 1997, we added a full-time Associate, Pastor Gregg Giles, to do counseling, expand our Youth Ministry and begin a fourth worship service of a contemporary style.
In August 1997, the building plans were finalized for a downsized version of the original plan costing approximately $800,000 with volunteer help. After being turned down by several banks, Steve White, our contractor, talked to the Mercer County State Bank in Sandy Lake, PA. They would loan us $700,000, but we would need to raise an additional $100,000 before closing.
Two persons stepped forward and anonymously loaned us $100,000 (interest free). We had enough! Praise God for His faithfulness!
In November 1997, we broke ground and on June 21, 1998, we marched to our new facility and celebrated Gods fulfillment of His DREAM to expand our facilities!
In January 1999 we launched our CONTINUING THE DREAM BY GRACE ALONE campaign. A total of $484,000 was pledged over the next three years and we actually received $449,146.78. Praise God for His faithfulness.
In January 2000, Pastor Temple Jarrell was added as a full-time associate pastor in the area of Pastoral Care and Discipleship. He also oversees the building and grounds, and has responsibility of the exciting 50+ ministry.
In September 2001 Pastor Kim Wallace was ordained and commissioned to be the pastor of our first church plant, Cornerstone Church of God 18320 Conneaut Lake Road Meadville, PA.
In August 2003, Pastor Cliff Forbes was added as a full-time associate pastor in the area of Youth and Missions.
In May 2004, Pastor Curtis Clark was added as a full-time associate pastor in the area of Assimilation and Small Groups. IN the fall of 2004 construction was completed on the new Counseling Centre/Activities Center.
In September 2004, we began construction of an addition (22,000 square feet of space) adding a new worship area, lobby extension and additional classrooms at a cost of $1.7 million.
In March 2005, the Building Together Through Faith, Hope and Love campaign was completed with $1,074,000 pledged over the next three years. A few construction items remain with the anticipated completion by the end of the summer of 2006.
In May 2005, the hearing impaired service was started with Pastor Jack Lazzarine overseeing the ministry.
In November 2008, the church began it's first satelite campus in Titusville with Cliff Forbes as the campus pastor. This also prompted a name change from First Church of God to New Beginnings Church of God
Beliefs
1. God
God is the Creator, Preserver and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father (God), the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1; Jeremiah 10:10; 1 Timothy 1:17; John 1:1,2, 4:24, 5:18, 10:30; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:14
2. Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God and is coequal with the Father. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin, Mary. He lived without sin and offered Himself as the once for all sacrifice for the sins (disobedience) of humanity by dying on a cross. He arose in three days and ascended into heaven to demonstrate His power over sin and death. One day He will return to reclaim His bride (the church).
Luke 1:27, 31:35; John 1:1-5, 3:16; Romans 1:3-4, 5:10; Ephesians 5:2; Matthew 28:5-9; Luke 24:4-7; Hebrews 4:14-15
3. Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father (God) and the Son (Jesus Christ) as God. He is present everywhere and makes humanity aware of its need for Jesus Christ. At the moment of salvation the Holy Spirit takes residence in the life of every Christian to empower them to understand and live out the truths of the Bible. While the Holy Spirit is present in the believer from salvation onward, the process of maturing as a Christian involves turning more and more of "self" over to the control of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:7; Galatians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 3:16-17; Ephesians 5:1; Acts 1:8; John 16:7-13
4. Humanity
Humanity was created by God and made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. Although humanity has a tremendous capacity for doing good, all have inherited a corrupt nature that inclines them to do wrong. This inclination separates humanity from God.
Genesis 1:27, 6:5; Romans 5:12, 3:23; Galatians 2:16; John 7:17; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 59:1-2
5. Salvation
Salvation is a free gift from God to humanity. Humanity can never be good enough by trying harder, doing good deeds, or through self-improvement to make up for their sin (disobedience).
