Summer 2007 Volume 54 No. 3USPS 165-700

MenEmpowering

“As iron sharpens iron,so one man sharpens another.” –Proverbs 27:17

� Connexions Summer 2007

Pennsylvania-Delaware District ConneXions

4651 Westport DriveMechanicsburg, PA 17055

Editor: Stephen R. TourvilleManaging Editor: David Crosby Sr.

Associate Editor: Carole Bongiorno

Phone (717) 795-5921Fax (717) 795-5928

E-Mail: dcroz@penndel.orgWebSite: www.penndel.org

ExEcutivE PrEsbytEry

Stephen R. Tourville, SuperintendentPaul Grabill, Assistant SuperintendentDavid Crosby Sr., Secretary-Treasurer

Honorary GEnEral PrEsbytErs

Philip BongiornoJames E. Morris

PrEsbytErs

James Rugg, NE SectionJonathan Baker, NC SectionKenneth Martin, NW Section

Christopher Clark, NCW SectionJeffrey Kettering, SC SectionJames Balzano, SCW SectionRandall Rhoads, SCE SectionDaniel Clark Sr., SE SectionSteven DeFrain, EC SectionDonald Immel, SWS SectionWilliam Ellis, SWM Section

Timothy Satryan, DEL Section

Contributions of articles are accepted. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return. We reserve the right to reject articles not consistent with the magazine’s objectives.

ConneXions

ConneXions (USPS 165-700) is the official periodical published quarterly by the Pennsylvania-Delaware

District Council of the Assemblies of God. Periodical postage paid at Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

Circulation stands at approximately 7,500

Summer 2007

� Connexions Summer 2007

POSTMASTER:Send address changes to:

Pennsylvania-Delaware District Council4651 Westport Drive

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-4887

Manicures, facials, hair styling, scrapbooking and shopping trips will be featured Saturday afternoon as our workshops. Saturday evening will end with a “Chocolate Party” with a scrumptious chocolate fountain.

Rev. Jenny Duncan and Angela Coon are our quests and they will be speaking on our theme “Love in every Room.”

Mark your calendars for a FUN weekend at PBCC!

For more information call 717-795-5921 and ask for Marjie.

What does it mean to empower men?

When I started out in ministry I looked at several possible mentors:

• The first senior pastor was a tough taskmaster. I call this pastor, Pharaoh. His philosophy was that “staff are like horses, you run them until they can’t run any more and then you shoot them or put them out to pasture.”

• The next pastor cried during his messages. I call this pas-tor, Jeremiah. The weeping pastor was concerned about the lost but I was concerned about his emotional balance. My perception was that he was close to burnout and needed a vacation.

• The third pastor knew how to empower men. When I walked into his church I saw men serving, worshiping, and leading. Jim Swank taught me and other men how to live as a faithful man to both our church and to our family. He showed us how to live like Jesus. He has been and continues to be a powerful example to many men. I am eternally grateful for his incredible patience for a young Timothy like me. That is why I call him Paul.

This issue is dedicated to the Paul’s in our life and our prayer is that it will inspire us to follow in their footsteps as leaders and empower men.

Tom Rees, Men’s Ministry Director

2007 Ministers’ Wives RetreatSeptember 21-23, 2007

in everyRoomLove

�Connexions Summer 2007 �

Pastor stePhen r. tourville superintendent

supt@penndel.org

The individuals God has given me as mentors have changed me and the direction of my leadership. I like the expression, “If you see a turtle on a fence post, you know he had help getting there.” The people with whom we chose to associate either help us or hurt us. Choose wisely those you allow to influence you, and become a positive influence on others by becom-ing a mentor. There are no quick fixes and no perfect people. I trust the following thoughts will be helpful to you.

1.�� �The�right�mentor�is�hard�to�find. It takes an individual willing to give per-sonal one on one time to you. Many pastors I know have a difficult time investing that kind of time into one relationship. These are not bad individuals. They tend to be overworked, and over stressed individuals who are attempting to make significant inroads for the kingdom of God. Avoid criticizing others for not being what you need. Remember, you reap what you sow.

2.�� �Mentors�are�not�perfect. I have been around a few years at this point, and I have discovered that if you get to know others well enough, sooner or later, you will discover they have an Achilles tendon, a weakness of some kind. In the words of John Ortberg, Everybody’s Normal Till You Get to Know Them.

3.�� �Expectations�may�be�unrealistic. Whether marriages or ministries, relation-ships often go down hill when expectations are unrealistic. You get married and assume your husband will have similar traits as your Dad. Your new wife can’t make lasagna like Mom. You both have warts and you snore. What a shock! Ministry relationships can be disappointing if your expectations are too high.

4.�� �Multiple�mentors�will�be�required. Go for excellence! One mentor may help most in your preaching, another in organizational skills, and another in passion for Jesus. A mentor who recognizes his or her own limitations will be your greatest asset. Keep in mind that mentoring usually has a life cycle. Appreciate those who invest in your life.

5.� �You�may�outgrow�your�mentor. A great mentor will want to help you succeed to a higher level than the mentor has achieved. Their personal connections may assist you in forming relationships that will prove helpful for your future.

6.� �A�variety�of�relationships�are�needed: Teacher, Coach, Overseer, Discipler. Mentors may teach, coach, oversee, and disciple, but the primary roles they play are as role model, connector, and a person who cares about you as an individual. Realize a mentor cannot be everything you need. Be open to other relationships.

7.� �Be�sure�you�take�responsibility�for�your�own�self-care. No one can do that for you and you should not allow anyone else to take that role from you. Your sense of self-worth should not be determined by the way a mentor responds or does not respond to you.

the two most significant

books i have read on this

subject are The Fine Art

of Mentoring, by ted W.

engstrom and As Iron

Sharpens Iron, by howard

and William hendricks. a

closing thought; mentoring

is not about a program to

develop or material to con-

quer. Mentoring is about

relationships. Find a mentor

that can help you grow into

the person Christ wants you

to be. remember, Jesus is

the ultimate mentor who

will, by his holy spirit, lead

you into all truth.

choosing mentors wisely

Paul e. Grabillassistant superintendent

PGrabill@aol.com

Some years ago the fine work of David Blankenhorn (see www.fatherhood.org) convinced me that fatherhood was the single greatest social issue in our nation. Most crime and social dysfunction can be traced back to fatherless families.

