Pequea Church Brethren In Christ » News

Meet Pastor Rick Mailloux

admin — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:55:59 +0000

Rick Mailloux (pronounced may-you) and his wife Bonnie are empty nesters They have three grown children (two sons and a daughter) and a grandbaby on the way. Bonnie works at a doctor’s office and works primarily with referrals. Rick has been the Senior Pastor at Crossroads Church, Mount Joy, for the past 13 years. This is the first time in a long time that the Maillouxs will have some flexibility in their schedule.

When Bishop Nate Yoder approached Pastor Mailloux about being an interim preaching pastor at Pequea Church it seemed like a great fit. Each was looking for what the other was offering. Pequea needed a preaching pastor while doing a pastoral search (more info) to fill the Senior Pastor role. Pastor Mailloux is making decisions about a future career path and relishes the idea of a short-term position. Starting on September 11 he will preach the majority of the messages until a Senior Pastor is chosen for Pequea Church. Pastor Mailloux feels honored to serve in this way.

In their spare time the Maillouxs enjoy traveling, often to the beach or to their children’s houses. Another passion of Pastor Mailloux’s is golf. Although, admittedly in recent years, his golfing frequency has dwindled from several times a week to several times a year.

Pastor Mailloux will give his first sermon on September 11; please come and enjoy this special day of welcoming.

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Congregational Meeting – July 17, 2011

admin — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:06:45 +0000

The Pequea Church board of directors held a fifteen-minute informational congregational meeting on Sunday morning, July 17, 2011 immediately following the Sunday morning worship services. Three members of the church board shared pertinent, exciting news that will affect the future ministry of the Pequea congregation. Below we have featured the information that was shared during this meeting. Watch the video or click on the headlines below for more information.

UPDATE – August 18, 2011

We are excited to report that the building of the playground and the construction of the kitchen extension and upgrade will soon begin. The cost to build the playground will be $60,000.00 and $190,000.00 for the kitchen. You may give to these projects by donating to the “For Our Future” fund. If you wish you may direct your giving directly to either the Playground or the Kitchen project by writing your preference on your offering envelope. If either of the projects are over funded the excess will go into the “For Our Future” fund. We encourage you to give liberally to these projects over and above your tithe to the general fund of Pequea Church.

Preschool Playground

In order to better support the growing weekday preschool ministry at Pequea the board of directors has given unanimous approval of a new playground. The playground equipment will be primarily designed for children ages 2-5 and could include slides, steps, a bridge and other equipment. It is estimated that the playground will be used by at least 100 children each week. With little grassy surface available on our property this playground will be an added benefit for outdoor children’s activities. The playground will be added near the church cemetery; a photo of its location is included below. The playground will be 30′ x 60′ and will cost about $60,000.

Gym Kitchen Expansion & Renovation

The kitchen ministry continues to grow. The use of the kitchen for Wednesday night meals, weddings, funerals, special event dinners, etc. has exceeded the original intent of this space – which was to serve food (catering), not for food preparation. Our current kitchen usage does not meet code. The kitchen committee worked on new plans for the expansion and renovation. Parke Hess and Brian Hess spent many hours working through the best options. These new plans were presented to the board for approval, which was given. The church board expects this project to cost approximately $190,000. When completed the kitchen will be safer and more efficient, as well as a more effective ministry. Click on the image below to download a .pdf of the proposed expansion & renovation plans.

Planning for the Future

Phil Gale, church board of directors member shares:

“As a church board we have a responsibility of planning for the present time and planning for the future. For some time we have been asking God to provide us with some direction regarding the future of our physical church and the manner in which we can most effectively serve God and our community. We have been, and will continue to be, in search of land in order to expand our facility. We are seeking land that will increase the physical church so that the ministry of Pequea Church will increase.

Those of you who are involved in the ministries of Pequea Church realize that we are limited in physical space. This is having an impact on the number of people we are reaching. As our attendance data demonstrates (see graph below), Pequea Church has reached its capacity and our growth is being limited because of the physical space we have. There is significant research that demonstrates people will leave or stay away from a meeting place that is limited in space. People like to have their physical space. They do not like to be crowded. They do not like to have to search for parking. Here at Pequea, we have reached that ceiling.