It is only by trusting in Jesus Christ as Gods offer of forgiveness that humanity can be saved from the penalty of sin. The moment a person receives Jesus Christ by faith and turns away from sin (disobedience) towards God, eternal life begins.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 5:4-5; John 1:29, 3:16,1:12, 14:6; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:19
6. Good Works
Humanity cannot receive Gods free gift of salvation by good works, yet those good works are still pleasing to God and show evidence of a true relationship with God.
Matthew 5:16, 7:16-20; Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16, 5:22-25; James 2:18,22
7. The Bible
The Bible is God speaking to humanity in written form. Human authors under the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit wrote it. It is the source of truth for all Christian beliefs and actions. It is inspired by God and is without error.
Psalm 19:7; John 17:17; Romans 15:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Proverbs 30:5
8. Gifts of the Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit has given spiritual gifts to all believers for the purpose of building up the body of Christ and bringing glory to God. The gifts are to be exercised in love.
1 Corinthians 12:4,11,18,21-15; Ephesians 4:11-16
The unity of the body of Christ is of utmost importance; therefore only a language readily understood by the congregation is to be used in public worship.
1 Corinthians 12:1, 14:40
9. The Second Coming of Christ
We believe that God will judge those who have not accepted Christ as their personal Savior. He will judge them in His perfect justice and persons will receive either eternal life (heaven) or eternal punishment (hell).
Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 2:16
We believe in the personal return of Jesus Christ to receive His believers into heaven and eternal life. The time of His return is unknown, but may be at any moment. This is the glorious hope of all Gods children.
John 14:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:12-18; James 5:7-8; Revelations 22:12,20
"All of my life I always believed there was a God but I was always afraid of what would happen if I committed my life to Him. Shortly after I was married, my wife Barb committed her life to Christ and tried everything imaginable to get me to give my heart to Christ. All of her evangelistic attempts only served to drive me further away from God. I was a good husband, a great father, a good provider for my family and as I looked at other Christians I knew how they lived their lives I was convinced I lived a better life than they did. Finally my wife backed off in her zeal and just decided to love me where I was and trust God to change my hardened heart.
In April of 1979 at a Watchman Concert and Crusade at Deckards UMC outside of Cochranton, the evangelist was preaching on the fathers role in the family and he called for all fathers to come forward with their children and dedicate themselves to their roles as fathers. I had no intention of going up but my son insisted and he just kept getting louder and louder----Come on Dad we have to go up. So I took his hand and went forward, not to give my life to Christ but just to shut my son up. As I was standing there looking down on my four year old son God stripped away all of my excuses and I committed my life to Him. A year later I was called by God to be a Pastor and as the saying goes, the rest is history. God is patient and He never gives up on us. I praise His name!"
Harold graduated from Anderson School of Theology with a Masters of Divinity degree. Ordained in 1986, Harold has served God in full-time ministry for over 20 years.
His love for souls gives him a heart for vision and it is that love and vision that have driven the ministry and direction of New Beginnings.
Through Basic Training KNOW GOD, many have come to know God and His purpose for the church. Harold's passion is to see people come to know Christ in a relevant way, a way that changes their lives and causes them to love and serve God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. He continues to pursue his education in the areas of church planting and church growth and believes that God wants every church to grow both spiritually and in numbers.
Barb Ferraro began her ministry as Harold's right hand 'woman', serving the church in administration and developing the Children's Ministry.
In 1997 she joined the staff as the Pastor of Children and Ministry and was ordained in 1998. She has a love for children that just won't stop.
Her greatest joy is seeing the love of Christ in the faces of children as they learn and worship God.
Because of her love for ministry Barb also gets great satisfaction from helping people to discover how God has shaped them for ministry and through the Basic Training SERVE OTHERS she helps them to get connected in the church by serving God in the area that best fits their SHAPE
A neighbor picked me up for church when I was in first grade. I loved the Jesus they talked about and quickly asked Him into my heart and got baptized. I was probably only in only first or second grade. I back slid in 7th grade. I wanted to be with the cool kids. God chased me all throughout my high-school years and I ran a little faster. A year after I was married I was too tired to run and God caught me. I embraced the God who loved me just as I was (not too many other people did). I have never once looked back. Though there have been times when I have dreamed that life would be so much easier if I wasnt so vested in ministry, I have never, ever, not even once, wanted to walk away from Him. My epitaph will read, He used me up and took me home!