Most of us have some kind of father issues with which we have had to deal. Whole ministries (like the ‘Father’s Heart’ ministry of the late Jack Frost) have arisen to help believers get healing in this area of our lives.

In addition to all this, authors like Leon Podles, John Eldridge and many others have suggested that the Church in the West has become inordinately feminized.

All these are huge issues which we cannot adequately address here. However, I think this is something we can safely say: Only a man can make another male into a man.

While womanhood seems to be largely instinctive, sociologists tell us that manhood is more problematic. Every culture deals with this in one way or another. Our own culture is flounder-ing on this very point, as manhood is often defined by beer commercials, professional sports achievements and mammon.

All this creeps into the Church as young men in the ministry struggle to find spiritual fathers (1 Cor. 4:15) or other kinds of mentoring relationships. How can pastors adequately model being a spiritual father if they have never had one themselves? It seems to me that prior genera-tions had enough good fathering at home so that when they achieved manhood they could stand on their own, but it also seems to me that those my age and younger often feel lost on this very critical point. How I yearned for most of my ministry for a spiritual father figure.

That’s a primary reason last year we launched our Catalyst Groups. Not only does a pastor or evangelist feel that they have a proven leader in their corner (those in my group feel free to call my cell phone at any time of the day or night), but there is the opportunity to ‘catch’ some of the group leader’s dynamic by just spending time together. That leader doesn’t need to be perfect, just someone who helps you stretch and grow. Leadership reproduction always results in Kingdom reproduction and expansion. It takes much more than a college degree or a leadership conference to build a leader.

I’m all for gender inclusiveness in the ministry, but I do not want to lose the sense of ‘spiritual manliness’ in the pro-cess. I think Jesus understood this principle when he called twelve men to follow Him.

The Need For Spiritual Fathers

Who are you following (as they follow Christ)? Who is following you?

Connexions Summer 2007�

roland CoonGuest Contributorsenior Pastor, Calvary assembly of God, dover, delaware

Every man is in the Band of Brothers if he is involved at Calvary—whether he attends one of the planned events or not. Lead by a core team of dedicated men, the mission of Band of Brothers is “to transform men into agents of transforma-

tion, equipping them to fulfill God’s calling and purpose as men of God serving the family, body of Christ and the community…leaving no man behind”. This attitude has created a spirit of inclusion and a safe place for growth, connection and fellowship where men can learn to build relationships, intimacy with God and with each other.

Our men’s ministry started with men who were passionate for God, reaching out to other men through friendships while serving as ushers, greeters, teachers, actors in drama, disciplers, Bible study facilitators, in the men’s choir, on mission teams and in outreach ministries. We organized trips to Promise Keepers and Honor Bound conferences as our semi-annual anchors. Weekly Sunday School classes or Wednesday night electives for men focused on men’s interests and needs. Weekly in-home Bible studies, point-of-entry interest groups such as golfing, softball, volleyball, motorcycling, weight lifting, and camping were developed as men shared their lives with one another. Also, men rose to the need of their new friends with one-on-one accountability and connection naturally happened. Quarterly Breakfasts with fellowship, worship and special features have helped to connect men from the different ministries.

The men stay connected through regular newsletters and a dedicated email distribution of the scheduled events, prayer requests, devotions and announcements. In order to reach out to the younger men, a website, blog and online calendar were added as a part of the communication process.

Calvary is a male friendly church with strong ministries. Opportunities for the men to worship God with their time and talents are available through our outreach ministries to the community throughout the year. From the worship teams, Sanctuary, Production and Men of Calvary choirs to ushers, greeters and mission team, many men are involved which attracts other men. Marriage retreats, mentoring and counseling are available to help in the transformation process. Calvary’s musical productions draw many men from the community who get saved and end up helping with singing, acting, carpentry, paint-ing, building sets, security, parking, running lights, cameras and other multimedia needs.

While Band of Brothers goal of “leaving no man behind” is enormous, at Calvary we are definitely making progress.

roland Coon serves as lead Pastor of Calvary assembly of God, dover, de., as the Chairman of the Calvary Christian academy school board and is currently a Catalyst leader. he has been in ministry for over 30 years. his heartbeat in ministry has been for evangelism.

roland and his wife, angela have been married for 37 years and have 3 children and 4 grandchildren.

Leave No Man Behind

Connexions Summer 2007 �

david Crosby secretary and treasurer

World Missions

dcroz@penndel.org

Ministers Transferring out:SWEETON, Jeremy E. (Ordained) – To New YorkBRYANT, Terry (Ordained) – To IndianaENGLE, Benjamin E. (Ordained) – To Potomac

Ministers Transferring in:REVIE, James (Ordained) – Transfers from the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada to become the senior pastor of Church of the New Covenant, Mansfield, PA. James is married to Wendy.

HOTCHKISS, Jason L. (Licensed) – Transfers from the New Jersey District to become a resident of Fairview, PA.

FARMER, Travis L. (Licensed) – Transfers from PenFlorida to Glen Rock, PA.

PRICE, Sr, Douglas W. (Ordained) – Transfers from Southern New England to become senior pastor of Grace Pentecostal Assembly of God, Johnstown, PA. Douglas is married to Karen and they have three children.

DAVIS, Christopher (Certified) – Transfers from Northern California and Nevada to reside in Coraopolis, PA.

ALVES, Philip B. (Licensed) – Transfers from Ohio to become youth pastor at First Assembly, Punxsutawney, PA. Philip is married to Amanda and they have a daughter, Amanda.

BENNETT, Homer D. (Ordained) – Transfers from Ohio to become senior pastor of New Life Assembly of God, Mercer, PA. Homer is married to Esther.

KIPE, Dustin M. (Licensed) – transfers from New York to become youth pastor at Chapel of the Hill, Emlenton, PA.