The church board has given careful consideration to this and is making steps to begin a feasibility study. This study will serve to take the pulse of the congregation in regards to their willingness to support a building project, both in principle and attitude. It will also enable us to determine people’s capacity for financial support. In turn, this may lead to a capital campaign that will allow for the purchase of land and the construction of a building.

What is God’s direction for the future of Pequea Church? We cannot think of this only as a way of continuing to maintain our current ministries, but as a way of furthering our ministries to reach more and more people.”

The total cost for these two projects is approximately $240,000. If you wish to contribute to one of these projects please designate it as “kitchen” or “playground” on your offering envelope. All contributions to “For Our Future” will be applied to these projects as needed.

For more information the congregation is encouraged to contact any of the church board members, call 717.872.5679 or email contact@pequeachurch.com

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Kingdom of the Son VBS Photos

admin — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:09:30 +0000

This year Pequea Church invited children and their families to the Kingdom of the Son Prayer Safari held at Pequea Church June 20-24. Check out the photos & video below!

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Interim Preaching Pastor

admin — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 15:24:35 +0000

Click Here to skip to the FAQ

June 12, 2011
To the Members and Friends of Pequea Church,
Dear Friends,

Greetings in Jesus’ Name! Thank you for your prayers on behalf of the ministry of Pequea Church. Your prayers are always significant, and especially so during a season of pastoral transition (read about the pastoral transition).

On May 1 it was announced that Pastor Dale Shaw, after a season of prayer and discernment, sensed God’s call to serve as the senior pastor of Sherkston BIC Church in Ontario. Since that time the Church Board has been meeting with Bishop Nate Yoder to discern the next steps forward for Pequea. After a few meetings, and a few weeks of prayer, we believe that an interim leadership arrangement will serve Pequea, and the ongoing search process, well.

Today I am pleased to announce that Pastor Rick Mailloux (pictured right with his wife Bonnie) has accepted the call to serve as Interim Preaching Pastor for your congregation. Pastor Rick brings extensive experience, most recently as Senior Pastor at the Cross Roads BIC Church in Mt. Joy, to this role with your congregation. He is an effective communicator with a great heart for Christ and a passion to see the community impacted with Christ’s love. He will begin serving on September 6, 2011. His primary responsibilities will be preaching and assisting with pastoral care and minimal administrative duties. During this interim time, Pastor Daleen Charles and Bishop Nate Yoder will carry additional administrative and leadership duties with the pastoral staff and church board.

A FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) paper (see below) regarding the interim time and a timeline for the search process is available on the church website. We anticipate the search process will begin this fall with the goal of completing the search process by next spring. Our confident hope is that this interim arrangement will provide good leadership for continued ministry at Pequea while also allowing time for a careful and thorough search process.

I have great anticipation for all the Lord will do in and through you at Pequea Creek Church in the days ahead. I believe the Lord would speak to you through the prophet Jeremiah, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you . . . plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11). The Lord is with you!

Sincerely in Christ,
Nate Yoder
Atlantic Conference Bishop

Frequently Asked Questions concerning Interim Pastoral Leadership and the Pastoral Search Processes

What Is The Purpose of Interim Pastoral Leadership?

It is common for a long-term pastor to be followed with an interim leadership arrangement. Some denominations go so far as to make this a requirement. Without a doubt, extensive experience across many churches of all denominations has shown the value of interim leadership. The interim time gives a congregation the opportunity to transition in a healthy way from one pastor while preparing for the leadership of the next pastor. With appropriate focus from staff and board leadership, the interim season is a time for positive, effective ministry AND a time of laying a great foundation for the next chapter in the life of a congregation. Finally, another benefit of an interim leadership arrangement is that it allows adequate time for a good and thorough search process.

What is the Specific Focus of the Interim Time at Pequea?