Rev. Kightlingers credentials include a BA in Christian Psychology and an MS in Clinical Pastoral Counseling; an MA in Professional Counseling and a certification in Crisis and Abuse Counseling and Critical Incidence Stress Management. Rev. Kightlinger is also certified with the Pennsylvania Chemical Abuse Board as an addiction counselor and also holds an International Certification in Addiction Counseling. Rev. Kightlinger is also certified by the PA state Certification board in Gambling Proficiency Counseling for individuals and families and is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).
Cliff graduated from Valley Forge Christian College with a degree in Youth Ministry and joined our staff as the Pastor of Youth and Mission in 2003. He is recently ordained and loves to just "hang" with youth.
His passion is to see students go to a deeper level in their understanding of God and His purpose for their lives. In his own words, he just loves it when a student "gets it" and it causes change in their life. His own youth brings life and energy to everything he does.
Through the Basic Training SERVE OTHERS Cliff has the opportunity to pass on his heart for the lost and how we can make a difference in people's lives for eternity.
Curtis first came to New Beginnings Church as a summer intern in 2002, and then again in 2003. He graduated from Lancaster Bible College and joined our staff part-time in August of 2004 as the Pastor of Discipleship and Media. He later came on full time in May of 2005. We celebrated his ordination October of 2007.
He has a great love for wisdom and learning and dreams of an extension campus here at New Beginnings Church for training new pastors. His passion is to help people grow in their understanding of God through small groups and get connected to the church through serving God in their areas of passion and giftedness.
The church knows Curtis best for his great sense of humor and his love for knowing God more and passing that on to others.
Pastor Jack was born deaf. After years of seeking the Lord, Jack finally found Him through his wife's brother who taught God's word to the deaf people.
He spent many years learning about Jesus through church and even more by studying about Him through Christian books. At some point he had been asked by the deaf to teach them in one of their homes.
After four years he was asked to become a pastor. Like Jonah, he ran because he was afraid but he also knew God called him to preach. After another year of running and the Holy Spirit tugging at his heart he finally surrendered. He was ordained as pastor and helped establish the D.E.A.F. Church on April 19, 1998. He was the pastor there for 2 years. He eventually joined the staff of New Beginnings Church of God coordinating the Hearing Impaired Ministry around Easter 2005.
Wife -- Sharon
Shawn Amy joined the staff part-time in October 2006 and later became full time Pastor of Worship Arts in February 2007 .
He is a graduate of Allegheny College with a major in Environmental Science and a minor in Vocal Music. He spent several years as a secondary science teacher before becoming the worship leader at Crossroads Community Church and later at Townville United Methodist.
Shawn has a passion for teaching others truths about God, a heart for service, a love for the elderly and peacemaking, and a desire to help people fully understand worship as not just singing but as entering into the presence of God.
Currently he lives in Townville with his wife Carrie and their eight children; Michael, Elizabeth, Sarah, Matthew, John, Josiah, Rebecca, and Isaiah.
Temple joined the pastoral staff full-time in February 1999 as well as overseeing the building maintenance and future expansion of facilities. He was also ordained in 1999.
Temple's passion is to see people grow in their relationship with Christ and through the Basic Training FOLLOW JESUS he is able to share his very heart about the daily habits of a Christian and how those habits can change their lives.
He loves to visit the sick, bringing hope and encouragement to everyone he sees. The church knows him best for his heart of mercy.
