Morgantown/Honey Brook
Community jam sessions strike a chord with local musicians
BY FRANCINE FULTON
Musicians and singers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join community jam sessions that are being offered at the Village Library of Morgantown.
Led by private music teacher Virginia Thorpe, the group will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month, with the exception of this month when the jam session will take place on Jan. 9.
The first jam session, described by Thorpe as “a musical melting pot,” was held on Dec. 5, 2024, and it featured Christmas music. Among those in attendance were Thorpe’s music students.
“I did an adult guitar class at the Village Library on Thursday nights, and this was the culmination. I had
14 participants in the adult guitar class, and a lot of them came and will continue to come to the jam sessions,” Thorpe said. “People in my (other music) classes also invited people, so it spread beyond (the guitar class).”
“A slow jam is for all levels. You don’t have to be an advanced or even an intermediate musician.”
The December session not only attracted people playing guitars, but other instruments as well, including an accordion. “We had five violins and a recorder - all kinds of instruments,” Thorpe reported.
“(We had attendees ranging from) age 4 to 70-something.”
She added that those who do not play an instrument may attend the jam sessions to sing and that percussion instruments will be available for younger attendees.
During each session, sheet music will be provided. “It will be chord charts, (with) the lyrics and the chord written above (them),” explained Thorpe. “Melody instruments will play by ear, and I will help them with that. If there is a song they don’t know how to play, they can just sing.”
Thorpe noted that musicians sit in a circle in the library’s community room, and everyone has an opportunity to choose a song for the group to play. “It’s a circle jam in that the book (of songs) will go around, and people can
St. Paul’s UCC welcomes new pastor
BY FRANCINE FULTON
“I saw this church’s profile and saw their passion for work in the community and thought to myself, ‘This is exactly what I have been looking for,’” said the Rev. Deb Parker-Hill, who is the new pastor at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (UCC) in Birdsboro. “I was not necessarily looking for a church. I also work in the Reading Hospital lab, and I was doing some supply preaching, but I was missing leading a church.”
Parker-Hill explained that the Birdsboro church was in need of a pastor and posted its profile through the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference UCC. “Instead of a resume, the church does a profile. They do some self-examination to figure out who they are, so they know what they are looking for, and the pastor does the same thing,” she explained. “I asked to have
my profile sent to this church.”
After several interviews, a trial sermon and a unanimous congregational vote, Parker-Hill began work at the church last August and was officially installed as pastor on Nov. 17, 2024.
“There were several interim (pastors). The last pastor left in 2020 and was called to another
See Pastor pg 8
Great things in store
Lighthouse enters new church building
BY ANN MEAD ASH
When Steve Ritchey and his family - wife Lori, daughter Logan, and son Landon - took me on a tour of the nearly finished Lighthouse Assembly of God Church, 1279 Main St., East Earl, the watchword for the new facility was “expansion.”
Ground for the new church building was broken in spring of 2023, and as the building nears completion, staff members, including the youth and connections pastor, Landon, and the
administrator, Logan, are looking forward to the grand opening during the 9 a.m. service on Sunday, Jan. 19. The congregation began holding services in the new building on Dec. 8, 2024.
“We have a little over 60,000 square feet, but everything is built to expand,” said Steve, who celebrated 30 years pastoring the church on Dec. 8. “The reason we built this large was because our expectation is that God will do great things and that He has great things in store for our region,” said Steve.
Musicians and singers gathered for the December community jam session at the Village Library of Morgantown.
The Rev. Deb Parker-Hill
Phone: 717-492-2530 • Fax: 717-892-6016
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The main entrance will bring visitors into a twostory foyer. The subtly shaded surroundings are done in gray and cream with accent walls in light blue and green colors. Continuity is provided by the gray and black carpet found throughout the building and subway tile accents in white and gray tones.
Steve explained that the footprint of the downstairs is repeated on the second floor, where five large adult Sunday school classes are located. Other second-floor areas are left open to provide room for growth.
To the right of the main entrance is a café. Behind the café is an industrial kitchen, which serves both the café and the full gym, which can be set up to seat 300 for a fellowship meal with a staging area for presentations.
built-in baptismal area, a 16-by-10-foot LED wall, two projectors, and two screens. Near the sanctuary will be a parents’ room and a room for nursing moms. Lori pointed out the ADA-compliant chair lift and restrooms.
that the children’s ministry area, like the offices, has its own kitchenette area for convenience.
On the east side of the first floor is a room that will be a large food pantry.
Steve. “We just pop windows in then. We don’t know what the Lord will have for this area.”
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“This will be the sanctuary,” said Steve, stepping on to the stage of the new worship area. “The downstairs will seat 680,” he noted, adding that the balcony, which will open later, will offer seating for hundreds more. The room boasts a
The first floor of the building also contains a chapel, which will double as an area for youth events, and a suite of 11 offices, a conference room, and a reception area inside the west entrance to the building. To the right of the sanctuary is a self-contained children’s education area.
“We will hold quarterly community meals on the same night the food pantry (is open),” said Logan, who noted that personal products will be available as well.
A clothing bank will also be offered periodically. Lori pointed to the office for the food pantry and the covered entryway where recipients may pull up in their cars.