The pastoral staff will be focused on developing and empowering all attendees to serve God fully in their homes, work, and at church. Furthermore, the pastoral staff will be encouraged to keep growing and developing their gifts. When a church is led by people who are growing and empowering others, it will continue to be a healthy congregation marked by effective ministry. The board will focus on searching for the next pastor and ensuring that current ministries are healthy and thriving.

When Will the Pastoral Search Process Begin?

Beginning this fall all congregants will be given an opportunity to give input about the ministries of Pequea and qualities needed in the next pastor. After this congregational survey, the search committee (which is the church board and bishop) will begin processing resumes and candidates. We anticipate beginning to interview candidates after the new year with the goal of selecting a candidate by the spring of 2012.

How Can I Make a Difference during this time?

Support and encourage the church board, pastoral staff and Interim Pastor
Pray, Pray, Pray.
Invest your gifts and talents in service to God both at home, at your job, and in the ministries of Pequea Church.

Who will assume the administrative duties at Pequea?

Pastor Rick Mailloux has accepted the call to serve as Interim Preaching Pastor for Pequea Church beginning September 6, 2011. His primary responsibility will be preaching. Daleen Charles, Interim Administrative Pastor, along with Bishop Nate Yoder, will carry administrative and leadership duties with the pastoral staff and church board during this time.

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Pastoral Transition

pequea — Sun, 01 May 2011 15:37:30 +0000

(Pequea Church-) On Sunday morning May 1, 2011 Pequea Church officially announced that Senior Pastor Dale Shaw will be leaving Pequea Church for a new assignment within the Brethren in Christ Church (BIC) of Canada. During the worship service Bishop Nate Yoder from the Atlantic Conference of the BIC read the following announcement to the congregation-

May 1, 2011
To the friends and members of Pequea Church:
Greetings in Jesus’ Name!

Over thirteen years ago, Pastor Dale Shaw, and his wife Ann Marie, moved to Lancaster out of obedience to God’s call to serve as pastor of your congregation. Over this past decade, Pastor Dale’s passion for Christ, his vision to see the church reach more people with the love of Jesus, and his empowering leadership has blessed Pequea church in countless ways. Many lives have been touched by God through Pequea church in the past 13 years. In the past number of months, Pastor Dale and Ann Marie were invited to consider serving at the Sherkston Brethren in Christ Church in Sherkston, Ontario. After a season of prayerful seeking, it became clear that God is calling them to serve at Sherkston for the next chapter of their lives. Therefore, Pastor Dale is resigning as Senior Pastor of Pequea church effective August 30, 2011.

I personally want to thank Dale and Ann Marie for their ministry at Pequea. Dale’s passion for evangelism and visionary leadership has broadened the impact of Pequea church both in the local community and around the world. Only eternity will fully reveal all that God has done in these past 13 years. I also want to thank you as a congregation for how you have partnered with Pastor Dale over the past 13 years. Without your prayers, support, service, and witness, we would not be able to celebrate all that God has done.

I would encourage you, even as you process your reaction to this news, to pray for Pastor Dale and Ann Marie. Even though they are following God’s call with anticipation, they will miss you greatly. Their faithful ministry to Pequea Church is worthy of your prayers, appreciation, and support as they walk through this transition.

In the coming weeks I will be meeting with your Church Board and will begin a discernment process related to future pastoral ministry at Pequea. I ask that you begin praying for God’s clear direction throughout this discernment process. Finally, let me remind you that healthy churches – and Pequea Church is surely one of these – can become even healthier during pastoral transitions, as church members reaffirm their commitment to each other, to their common mission, and to Jesus Christ. The good hands that matter most in such a time are the Lord’s, as He holds, protects, guides, and shapes His church.

Sincerely,
Nate Yoder
Atlantic Conference Bishop

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A Letter from Dale

admin — Sun, 01 May 2011 15:36:05 +0000

On Sunday morning May 1, 2011 Pequea Church officially announced that Senior Pastor Dale Shaw will be leaving Pequea Church for a new assignment within the Brethren in Christ Church (BIC) of Canada. Read this announcement by clicking here.