Walter was born and raised just down Leslie road on the family dairy farm. He came to know Christ on Aug 14, 1978 when his boss came over to share with Walter and His wife Denise. He has been involved with small group ministry and discipleship for over 25 years. Walter graduated in Dec of 1974 from Edinboro University with a major in secondary education.
Walter and Denise have been involved with Life Groups for many years at New Beginnings. Denise has been very active with the MOPS program, getting that off the ground and mentoring many moms. They have taught many classes together.
Walter and Denise have been attending New Beginnings since 1999. Walter completed the ISL program and was ordained in Sep of 2008 with Pastor Curtis leading his ordination service in Jan of 2009. In July 2011 he joined the staff of New Beginnings as the pastor for Country Roads.
Single and Parenting - Wednesdays _ 6:30pm at the Counseling Centre
Other people dont truly understand how tough it is to be a single parentday after day after day. Sometimes you want to give up. And thats a normal reactionyoure doing the job of two people. You should be tired.
The thing is, you deeply desire to do whats best for your kids, but you worry that you cant. Sometimes its all you can do to survive from one day to the next. So what can you do? Single & Parenting groups address these concerns. Youll discover how to deal with your deep-down worries and your day-to-day struggles. At a weekly Single & Parenting group, youll meet with other single parents to learn and discuss some amazing parenting strategies and hope-filled insights
January 29, 2012 - Noon to 4pm -- Basic Training
The next opportunity to take the next class or to begin Basic Training is coming up. Three class that will help you to better understand and be able to accomplish our 2020 vision.
Lunch and childcare will be provided for those attending.
Contact the church office, for more information, if interested.
Saturday, February 4, 2012 - 9am to 4pm
ALL IN Men's Conference "Behold The Man"
A Life-Changing Game Plan for each man's journey. From Training camp through to Game day preparation, this unique sports and media venue will train and equip each man to become the husband, father, and man God has called him to be -- a man of action and love.
Men ages 13 and up are encouraged to participate in this high-energy conference filled with speakers, group sessions, and more.
Guest speakers that are scheduled to speak are:
An Christian Sports International event, that is being held here _ New Beginnings Church of God, Meadville Campus.
For more information, contact the church office.
Sunday, February 19, 2012 - Valentine Dinner for couples of all ages
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October 2011 NL.pdf
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Dec 2011 NL.pdf
Tell the Children - Joel 1:3
God says we have a responsibility to pass on what we know to those younger than us. That's a responsibility for all of us - not just parents, but everyone. This responsibility is of extreme importance to me as a pastor. I am always thinking about what I can teach this new generation about God and His Word that will far outlive me.
What exactly have we been called to pass on?
I read an article recently by Rick Warren that stated five Building Blocks that we as teachers, helpers, coordinators and "older" friends and family should be passing on - Knowledge, Perspective, Convictions, Skills and Character. Jesus modeled all five of these in how He trained His disciples. The staff here at FCOG is always looking for ways that we can preach and teach these Building Blocks at every age level. But you don't have to be a pastor to help people grow in these areas. I'd like to spend the next few months looking a little deeper into each of these areas and explore ways we can pass these on together. Let's start with:
Knowledge
Proverbs 16:16 says,
"It's better to have wisdom and knowledge than gold and silver." (NCV)
In other words it's better to be smart than wealthy. It's better to have knowledge than money.
How do you help kids or young adults acquire knowledge?
There's lots of ways you can do it. You can take them on trips with you. You can go to the library with them. You can pass on books to them that are important to you. Still though, the most important way to pass on knowledge to the next generation is for you to be interested in it as well. Learning is contagious. You've got to want to learn. You must model it. As a leader this should be second nature to you. All leaders are learners.
What is the most important knowledge to acquire?
Knowledge of God. Knowledge of everything is important. In fact, God wants us to know as much about as many different things as we can, but He wants us to know Him more than anything else. The most important knowledge you can pass on to the next generation is knowledge of God. That is what makes what we do at church so important. We want to come along side of you and create opportunities for you to interact with your kids on every level. Talk to them about what they learned in class and be watching for opportunities to reinforce those lessons in everyday life.