About People

Church Transitions:Ryan Miller to Greenwood Assembly of God, Fayetteville, PA.James Revie to Church of the New Covenant, Mansfield, PA.Jason Gornicz to Glendale Assembly of God, Coalport, PA.Douglas Price Sr to Grace Assembly of God, Johnstown, PA.Rick Ritenour to First Assembly of God, Waynesburg, PA.Stephen Sparks to Faith Assembly of God, Uniontown, PAHomer Bennett to New Life Assembly of God, Mercer, PA.Anthony Liotta to First Assembly of God, Scottdale, PA.Kerry Bingaman to River of Life, Sunbury, PA.Rodney Murphy to Faith Assembly of God, W Hazleton, PA.

Cooperative ChurchesTwo churches have been recognized by the General Council and PennDel District Councils with the status of Cooperative Church: • Zion Christian Church, 2019 Brownsville Rd, Pittsburgh, PA, Dan Cramer, pastor. • Victory Church, 1827 Freedom Rd, Lancaster, PA, Curtis Seaburg, pastor.

new & Upgraded Credentials:Certified�MinisterJohn CicilioniJoseph drovichamy Fosterdonald o’hareCory McMahondewayne Pierce

Licensed�Ministerdavid amendolaJonathan brookerJoshua detweilerstephen Favasteven Gagnerobert Gillennathaniel Grenierscott Kramerthomas lo verdeheather MarbleMatthew Moushliansean oniaterobin Pughtravis richendrferbrent shustereric spaniersteven traderandrew vanCottWilliam Woodall

Honorary Presbyters namedthe Penndel executive Presbytery named Philip bongiorno as superintendent emeritus for 24 years of min-istry as district superintendent and 2 years as assistant superintendent.the Penndel executive Presbytery named the fol-lowing individuals as honorary Presbyter for their ministry as Presbyters/executives: david selleck – 36 years; robert harris – 22 years;James Morris – 20 years as assistant superintendent; Kenneth Meyer – 17 years; elmer Kipe – 16 years; Jack Mason – 16 years; J Clayton sheridan – 6 years as Presbyter and 9 years as secretary/treasurer; david laquintano – 11 years; edward Menaldino – 11 years.

With The Lord:Wilbur�Hoak,�age 96, joined the church triumphant on sunday, May 6, 2007. rev. hoak committed his life to Christ on May 10, 1927 and received his exhorters Permit on January 3, 1933 with the eastern district Council. in 1930 rev. hoak began street services in irwin which became the beginning of First assembly, irwin. he was licensed in 1934 and ordained in 1936 while ministering in belvoir, va. he transferred his credential back to the eastern district in 1938 and was assistant Pastor and then senior Pastor at Carnegie Full Gospel until 1966. he served as pastor of bethel assembly, Chambersburg, Pa and at First assembly, Mt Pleasant, Pa where he retired in 1980. Mollie, his wife, preceded him in death in March 1991. he is survived by two sons, Keith and Maynard, a daughter, Phyllis, nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchil-dren. his service was held in the Jeannette assembly of God with superintendent tourville and Pastor Martin Koss.

Ministriesummit/District Council ReportThere was one major item of business with the approval of the Home Mission Partnership resolution.

The PennDel Bylaws will reflect in principal what is happening now in practice where a General Council Affiliated Assembly can provide the oversight of a District Affiliated Assembly.

Superintendent Stephen Tourville by virtue of his office serves on the General Presbytery of the General Council of the Assemblies of God. Paul Grabill and David Crosby Sr were elected to also serve as General Presbyters. Superintendent Stephen Tourville and Bryan Koch were elected as Executive Presbyter Nominees to be presented to the 2007 Indianapolis General Council as nominees from the Northeast Region.Connexions Summer 2007�

Pat and Brenda Mahar report a “new wind” blowing across Botswana. Many young pastors across the country are committing to an evangelism initiative to conduct 18 crusades that will span from one end of the country to the other. Plans are being made to erect 20 steel tabernacles to house the growing churches.

John and Faith Higgins tell us a new chapel in the Mission of Mercy Hospital, Calcutta, India, has been dedicated. Also, a brand new facility for the boys’ home was recently dedicated with Pastor Patrick Joseph as guest speaker. John has been doing what he loves best: teaching theology in the Buntain Theological College. Faith works along side the national church in the music, Christian education and women’s ministry departments.

Joseph and ellen Anonby are stateside for furlough. They arrived home to the cold and snow after working the last four years with the church in the Dominican Republic. While on furlough the church is under the capable leadership of Agapito. The church was started in a garage and will be moving into a new facility soon.

Melissa Mcsurdy continues her mission in Namibia as she works with local HIV/AIDS coordinators to mobilize pastors in their assis-tance to those infected or affected by HIV and AIDS. Training will begin soon for ministry teams in each church to reach out to those who hurting in the area of HIV/AIDS. Remember Melissa in your prayers.

Kevin and Annie Folk have completed their language studies and have relocated to La Carlota, Spain. They are working with the Centro Superior de Teologia (AG Bible School). Kevin works with Director Jesus Carmes developing a website and designing new cur-riculum. He is also a professor of Bible and Theology. An evangelistic campaign was held recently in the province of Cordoba with more than 2,000 in attendance and several hundred people responded to accept Christ.

Theron and Aldona Roush are strategically living in the city of Medellin, Colombia, which is on an accelerated expansion program to become the “Gateway to South America.” New residential homes and apartment complexes are a byproduct of this expansion. Churches are being planted in Pajarito, Vallehuelos and Juan XXIII. Theron reports it is a challenging mission to keep up with expansion of the country and the church.

Fred and Betty Howsare report a tremendous work of the Spirit is taking place in the land of Cambodia. New evangelism and church planting outreaches is focusing on the southern part of the country. It is an exciting time to see so many young men and women responding to the call to build the church.

steve and Lori Potutschnig are stateside after a four year term in Bolivia. Steve has been very effective in building new schools and churches to reach and change a nation for Christ. Steve will partici-pate in the 2007 Fall Missions Convention that visits each of our sec-tions. Please schedule him to visit your church and support him with your prayers and finances.

