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Community Church of God celebrates 100th anniversary
By LINDA M. LINONIS
campbell
“Where you enter to worship, leave to serve” remains the directive and motto of Community Church of God, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this weekend.
Though small in number, the membership is strong in commitment to the Bible passage “For we walk by faith, not by sight” from 2 Corinthians 5:7.
Recently, the Rev. Gary Rozier, interim pastor since 2015; Marlie Byrd, a lifetime member; Rosie Hall, a 60-year member; Sharon Perry, a lifetime member; and Loretta White, a member since 1973, discussed the church.
A ministry that remains consistent is visiting nursing homes and homebound members. “It started years ago. We have a Bible study, prayer and fellowship,” White said. Members of the deaconess board also are involved in this ministry.
She also noted members serve dinner the third Wednesday of the month at Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley. At one time, the church also had a food pantry.
Another group, Women of God, is now Women’s Connection, said Perry. “It’s mostly about fellowship, sharing our ups and downs,” she said. “We lift each other up.” She noted the mainly social group also has movie nights and dinners at the church.
Music remains a mainstay, with Michael Jennings as minister of music. “We now have a praise team,” Perry said. Years before, she said, the church had children’s, youth, men’s and main choirs.
A tradition within the church is attendance at the National Association of Church of God event at its campground in West Middlesex, Pa. Community COG is affiliated with Church of God based in Anderson, Ind. “Some people stay the week ... there are services and music,” Perry said of the event that attracted COG congregations from all over.
Attention is paid to educating members in the Bible and the faith through Sunday school sessions for children and adults at 9:30 a.m. Sundays. A Bible study Tuesdays offers prayer at 6 p.m. and study following.
The congregation faced a big decision in 2003 when a tornado hit its former building, Himrod Church of God on Himrod Avenue in Youngstown. “The sanctuary was destroyed because a big pine tree came through the roof,” Byrd recalled. The accident was chronicled in The Vindicator. “Thank goodness the church was empty at the time,” she said. The communion table and worship books were salvaged.
As upsetting as the devastation was, White noted the accident “turned out to be a blessing.” At the time, the congregation faced high utility bills in an aging building. The storm damage prompted the congregation to look for another site, more manageable financially with more convenient access. The church found an appropriate building in Campbell and the official move was Dec. 7, 2003.
“The old church had lots of steps,” Perry said, noting that was difficult for older members. The current church is one level and has a ramp.
The church had a contest for a new name and the late Adam Parker submitted Community COG, which won. He had served as deacon board chairman and was a trustee.
The church family settled into its new site. “I really consider this a family church,” Hall said. “We have a lot of older families and families through generations.”
“It’s a loving, close and giving church,” Byrd said. “It’s always been geared to family ... making sure that people had God in their lives.”
White contributed that “it is a loving church that is Christ-centered.” She shared that two sons had died and she “couldn’t have gotten through it without the love that members showed. They really try to be a supportive system,” White said.
“This is a loving congregation that doesn’t just say it, we show it,” Perry said. “People have even said that to us.”
The Rev. Mr. Rozier said he preached his first sermon at the church Nov. 1, 2015, his birthday. “A minister is supposed to minister to the members, but they minister to me,” he said, adding “the congregation is very supportive.” He also is a chaplain with Hospice of the Valley, having served for 15 years. “Preaching and teaching,” Mr. Rozier said, are priorities.
Within the church, there is a Wall of Fame recalling pastors who have served. At a prayer wall, members can place prayer requests. The church continues the tradition of a New Year’s Eve Watch Night service and fasting is observed at different times. The church also has an outdoor service and picnic at Roosevelt Park.
The Cathey family is an example of involvement. Kisha, a 19-year member, is church secretary and leads the youth ministry with her husband, Derrick, who also is a trustee. “It’s family-oriented ... everyone is another mother to you,” Kisha said. Derrick Cathey, who had attended another church for a long time, said Community “has a family atmosphere.” Their daughter, Sapphire, 12, is in the mime ministry.