My challenge to you as a teacher of your kids is to be a learner!
Pastor Barb
NURSERY AND TODDLER CARE
Nursery care is provided for children 0 - 2 years old by our two Nursery Coordinators, Anna Grove and Jen Hoke, along with members of our church family that sacrifice by loving and caring for our little ones so parents can attend our services. We have a minimum of two attendants present at each worship service.
We have two rooms - one for 0 - 18 months and one for 18 - 36 months. Children are checked in and picked up at their age appropriate room. Be sure to pick up a Nursery Brochure with more details on our check in system.
We have a monitor system so that parents can be contacted during the worship service if you are needed. This is another way for you to feel secure that your child is receiving the best possible care while you are receiving God's Word for your life. Your child's safety is our #1 priority. If you have any problems or questions contact Anna at 336-1544.
3 YEARS OLD - PRESCHOOL
For the entire service - We are so happy to provide dedicated teachers to care for this group of children during the worship service. Your children will participate in music, stories, hands-on crafts, coloring, monitored playtime, snacks and a variety of other ways to enjoy 80 minutes with their teachers!
* For Summer 2008, four and five year olds are asked to report to Classroom 116 for the entire service.
*Children K - 5th grade are dismissed from the service.
To ensure the safety of your child, you must pick up a Name Tag in the lobby before taking your child to their classroom. You will receive a token that you will need to pick them up.
"Promiseland" is for children in kindergarten - 5th grade.
We are using the curriculum, "Welcome to Promiseland", that really involves the children in actively applying God's Word for the day. Many thought provoking activities have the students learning day-to-day reactions in real life situations by making the Bible stories memorable. Our Children's Classes are offered during the last portion of our worship celebration each weekend. After experiencing God through Praise and Worship with the entire church body, children then are off to age-appropriate classes for further delving into God's Word and how to experience God in their lives each moment - even as children.
The curriculum used in these classes ministers to the children in a two-pronged approach:
1. To teach biblical truths in a child-targeted, relevant, and creative way in a large group setting. 2. To model loving Biblical Community in a Small Group where life change happens best.
What do we mean when we say we want our kids to grow up to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ?
5 G's help our children's workers to stay focused:
GRACE:
This is the grace God offers all of us through Christ Salvation. (Romans 3:23)
GROWTH:
By growing up in Christ we do not just mean obeying rules. We strive to shepherd our kids within a Biblical community. It's where they experience what it is like to be accepted and loved, where they can share their joy and sadness and receive support from a leader and their peers. This is where they learn the importance of "doing life" together.
GROUP:
We want kids to experience friendships in community where they can know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served, celebrate and be celebrated.
GIFTS:
This is where the kids have the opportunity to learn about spiritual gifts and see them being modeled by the adults around them. And then they are encouraged to find their gifts by doing various ministries.
GOOD STEWARDSHIP:
We teach our kids that everything we have belongs to God. We teach them what it means to be good stewards of all of God's resources.
We want our kids to love His Word and to experience being a part of a small group.
We have recently moved our weekly youth worship service to Sunday nights and we have a new location to better fit our group. We will be meeting from 6:30-8:00pm in room #112 in the main church building. We invite all who are in grades 6-12 to hang out with us, worship, and discuss relevant topics with us in age appropriate small groups.
NEW TIME!! -- Sunday nights 6:30 - 8:00pm
Worship Service
Meadville Campus:
Sunday Night
6:30-8:00PM
Elevate is our weekly worship service for teens (grades 6th -12th) where we have a time of worship, relevant teaching, and small group discussions.
Hebrews 10:22-25 MSG
So let's do it, full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
We want to have a ministry of Life Groups where teens are ministering to teens and they are sharing their lives with each other. We will be splitting up into Life Groups during our weekly worship services. These Life Groups will allow teens to share what is on their mind with other teens and see what scripture says about it.