Bill and Hilda Bradney express their thanks for faithful support over the years for their ministry in Latin America. In March 2007 the Bradneys retired from Assemblies of God World Missions. They will continue their work at VFCC teaching Bible and missions subjects as they prepare Christian workers to serve around the world. They will continue short-term missions projects with VFCC students for a hands-on missions experience.

Don and Mary smith have retired as Missionaries to Japan. After 38 years of devoting themselves to ministry through Light for the Lost literature distribution, Bible school work, ICI evangelism and disciple-ship training, the Smiths retired from World Missions on March 31, 2007. Thank you for your faithful support of the Smiths and World Missions. Through your giving, many lives have been touched with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

About People

news & notes from our Missionaries

District missions Construction TeamTijuana MexicoJanuary �� to February �, �008We are pleased to announce the PennDel District MAPS Team will be working with Missionary Art Stoneking in Tijuana, Mexico. The construction project is to build a new sanctuary for Templo Bethania. When: January 26 to February 2, 2008. Team size is limited to 36 persons. Please contact Dave Crosby Sr at dcroz@penndel.org for information regarding the mission.

World missions

Connexions Summer 2007 �

toM rees assistant to the superintendent

honor bound Church Planting

and development

tom@penndel.org

FaCtors assoCiated With HIGHER�ATTENDANCEIn reviewing the combined four-year mean atten-dance of church plants, the following factors were found to be associated with higher attendance:• meeting in a school in the first year over not

meeting in a school in the first year

• meeting in a theater in subsequent years over not meeting in a theater in subsequent years

• meeting in a school in subsequent years over not meeting in a school in subsequent years

• conducting a special children’s event (i.e., Fall Festival, Easter Egg Hunt)

• mailing invitations to services, programs, events

• conducting new member classes

• using a church covenant signed by new members

• starting at least one daughter church within three years of the church plant

• having a proactive stewardship development plan enabling the church to be financially self-sufficient

• having multiple staff members rather than a single staff members at the beginning of the church plant

• being financially compensated as the church planter

• receiving health insurance whereby the major-ity of the premiums were paid for by the church plant, sponsoring church, or denomination

• conducting a block party as an outreach event

• delegating leadership roles to church members

• conducting leadership training to church members

• working full time over part or half time as the church planter

• being assessed prior to planting the church as the church planter

• having the church planter’s expectations realized

FaCtors assoCiated With HIGHER�BAPTISM�COUNTSIn reviewing the combined four-year mean attendance of church plants, the following factors were found to be associated with higher baptism counts:• engaging in ministry evangelism (i.e., food

banks, shelter, drug/alcohol recovery)

• starting at least one daughter church within three years of the church plant

• having a proactive stewardship development plan enabling the church to be financially self-sufficient

• conducting a mid-week children’s program

• conducting a children’s special event (i.e., Fall Festival, Easter Egg Hunt)

• sending out mailers for invitation to services and church events

• conducting a block party as an outreach activity

• conducting a new member class for new church members

• conducting leadership training for church members

• receiving church planting training in terms of a boot camp or basic training by the church planter

• working full time over part time as the church planter

• being assessed prior to the beginning of the church plant as the church planter

• delegating leadership roles to church members

Ed Stetzer and Phillip Connor just completed a Research Report for the Center for Missional Research of the North American Mission Board. Here are some interesting observations they have made:

Join me at:

location: radiant Church, surprise, arizona

dates: november 29-30, 2007

speakers include:

Ed�Stetzer, Church Planting expert and author of “Planting Missional Churches”

Steve�Johnson, President of vision usa

For more info: www.churchplanting.ag.org/2007_leadership_conference

survivability and Health study 2007Church Plant

Connexions Summer 20078

as you can see, this is an all-star line-up that has the potential to positively impact men for a lifetime.

i hope you and your men can join with men from Penn-del and Potomac for this powerful opportunity.

to get the legacy dvd and Convention brochures just call the honorbound office (717.795.5921) or e-mail penny@penndel.org.

Please join us in praying that each man who attends will have a divine encounter that will heal marriages, transform attitudes, and challenge them to be all they can be in Christ!

The HonorBound Men’s Conference will be hosted this year at Trinity Assembly of God in Lutherville, Maryland on october 19-�0, �00�. our theme this year is LeGACY and the sessions are:

“building your legacy with honor” Rear Admiral Barry C. Black (Ret.)

Chaplain of the united States Senate

“Leadership involves being a servant,” says Black. “Jesus said that if you want to be great and lead, you have to serve. The opportunity to receive rank, to open doors for other people, and to empower them is exhilarating.”

“leaving your Family with a legacy”Greg Vaughn

Letters from Dad

“On the darkest day of your children’s lives, they deserve something better. They deserve a letter about your hopes, dreams and desires for each of them. It will change their lives.”

“shaping your legacy through Ministry “ Erik Rees

S.H.A.P.e. at Saddleback Church

“You were not created to conform. You were not created to compare. You were not created to compete. You were not created to compromise. You were created to contribute to God’s kingdom and make a significant difference with your life.”

“belting your legacy out of the Park”Sam Rijfkogel

Grand rapids First

“Walking in obedience will lead you into the sweet spot of God’s blessing.”

