Pequea Valley townlively.com
MAY 11, 2022
Pawsome Pets SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
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VOL LVIII • NO 20
Riding On! Lancaster Sunrise Rotary Plans Cycling Event BY ANN MEAD ASH
Pastors who began meeting virtually during COVID-19 gathered in person at Maple Grove Mennonite Church in April.
Gathering Together BY ANN MEAD ASH
sked what brings him to a monthly meeting of area pastors, Scott Feather, pastor of Gateway Church, Parkesburg, replied, “It’s the laughter. For me, that’s big. There’s an exhaling that takes place (with this group).” Audrey Kanagy, pastor of Ridgeview Mennonite Church, echoed Feather’s sentiments regarding his comfort level with the group. “It is more about camaraderie than comparison and competition,” she said. Other members of the group, which meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m., waxed more philosophical. Adam Nagle, executive director of The Factory Ministries, noted that the organization defines poverty as a lack of resources, with one of those being spiritual. “As
only five or six pastors, and now we are at 10 to 12,” reported Rogers. During the virtual meetings, the group members discussed a variety of subjects related to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns, such as masking, small group meetings, and the response of church leaders and members to that season of constant change. Because the meetings were conducted virtually, attendance was not limited to a specific area. In January of 2021, the group began writing the devotional “Trust Me,” which is based on the promises of God found throughout the Bible. The devotional was made available in both booklet and virtual formats. In the spring of 2021, the pastors began gathering monthly at each other’s churches. “We asked if there was value to in-person gathering, and we felt there was because we had developed a
friendship and a camaraderie,” said Rogers, who recalled that group members toured each other’s facilities and enjoyed lunch and conversation. A recent meeting at Maple Grove Mennonite Church in Atglen featured soup, salad, quiche, and cookies prepared by pastor Mike Clemmer. “We’ve asked, ‘What does it mean to be the churches together?’” said Rogers. “We look at some professional questions and bigger collaborative questions.” In addition to Gateway, Grace Point, Ridgeview, and Maple Grove, churches taking part in the gatherings include Hershey Mennonite, Branch Community, Pequea Baptist, Keystone, and Calvary Monument Bible. Readers who would like more information may email tim@gracepoint paradise.com or call 717-687-7971.
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See Cycling Event pg 13
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Spring Fling And More Planned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Chamber Singers To Open Hymn Sing Series . . . . . . .3 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Business Directory . . . . .11 House Of Worship . . . . . .14 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . .16
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we collaborate to connect people to resources, it’s important for The Factory to stay engaged with spiritual resources in the community, which are represented by this group,” said Nagle. The gathering, which currently includes pastors from churches as far east as Coatesville and west as Paradise, has roots in the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions it brought about. Tim Rogers, pastor of Grace Point Church of Paradise, recalled that by late 2020, pastors were struggling with the ramifications of government requirements. “We were all in a situation we had never been in, and we didn’t know what to do,” said Rogers. “There were unique challenges churches faced.” Instead of sitting alone in their offices, the pastors began calling each other, which led to a twice-monthly virtual conference call. “At first it was
Lancaster Sunrise Rotary Club president Don Holm has a relaxed attitude toward the organization’s annual fundraising ride. “We like to attract as many riders as we can and just have a good time,” said Holm of the ride, which raises funds for a number of community organizations enough for club members to give away $50,000 in scholarships; $25,000 in district grants; and $109,500 in community fund grants in the last five years. This year’s Ride for the Community will be held rain or shine at the Manheim Township Community Park, 209 Petersburg Road, Neffsville, on Saturday, June 4, with rolling starts beginning at 7 a.m. Riders must register and check in between 7 and 9 a.m. The ride is designed to appeal to bicycle enthusiasts by offering four routes - a 10-mile family ride; a 21-mile ride through scenic countryside; a 43-mile ride showcasing farms, schoolhouses, and covered bridges; and a metric