May 1, 2011

Dear Pequea Church Family,

On Nov. 7, 1997 I preached a sermon about where Pequea’s Bus might be heading. I said, don’t just dream for the sake of dreaming. It’s great to be a dreamer, but there comes a time when God wants us to put footprints to our dreams and make them reality.

Wow, God dreams BIG dreams.

I believe He has had and will continue to have Big Dreams for Pequea Church. What a journey we have been on together since 1997. We have seen births and deaths -happiness and tears. We have seen our community, our stage in life change, our church and our world change. The way we worship has changed but the message has stayed the same.

I am so thankful to God that when he put footprints to my dreams that He led them down Church Road in Pequea Township.

Now God is leading these feet in another direction. I am going to be heading back to Canada. The land of the maple leaf, hockey and poutine. Although it is the place of my birth, I must say I am really going to miss the people of Lancaster County PA. and most of all the wonderful people from Pequea Church.

I have responded to a call from the Canadian Conference of the Brethren in Christ Church in Ontario to be Pastor at Sherkston BIC. I will be living and serving in the Greater Fort Erie, Ontario area. An added bonus is for us to finally be closer to some of our family. We will be within ten miles of our son David, Jenni, Braedon and Wyatt.. We will finally be the kind of grandparents that attend school plays and soccer games. We will also be four hours closer to Darren, Jenn, Alexa and Trista.

Ann Marie will continue to manage capital campaigns for churches and currently is working with a mission in Welland, Ontario. We will be selling our house here and most likely having a house built by a builder who says he is a Catholic Mennonite!

Through much prayer, we have realized that this is truly a calling on our lives. The pieces that have come together amaze me. As much as I love living in Lancaster County and enjoying a ministry with you I am beginning to look forward to the next leg of my journey. God has been sharing his big dream for the Fort Erie area with me and letting me know what my part is in making them a reality. Even though I will not be here to see the vision of Pequea Church realized I won’t lose touch with the big dream He has for Pequea Church. I will continue to pray for you and the mission God has for Pequea Church in the community.

I love you and cherish the years I was able to be called your Senior Pastor. From the oldest to the youngest you have been encouraging, helpful and supportive. I ask you to pray for me daily as Ann Marie and I deal with selling our house and preparing to move. You can be sure that I will be taking my Photo Directory along so I can pray for you.

Yours in Jesus’ Name
Pastor Dale Shaw

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Tragedy in the American South – You can Help!

admin — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:01:08 +0000

On Wednesday afternoon & evening April 20, 2011 mother nature released it’s fury in the American South. 173 separate tornado’s were reported leaving a path of destruction across multiple states. This outbreak is the deadliest since 1974. The hardest hit area was Alabama. Pequea Church is part of the Brethren in Christ Denomination and we have a special partnership with Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS).

(AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

MDS is looking for volunteers to go to Alabama during this next week. A team is being assembled that would leave between 3-5 p.m. this Sunday, May 1. Plan on staying for the week; work would consist of storm cleanup. They are also in need of three skid-load operators to leave as soon as possible. If you are available and willing to help, please call Tim High at 333.4736 for more information.

What if I can’t go?

Please pray for those affected due to loss of loved ones and/or property. Pray that God’s people would mobilize and help in every way needed. Pray that people would be drawn to the one true God in the midst of their trouble.

Donate money to MDS directly so that they can resource the teams that are already on the ground and the teams that will be sent in the next months and even years to help rebuild and restore lives from this storm. Donate online by clicking here.

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Summer Lineup – Changes for Church on Wednesday

admin — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 19:06:24 +0000

Pequea Church is announcing changes to our Church on Wednesday lineup this summer. Please take a moment to look over the changes and let us know if you have any questions. You can reach us by calling 717.872.5679 or by emailing contact@pequeachurch.com

1.

We will take a break from our mid-week children’s programming June 1. Childcare WILL continue for children 5 and under. Families will be welcome to worship together on Wednesday nights.

2.

We will take a break from our mid-week meal beginning June 1.

3.

We will continue our Wednesday service at 6:45 p.m. and Sunday worship at 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. every week. For more information on our Worship services click here.