HonorBound�Men’s�Conference

Connexions Summer 2007 9

2007 PennDel MINISTRIESUMMITSouth Hills Assembly, Bethel Park

Retiring Missionariesdavid and Maryann vespaGene and norma Kummerer

Connexions Summer 200710

robert harris, Charles scrimale, arnold segesman, Walter stuart (not Pictured: supt. emeritus Philip

bongiorno, Joseph vitello)

�00� Jubilarians �0 Years of ordanied Ministry

honorary Presbyters: david selleck, robert harris, James Morris, elmer Kipe, Jock Mason, Ken Meyer,

Clayton sheridan (not Pictured: supt. emeritus Philip bongiorno, edward Menaldino, david laquintano)

Honorary Presbytery and executive Presbytery

2007 Ordination Class

Darren and KellyAbraham

Tim and Katie Bennett

Doug and KellyBlack

rudolph and Stephanie Bolling

milton and TaraBuitron

Joel and YumiDiAngi

robert and LisaDuBose

richard and Heather Glogau

Austin and Jennifer Jones

elizabeth andPaul Lynn

Nathan and Joiemiller

Todd and SharonNeveu

Nicholas Poole Carl and Andrearedding

J. Jamie and PamSantiago

Tony and JamieSebastian

Jessica and AdamVega

Charles and Patricia Zierle

Connexions Summer 2007 11

Kristian WalKer

district Music & Worship liaison

www.kristianwalker.org

Building RELATIONSHIPS

• networking

• fellowship

• mentoring

• accountability

• idea-sharing pool

• C3

Please help us build our network database by forwarding any music minister contact info you may have.

Providing RESOURCES

• local training seminars &

workshops

• district music conference

• online resource lists & tips

• pdMLN online user forum

• music and resource sharing

Let us know if you would like the pdMLN to hold a worship & media seminar for your local team.

Hosting ROUND-TABLES

• cultivating communication

& relationship between the

pastor & worship leader

• resolving challenges &

potential conflict

• sharing success stories &

ideas with leaders from other

churches

Notify us if you are interested in hosting a ‘Round-Table’ for pastors & worship leaders in your area.

Psalm 22:3 (Japanese Version)

Translation: “When God’s people worship, He brings a big chair and sits there.” Our worship is where God wants to be. It is His habitation, the environment where He loves to ‘hang out’ most! Determine to create that atmosphere often by ministering to Him with a lifestyle of worship. All other ministry will flow with His blessing and equipping when we are living daily in the presence of the almighty God. W

ORS

HIP

N

UG

GET

OF

THE

DAY

MISSION

Penn-Del MUSIC leaDershiP network

Connexions Summer 20071�

Sow seeds of compassion by providing resources through:

Cash Donations

Endowments

Gifts in Kind

Commodities

A Bequest in Your Will

A Gift of Stock or Mutual Fund Shares

A Gift of Real Estate

An Affordable Legacy with Life Insurance

Volunteering Your Time

For more information, visit www.penndelcharities.org John Castellani, Executive Director JCastellani@penndelcharities.orgKathleen Caley, Administrative Assistant KCaley@penndelcharities.org

Sowing Compassion

Become a seed planter and help make a difference.

1�Connexions Summer 2007

We will offer more interaction and more workshops. This will be an opportunity to interact with teachers who have the same passion to make disciples. Lunch on site will be included in your registration. Again, books and resources will be offered at a 20% discount.

GeorGe Krebs Christian education

george@penndel.org

The best way to build godly men is to start at the begin-ning, building godly boys. It takes so much time and effort to undo the un-godly habits and effects of this world system, compared to discipling boys to be follow-ers of Jesus. Men’s ministry starts with men willing to teach preschoolers (potential men), equip elementary boys (potential men) and mentor teens (young men).

Here is an opportunity to mentor the hearts and minds of children. Spending time in Junior Bible Quiz. (JBQ) will change lives. Some may think today’s kids just want to be entertained, but kids love Junior Bible Quiz. We are looking for new teams to include in the 2007-2008 season. We have regional representatives who are willing to help you get started. If you would like to talk about starting JBQ in your church, just contact Pastor Trish Gunn at Tgunn@wfa.org or call 302-547-2302.

New JBQ teams need to register by August 1, 2007.

BibleJunior

Quiz

2007-2008 ScheduleMeet #1 October 13, 2007 Meet #2 November 10, 2007 Meet #3 January 12, 2008 Semi-finals January 26, 2008 Finals February 8 & 9, 2008

early registration:Postmarked one week prior$26.00 per person (includes lunch)

Home�Missions�&�Ministerial�Students�(Full-time):Registering one-week prior$21.00 per person (includes lunch)

Registration at door$31.00 per person (includes lunch)

senior Pastor or Group Leader one per church Free (includes lunch)

register through your church office or contact Sue at 717-795-5921 or sue@penndel.org

Choose the Lifeseptember �9 – Westmonroeville Assembly of God, monroeville

october � – eastGlad Tidings Assembly of God, reading

Training TracksPreschool

elementaryYouthAdult

Administration

We Build Teachers

Building Men by

Building Boys

Men’s ministry tip of the day; do it right the first time, and you won’t have to do it again.

Penn-Del MUSIC leaDershiP network

douG sayers youth

www.penndelyouth.com

BiBLe QUiZ TRAininG CAMPThis year the Bible Quiz Training Camp is August 16-18, 2007, at the Philip Bongiorno Conference Center in Carlisle, PA. We are studying Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon this year. This three-day camp, with practical hands-on experiences, will prepare veteran quizzers for the

new season, as well as, help train first time quizzers and coaches. For $78, both teens and adults will receive, along with their housing and meals, instruction on Bible Quiz techniques, quizzing, coaching, officiating and more. Whether your church has a Bible Quiz team, is planning to start a quiz ministry, or is only thinking about Bible Quizzing, you will benefit from the experience of BQ Camp!! The deadline is August 7 and this camp is limited to 225 people - send in your registration now!

YoUTH ADVAnCeThis four-day back-to-school retreat will be held over Labor Day weekend, August 31 – September 3, 2007, at the Philip Bongiorno Conference Center. This retreat is designed to equip teenagers to reach their “Mission Field,” “The High School Campus.” Our guest speaker is Lowell Hochahalter. The cost for Youth Advance is $94 per person.

To The 2007 District Youth Scholarship Recipients

FiRsT PLACe WinneRJonathan Taylor from New Castle, DE. Jonathan attends Praise A/G, Newark, DE. This fall Jonathan will attend Valley Forge Christian College. He received a $1,000.00 scholarship.

seConD PLACe WinneRAmanda Summers from Mars, PA. Amanda attends CrossWay Church A/G, Valencia, PA. This fall Amanda will attend Southeastern University. She received a $750.00 scholarship.

