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Looking refreshed
Faith Community church undergoes renovation inside and out
By LINDA M. LINONIS
youngstown
Faith Community Evan- gelical Covenant Church puts its best foot forward for the Christmas season and the future with renovations inside and outside of the church building.
Its appearance is different — spruced up and uplifted. And the inner faith, strength and commitment of its members remain steadfast.
The church is no stranger to change. The building at 1919 E. Midlothian Boulevard was Bethlehem United Church of Christ, which merged in 2000 with Pilgrim Collegiate Church, located at Wick and Lincoln streets. The merged churches took the name Faith Community United Church of Christ. In the last few years, the church was non-denominational, and in the last two years became affiliated with evangelical Covenant, which was founded in 1885 by Swedish immigrants. A multiethnic denomination, it is historically Lutheran in theology and background, and is a broadly evangelical movement.
Faith Community’s heritage goes back to Bethlehem Third Reformed Church circa 1916.
Jack Barton, building and property chairman; Ethel Cantwell, president of church council; Rob Gardner, finance and endowments; and interim Pastor Mary Jo Berry recently gathered to talk about the church’s present and future.
Gardner said the combination of two events led to Faith Community’s ability to make “some major, and sorely needed, renovations.” The sale of the Pilgrim Collegiate Church building to Youngstown State University was finalized. It was accomplished through installments. Gardner said the church also received “a significant blessing” from the estate of a member.
Some of what the church did in the way of renovations are “unseen” but necessary. A new roof and boiler were among improvements that included new carpeting in the sanctuary and downstairs hallway, tile in the fellowship hall, repaving the parking lot and outside painting. “This is all maintenance you have to do,” Barton said.
Updated landscaping and a new lighted sign are outward signals that there’s something going on inside. It complements the landscaping in the island on Sheridan Street next to the church, where a sign welcomes people to Brownlee Woods.
Cantwell said an Eagle Scout created a memorial garden for his project. “He designed and plotted it out,” she said.
All the improvements have given the church a lift. “Because we’re on a corner, we’re noticed,” Barton said. He’s been a member about 50 years.
“We want to get the word out that we’re open and open to new members,” Gardner said.
The church has a membership of about 150 families with about 75 attending Sunday services. Some members are homebound or in nursing homes.
The church has an active outreach ministry in its food pantry, which helps between 80 and 130 families monthly.
Pastor Berry said the church has reached out into the community in other ways as well. This includes, she said, summer movie nights, family game nights and trunk or treat at Halloween, in which children go from car to car in the church parking lot for trick or treat.
“It’s all about outreach," Pastor Berry said of the church activities.
The church also has sponsored a book sale, vacation Bible school and craft show. There are three ongoing Bible studies and senior citizens also gather at the church.
Barton pointed out that community organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous meet at the church. “That’s a real service in the community,” he said.
A monthly luncheon, by donation, takes place on the fourth Friday of the month. These kinds of events, the members said, draw people into the church in a casual manner. If they wish, they’re welcome to explore what the church offers spiritually.
Cantwell said Faith Community is a “friendly and welcoming church.” For the 40-year member, it’s also the place for her to “do service to God.”
Gardner, who grew up in the church, described it as “home to me.” He noted he felt close to many older members of the church, making it a comfortable and welcoming place.
Barton said the church has suffered, like so many others, when the steel mills closed and people left the Valley. But it carries on.
Pastor Berry said the church’s older members “share their wisdom.” “They have a great faith,” she said. “As a church body, this is tremendous testimony to God.
“It’s a friendly, loving church,” she added. “Members have a willing spirit.”