4.

We will resume our Wednesday night meal and full children’s programming on Wednesday night October 5.

Be sure to stay tuned to pequeachurch.com for all of the summer events. You can also become a fan of Pequea Church on facebook by clicking here.

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New Winter Grow Opportunities

admin — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 18:04:28 +0000

Pequea Church has many new Winter Discipleship options available, this is a great way for you to Grow in your walk!

Wednesday evening 365 Challenge Discussion Group-

A Discussion group based on the 365 Challenge will begin Wednesday, January 12 at 6:45 p.m. -7:45 p.m. in the prayer room of Pequea Church. The discussion will be led by Chad Eme. This is a great opportunity for you to discuss what you are reading in the 365 Challenge, ask questions and learn from others. Open to all adults.

New Small Group for Women-

A small group for women is forming under the leadership of Sonia Bridge. The group will discuss the 365 Challenge. The group will meet every other Thursday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. at Pequea Church beginning January 13, 2011. For more information email DCharles@pequeachurch.com or call 717.872.5679

Sunday Morning Study Class Opportunity-

Beginning Sunday, February 6, 2011 – Phil Gale will be leading a study class based on the weekly readings from the 365 Challenge. This class will take place at 10:30 a.m. in room 146 at Pequea Church. Open to all adults.

Root to Fruit (Christianity 101)-

If you are desiring to better understand the basics of Christianity consider attending Root to Fruit. Ten class sessions will be offered by Mike Dickert beginning Tuesday February 8, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in room 146. Topics will be covered include: What is Christianity?, Who is God?, The Trinity, The Work of Christ, The Holy Spirit, The Bible, What are Spiritual Disciplines?, What is Holy Living? Email mikedickert@comcast.net with any questions.

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Schedule Changes for Xtreme Youth in 2011

admin — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 19:24:25 +0000

Pequea Church is announcing changes to our Xtreme Youth program which will begin in January 2011. Changes are occurring in both our Junior and Senior High programs. Please read the information below so that you are prepared for these upcoming changes to the youth program.

Junior High

Over the last year and a half God has really blessed Xtreme Youth with a growing number of junior high students on Wednesday nights. Last Wednesday there were 86 students and leaders in attendance. At the same time, Pastor Groff has seen growth in the children’s program and is implementing changes to create even more growth. This has put a premium on resources in the church building on Wednesday nights. Because of this, the youth leadership team has decided to move junior high youth group to Thursday nights from 6:30 to 7:45. I realize that this move may create scheduling inconveniences for some families (including my own) but our current facility just can’t accommodate the numbers we are seeing and the programs we are planning in the time slot that we currently have. I’m looking at this as an opportunity to continue to promote youth group in the community as we advertise the change. I would also ask that you, as a parent, consider getting involved in the Xtreme Youth program. There are many ways to serve both on Thursday nights and Sunday mornings; we would love to have you as part of the team. Be active in your child’s spiritual life!

Senior High

The senior high program currently meets on Sunday mornings and Sunday afternoons. We also have small groups that meet during the week. With the changes to the junior high program we see opportunities for the senior high as well. We’ll be moving our Sunday afternoon program to Wednesday nights. The senior high does not need the same space as the junior high and students can stay out a little later so we can access the gym after the children’s ministry. We’ll also consolidate our small groups into this same program. Senior High students can take advantage of the Wednesday night meal at 5:45 if they wish and then attend youth group from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and still get home at a reasonable time. Sunday mornings we’ll also be ramping up our programming with more variety for our students who can’t make it to a mid-week program.

All of these changes will take place starting in on Wednesday January 5, 2011 (Senior High) and January 6, 2011 (Jr. High). Pequea Church would like to say thank you for your continued support of the youth program at Pequea. Lives are being changed and the community is being impacted. Since the beginning of the school year over 300 students and leaders have been involved in Xtreme Youth Ministry.

If you have any questions or would be interested and serving in Youth Ministry contact Robert Brody our Pastor of Family Ministries by emailing RBrody@pequeachurch.com or call 717.872.5679.

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