THiRD PLACe WinneRRachel Lecocq from Plum, PA. Rachel attends Monroeville A/G, Monroeville, PA. This fall Rachel will attend Evangel University. She received a $500.00 scholarship.

Congratulations

September 26th millions of students around the United States will gather around their flagpoles to ask the Lord to touch their cities and school campuses. You don’t want to miss out on this chance to impact your community! My prayer is that you would be praying for a revolution on your school campus!

For more information contact “See You at the Pole” at 817/HIS-PLAN (447-7526) or check out the website at www.syatp.com.

see YoU AT THe PoLe Wednesday, september ��, �00�

DisCoUnT HeRsHeYPARK TiCKeTs AVAiLABLeWhether you need one ticket for yourself, your family, or one hundred hersheypark tickets for your group, you can purchase them for $28.00 (ages 9-54) and $23.00 (ages 3-8 and 55+) each from the district office until our discounted supply is gone. Please send a check (made�payable�to�Penn-Del�District�Council)�for the full payment along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Park days 2007, 4651 Westport dr., Mechanicsburg, Pa, 17055.

CHRisTiAn MUsiC DAYsaturday, sept. 15, 2007hersheypark, hershey, Pa

�008 DisTRiCT YoUTH MinisTRies CALenDARthe 2008 Penn-del district youth Ministries Calendar is now avail-able at www.penndelyouth.com.

Connexions Summer 20071�

1�Connexions Summer 2007

Jason laMer youth alive

youthalive@penndelyouth.com

every time my family and i jump into the minivan we embark on a journey that is always initiated by Jaron our 8 yr. old son or Jalyn, our 5 yr. old daughter, asking, “how long till we get there?” i’ve discovered that the reason for their question is not always because they are excited to get to where we are going, but rather they are excited to get out of the car. the destination isn’t so much their concern. they’re going where i’m going. the question is, where am i taking them?

in leviticus 20:2-3, God gives the israelites a stern warning. they are told that no one is to take their child or children to the valley of hinnon, a garbage dump, and sacrifice them to the god of Molech. to you and i this seems absurd and indeed it is. Who could think of such an act? For reasons of appeasement however, these parents would bring their children to the valley and offer them as a sacrifice. the purpose was to please the false god of Molech in the hope that no bad thing would happen to them.

i think of this act and i imagine a parent confused and broken hearted bringing this child to the valley of hinnon and allowing its life to be destroyed, all for the sake of appeasing a worldly god who is no god at all. i have to ask myself, have i blurred lines in my life or in my home for the sake of appeasement. have i walked over or around what is sacred just to satisfy what is selfish? am i leading my children to a place of garbage or growth?

you see, when a parent would walk this child to the valley from Jerusalem, they would use the dung Gate. i don’t have to go into detail, but we can say it represents garbage and waste. on the other side of the city is another gate called the Garden Gate. it is the gate you would travel through to get to Moriah, the place where abraham took his son isaac. What two different parallels, one representing garbage and decay, the other representing life and restoration. What gate am i leading my children through? am i upholding the sacred things of God by displaying them as important in my life, things such as family devotions and prayer, entertainment choices and time management? What is my life saying to my children about God and the things of God? Will their lives produce a garden or garbage?

Where am i leading them? they’re right behind me.

Where you’re going,

Where you lead them,they will go,

they will follow.

Seven Project 06-07: This past school year we have seen over 1,000 students make a decision for Christ. We thank God for the work he is doing on our school campuses and through our campus mission-aries. Bookings have begun for 07-08 school year. For more infor-mation on bringing this multi-media experience to your community, contact Jason at 717.645.5467 or youthalive@penndelyouth.com.

New to the Digisource Family this summer is the Campus Club Digisource. This resource of mate-rials features everything needed for starting and conducting an effec-tive campus ministry. To order this or any of the Digisource materials, contact Gospel Publishing House online or at (800) 641-4310.

ruth Puleo Women of Purpose

rpuleo@ptd.net

T.I.M.Efor �ChangeTeaching . Influence . Mentorship . Encounters =

Penn Del DistrictWomen in Ministry Catalyst Groupthis mentoring ministry is for women who are credentialed ministers or who are called of God and seeking ministerial credentials. it is our hearts desire to encourage, equip and provide personal encounters that will enable women to fulfill the call of God in their lives.

september 29, 2007 • 10:00 am—3:00 pm

registration Fee: $5.00 hot Catered lunch: $5.00

lighthouse Christian Fellowship2788 Geryville Pike, Pennsburg, Pa

Topic: our identity in ChristSeminar�Speaker: Pastor louise Costello

Dictionary�Definition�of�CATALYST:1. a person or thing that precipitates an event or change.2. a person whose talk, enthusiasm, or energy causes others to

be more friendly, enthusiastic, or energetic.

CATALYST Groups will provide • unlimited leadership development • unlimited influence • unlimited Kingdom expansion

COORDINATORS:ruth Puleo: rpuleo@ptd.netlaverne Weber: patrickweber@rcn.comangela Coon: acoon@calvarydover.orglouise Costello: lwc@pc.net

Connexions Summer 20071�

Leaders Time Apart …is an open invitation to�any�woman that wants to grow in Christ and be used by God to influence others. “the biblical basis for Women in Ministry and leadership” will be our seminar topic.

Dr.�Deborah�Gill, our featured speaker for leaders time apart is a professor of nt exposition. she has a b.s. in Music ed from the u of Mn and a M.div., M.a. in biblical lang. from aGts, as well as, a Ph.d. in biblical studies (ot & nt) from Fuller. dr. Gill is an ordained minister with the Mn district.

