CONNECTING WITH OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

Starting this Sunday my sermon will focus on our core value “CONNECT”. Today’s story will share how two Stillmeadow Nazarenes have been connecting our church to the local community, for more than three decades.

Thirty-eight years ago, George and Joan Vaughn invited their neighbors, Don and Elaine Leiphart to the Pine Street Nazarene Church. The following Sunday they attended the church and also brought Elaine’s parents, Thelma and Bill Kapp. It wasn’t long before Don and Elaine caught a passion for connecting the church with the community and began developing creative ways to start a series of Outreach Ministries.

YORK FAIR

CONNECTING WITH THE YORK FAIR

In 1994 Don and Elaine organized the set-up of a large tent, where York Fair attendees gathered to hear music and a gospel message. Visitors to the tent were also given a free cup of cold water, which was especially welcome during the warm days of early September. This was a highly visible ministry to thousands of people in the community, and many found their way to Stillmeadow Church because of the York Fair Outreach Ministry.

RAINBOW EXPRESS 

CONNECTING WITH YORK CITY

In 1995, Don and Elaine founded the Rainbow Express, which rolled into York City at three locations. Kids, families and senior citizens climbed aboard for music, puppets and a message about Jesus. Each kid also received lots of love, hugs and a meal. Elaine Leiphart recalls overhearing a nine-year-old girl expressing how she felt about this Church on Wheels “I hope the bus never stops coming, because I know they really care for me.” This ministry continues, and is now called Extreme Express, under the direction of Jade and Chastity Frederick. The first Extreme Express outreach for the 2016 season will happen this Saturday morning.

CAR SHOW 

CONNECTING WITH CAR FANS

In 2004 Don and Elaine founded the Car Show Outreach, which continues once a month on each third Saturday. The show features street rods, customs, antiques, classic and all vehicles including motorcycles, trucks and tractors. In fact, tomorrow is the first car show of the 2016 season (3-7pm on the front lawn of Stillmeadow). Join us for great fellowship, food and another important opportunity to connect with our community.

Click HERE to view dates for upcoming 2016 car shows.

Click HERE to view a YouTube video of the car show two years ago.