Session�1�– hermeneutics (how to study the bible) & biblical foundations regarding women

Session�2 – specific issues in the local nt churches and practical applications for today

hershey lodge & Convention Centerhershey, Pa • november 2, 2007

9:00 – 11:45 am

Leaders�Time�Apart�is�held�during��the�WOMEN�OF�PURPOSE�CONFERENCE,�November�2�&�3,�2007

For more information:pdwomenofpurpose@verizon.netwww.penndelwomenofpurpose.org

My name is Christa hubbell. i am a 25 yr. old, mother, wife, and a credentialed minister in the Penn-del district. i’ve grown up in the Church. My parents are both ordained ministers, bob and louise Costello. they have been church planters for the past 30 years. i thank God for a rich heritage.

i want to see change happen within our churches as it pertains to women in ministry and young women who want to be in ministry. i have had the privilege of growing up in a double Pastor’s home. so, i have been blessed to watch a women walk out, gracefully, in her calling. My mom taught me that i can do whatever God has put in my heart to do. that has propelled me forward to chase after my dreams, no matter what obstacles may come my way. the problem is, the majority of the girls within the church do not think this way.

My husband and i run a program called Masters Commission. it’s a nine month discipleship program for 18-25 year olds. every year, without fail, the majority of our girls do not believe that women can do whatever it is that God has put in their heart to do. a lot of our

students come from a traditional church background and were taught that women can minister, but only in certain areas. We even have girls that believe men are superior and better. i do a lot of teaching with them that refutes this belief system and i try to expose them to as many female leaders and pastors as possible. i said all that to say, i see a real problem within the church.

i believe in order for change to happen, we have to set out a plan that will affect our leaders of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. the only way we can create a movement of women who are keeping their femininity and, at the same point, functioning fully in their gifting and callings, is if we learn from yesterday, take action today, and teach for tomorrow. as women, we need visual role models. We need women in public places of leadership. We need a purposeful mentorship pro-gram that will enable our younger women to fulfill the call of God in their lives. all of us need to know that we are not alone and that someone is there if we need them, someone that has been where we are.

article submitted by: Christa hubbell, a licensed minister with the Penn-del district

Movement

Mentoring generations of girls and young women has been the intentional purpose of Missionettes since it’s inception in 1955. The opportunity to influence and shape the spiritual future of daughters is a challenge that the apostle Paul conferred to godly women in Titus 2:4. I thank God that we have such an incredible gender-specific mentoring program in the Assemblies of God to aid us with our girls and young women.

To keep our mentoring efforts current and right in line with the needs of today, the National Missionettes Department has implemented some important and needed changes. While the curriculum and core program will not change, the name has changed. Our District will take a least a year to implement this change. A statement from Candy Tolbert, National Missionettes/ Girls Ministries Director has been posted on the NEW website, ngm.ag.org. The statement includes the following:

effective march 15, 2007, the national missionettes ministries Department became the national Girls ministries Department. The change allows the church ministry department to broaden its scope of ministry.

“We are so excited about where the Lord is taking us in our realm of ministry,” states Candy Tolbert, national Girls ministries Director. “We have a vision to

reach more girls with the knowledge of Christ and even integrate girls’ families in our outreach.”

To better reflect this encompassing role, the Assemblies of God Board of Administration has approved changing the name of missionettes ministries Department to National Girls ministries (NGm) Department. Also, missionettes Girls Clubs will now be known as mpact Girls Clubs — girls impacting their world.

“I want all those committed to the ministry of missionettes to understand that missionettes will continue to be a vital part of what our department provides to our churches,” continues Tolbert. “The name change to mpact Girls Clubs will better communicate to today’s churches and those unfamiliar with the church how our ministry desires to shape girls so that they can impact their world. We see our department title and responsi-bility to be ‘National Girls ministries – missionettes and more!’”

Tolbert emphasizes that the name change to mpact Girls Clubs will not require churches to buy all new curriculum and sup-port materials. The clubs will continue to be rainbows, Daisies, Prims, Stars, Friends and Girls Only. As materials and prod-ucts are reprinted and reproduced, they will reflect the name change of the overall ministry. Churches should continue to use the curriculum they have and use the new ministry name in promotional pieces and when advertising events.

sharon Poole Missionettes

penndeldmc@yahoo.com

Mentoring This Generation

Anna Sabold, Honor Star and Bronze metal; Kayla O’Brien,

Honor Star; Trisha Speight, Friends Graduate and Bronze metal

Missionettes Crowning/Graduation Celebration service

Windsor Assembly of God • September 17, 2006

Connexions Summer 2007 1�

GreG sCott royal rangers

gscott@pdrangers.org

Our latest Gold Medal of Achievement Recipient, Malachi Seilhamer of Outpost #242, recently received his medal at a ceremony in his honor held at Christian Life Assembly in Camp Hill, PA. Earning the GMA seems to run in the Seilhamer family. Just a little over 2 years ago Malachi’s older brother, Zechariah, earned his GMA. They’re not done yet; however, as there is another younger brother, Isaiah, that is diligently working toward his GMA and will undoubtedly earn his as well.

What spurs these young men on toward earn-ing the GMA? Is it the learning experience, fun, excitement or challenge? Or is it an effort on their part to be more like Jesus? Only about one percent of our young men earn the Gold Medal of Achievement. Could Jesus have earned the Gold Medal of Achievement? It’s no easy task. A boy has to earn 24 merits (16 required and 8 elective), complete a Christian Service Project, serve at least 6 months in a leadership position and write a 500-word theme.

Certainly Jesus would have qualified to earn the Physical Fitness and Hiking merits. One can’t imagine how many pairs of sandals He went through. Being on the move all the time I’m sure that He would have met the requirements for the Camping merit, Cooking merit and had a com-plete understanding of nature and would have earned the Nature merit. It would also be easy to imagine how He would have earned his Public Speaking merit and the relationship He had with people would certainly help Him complete his Citizenship merit. What He did for people in general would speak volumes toward his Christian Service and Christian Missions merit. Now the First-Aid and CPR merit you might think would be a little trickier as I am sure they didn’t offer the Red Cross or American Heart Association courses back then, but when you stop to think about it, He could have healed anything that He may have been faced with so I think He would have met the criteria for these merits. The Lifesaving merit you ask? We’ll He could walk on water and He raised Lazarus from the dead. I would say that qualifies him around water and to save lives. Being on His own and unmarried would more or less wrap up the Bachelor merit and His relationship with His Father would pretty much write the book on the God and Family merit. Now granted there was no New Testament around during Jesus’ time, but He knew God’s word inside and out and who is the New Testament about anyway? I think we could award Him the Bible Merit. Having worked as a carpenter for a number of years one has to be convinced that He knew his way around wood and knew how to use tools and use them safely, thereby qualify-ing Him for the Carpentry merit, Tool Craft merit and Safety merit. That pretty much wraps up all the required merits and Jesus had so many other attributes and skills that I’m sure He would have no problem earning 8 additional elective merits such as God and Life, God and Church, Academics, Disability Awareness and others. The leadership requirements and 500-word theme, do you think that would be a problem? I know this analogy simplifies things, but if Jesus were one of our Royal Rangers I would be honored to pin the Gold Medal of Achievement on Him as I am honored to pin it on all of our Penn-Del Royal Rangers. Is it any wonder when boys have completed their GMA that they have already become more like Him? Who could ask for more and for a better ministry within their church? If you don’t have Royal Rangers in you church, contact the District office, the District Commander or your Sectional Commander to get this valuable ministry going in your church today.

Coming Events in 2007:eXPedition ranGers

baCKPaCKer

appalachian trail,

hamburg, Pa

July �0-��

distriCt roundtable

at Christian life assembly,

Camp hill, Pa

Aug. �

Fall CaMPoree West

at laurel hill state Park, Pa

sept. �1-��

Fall CaMPoree east

at Camp bashore,

Ft. indiantown Gap, Pa

sept. �8-�0

territorial rendeZvous

at honey Grove rr Camp,

honey Grove, Pa

oct. 11-1�

Bronze Medal of Achievement Silver Medal of Achievement Gold Medal of Achievement Nathan Buckman OP #227 James Lancaster OP #175 Matthias Wagman OP #93Alexander Schrom OP #43 David Donze OP #69 Mark Suehr II OP #145 Culten Dosch OP #42 Steven Howey OP #108 Kyle Thorpe OP #48 T.J. Eckman OP #42 Alex Revell OP #284 Malachi Seilhamer OP #242 Christopher Hamilton OP #311 Kyle Thorp OP #48 Jacob Kohl OP #52 Alexander Hertler OP #68George Conrad IV OP #118

Medals on the Rise. Just a little over 4 months into the year and our district has seen an increase in the number of Royal Ranger boys earning medals this year. The following boys have earned medals:

Medals on the Rise

Connexions Summer 200718

dan MillerGuest ContributorPastor, black Mountain harvest assembly, trucksville, Pa

To�reach�men�successfully,�we�must�go�into�Every�Man’s�World.

1 Be MANLY! In design, music, message, adventure, etc, be purposely a man’s man. This ministry requires a leader who is testosterone-dominant! Men will get in contact with their feminine side when they go home and touch their wives or talk to their girlfriends. Instead of the typical men’s weekly Bible study, try “Bible Study Jesus Style”, as we learn how to clear the temple with a few throws, kicks, and lifts.

2 Realize that the goal is not church growth, but Kingdom Expansion! Ask yourself:

• Are we meeting lost men?• Are we moving men closer to Christ?• Are we making friends (not just contacts)?• Are we paving the way for men to meet Jesus?• Are we going into every man’s world? Do we have many points of entry?

If your answers are in the affirmative, then the typical discipleship 101, 202 etc, classes can now be implemented and encouraged. The problem is not usually with our discipleship or Bible studies, but with our OUTREACH. We must go into every man’s world!

3 Be Authentic. Though this term is not new, there are some who honestly have a hard time with the concept.

• Find out where men go in your area (and why they go there). Then develop a game plan around those findings.

• Stop trying to drag men through the doors of your church! Meet them in their world. Your area is both typical and unique!

4 Be deliberate.• Be intentional and organized. Men want well-organized, quality events! “Good enough”

does not fly here!• Share Christ inside of action and adventure. Men want (and need) to be doing challenging

things. Sharing Christ inside of their adventures will set the foundation for traditional Bible studies and discipleship… NOT the other way around! Example: Substitute Men’s Saturday Breakfast for a Tailgate Party at a local sporting event. Or, instead of the typical Men’s Seminar at the church, try a Corn Roast/Clam Bake at a local restaurant or picnic grove.

5 Use the “Las Vegas approach” for small settings.

What we talk about, pray about, and confess to one another STAYS THERE. Town crier need not apply!

The success of Men’s Ministry does not just

“happen”. It takes lots of hard work and planning,

but the rewards are out of this world!

dan Miller serves as lead

pastor of back Mountain

harvest assembly in

trucksville, Pa, and is

currently a Catalyst

leader. he desires to

help ministries transition

from an institutional

position to a movement

mind set, and to lead

individuals into intimacy

with the holy spirit.

dan and his wife, deb,

have been married for

28 years, and have three

grown children. email

dan at Pastordan@

bMha.org

reaching men

Connexions Summer 2007 19

���1 Westport Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 1�0��-�88�

The initial interest rate on all Notes will depend on the effective interest rates at the time of purchase. Terms Notes pay interest at a rate fixed at the time of issu-ance. Once fixed, the interest rate on a Term Note will not be changed until the Note matures. At least thirty (30) days prior to any decrease in the interest rate on a Demand Note, the Loan Fund will notify the holder of such change.

This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy these securi-ties. The offering is made only by the prospectus. These unsecured debt securities are NOT available to residents outside of Pennsylvania or Delaware. The notes are not savings or deposit accounts or other obligations of a bank and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, any state bank insurance fund, the Securities Investor Protection Corporation or any other governmental agency.

Loan Fund update

Rates�as�of�July�1,�2007($500.00 Minimum investment)

demand note 3.50%6 Month note 4.25%1 year note 4.50%2 1/2 year note 5.00%4 year note 5.75%

an investment that Works for the Kingdom of God and you.

For additional information, contact us at 717-795-5921 or visit our website at www.penndel.org/loanfund

PhiliP bonGiorno Chairman

MiChael bonGiorno

executive director pddcag@aol.com

denise FolK

administrative assistant denise@penndel.org