Logan explained the Sunday school process for children. “The kids go to worship with parents, because we believe it’s important for families to be together and for kids to witness their parents living out their faith,” she said, adding that children will be dismissed to their Sunday school classes after worship. For security purposes, the kids will be checked in by parents at a reception desk of the children’s section. Logan pointed out classrooms that can be subdivided into smaller rooms. Several Jack and Jill bathrooms are included in the area, with some located between classrooms. Lori pointed out
The food pantry will be held on the first and third Fridays of each month from 6 to 7 p.m.
On the second floor, five large adult classrooms will be available for classes and meetings. An outdoor living space is located on the east side of the building to enjoy lunches and evening fellowship. “You can see for miles,” shared Logan. With the exception of the adult classrooms, much of the second floor will remain unfinished for now. “This could be the youth sanctuary,” said Steve, gesturing to the large area.
“When we outgrow, we will simply move up here to these unfinished areas,” said
Landon explained that the café will open each Sunday following the church service for fellowship. “At 11 a.m., we will have Connect Hour,” he said. “Connect Hour is when leadership and discipleship classes for adults will be held, and there will be youth and kids’ ministries meetings.”
In addition, the church will continue to hold a Wednesday night program at 7 p.m., which will include youth and children’s ministry and a service for adults.
Landon also pointed out that the angle of the building, which is located just west of the Shady Maple Complex, is set to be seen by those approaching from several directions. “The building is built at an angle so it can be seen better from Route 23,” he said. Steve stated that those coming from Route 23 East and Route 625 will see the building as they reach the intersection of those roads.
Readers who would like more information about the church may visit www.light houseag.com.
Make a difference as an English tutor in the new year
BY FRANCINE FULTON
Terri Potrako, executive director of the Volunteer
English Program (VEP) in Chester County, has a message for Chester County residents interested in vol-
unteer opportunities. “If you are looking for more ways to help in the new year, please consider becoming an English language tutor,” she said.
VEP, which has served the county for more than 38 years, is a nonprofit organization that provides free one-to-one tutoring for adults looking to improve their English language skills. Tutors can help students with tasks such as taking part in a job interview,
Looking forward to the grand opening of the new Lighthouse Assembly of God Church building in East Earl are (from left) Landon, Lori, Steve, and Logan Ritchey.
Community Calendar
Jan. 11. Mocktail Workshop
Boone Area Library
129 N. Mill St., Birdsboro, 4 to 5 p.m. Attendees will enjoy making mocktails, which are nonalcoholic mixed drinks made with items such as fruit juice, soft drinks and iced tea. The program is open to adults ages 18 and over. Tickets are available for purchase at the library’s circulation desk. Contact the library at 610-582-5666 or director@boonelibrary.org for more information.
Jan. 13. Flea Market
St. Peter United Church of Christ 1920 Ridge Road (Route 23), Pottstown, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will also be available. Call 610-4699690 for additional details.
Jan. 14. Women’s Bible Study
Christian Fellowship Church
758 Spruce Road, New Holland. Women may choose to attend from 9 to 10:30 a.m. or from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The study will be “Esther: Daring Faith for Such a Time as This” by Kelly Minter. Study guides are available, and coffee and tea will be served. Reservations are requested by emailing cfc@cfcnewholland.com or calling 717-354-8428. See Calendar pg 4
improvement homewinter
Tutor from pg 2
speaking with a doctor or helping their child with his or her homework. Tutors also help students understand American culture.
Tutors and students are asked to make a yearlong commitment to the program. A teaching background or knowledge of another language is not necessary to become a tutor.
“This year, (we had) 226 active and available tutors (who) guided 256 adult immigrant students, with many dedicated volunteers teaching multiple students each week,” Potrako reported, adding that according to the 2020 United States Census, there are more than 20,000 limited English proficient speakers in Chester County.
There are currently 90 VEP program participants who have been assessed and approved, who are currently waiting for a tutor. “We have another 199 prospective students who have reached out
to us for help and are waiting for an interview assessment,”
Potrako said.
Those interested in learning more about tutoring are invited to attend a virtual information session on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 6 p.m. Individuals may email volun teer.english@volunteereng lish.org for the Zoom link.
The next tutor training workshop will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, Jan. 21; Thursday, Jan. 23; and Monday, Jan. 27, from 9 to 11 a.m. each morning.
According to Potrako, the tutor training workshop is designed to fully prepare volunteers to teach English to adult, non-native speakers, adding that the sessions are interactive so that attendees can communicate with the instructors.
After training and a background check, each new volunteer is matched with a student. Tutors and students may meet in person or virtually. Many choose to meet at local libraries or coffee shops.
A fee will be charged to participate in the upcoming virtual training workshop. In addition, attendees will be asked to pick up a hard-copy tutor training manual at the VEP office, located at 790 E. Market St., Suite 215, West Chester, prior to the session. Information about pickup dates will be provided after registration.
In the end-of-year VEP newsletter, Potrako emphasized that the program will continue to help newcomers from other countries achieve their goals. “We will enhance the understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures and people, inspired by the idea that together with language
and your support, we can change lives one person at a time, starting within our own communities,” she stated.
For more information about the program or to register for the workshop, visit www.volunteer english.org or call the VEP office at 610-918-8222. More information and a link to register for the workshop are also available at www.facebook.com/ VolunteerEng.
Testimonials about the program provided by students and teachers are available for viewing at http://www.volunteer english.org/donations.
Calendar
from pg 3
Jan. 14. Neighbors
Conestoga Mennonite Church
2779 Main St., Morgantown, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Guest speaker will be Sonya Stoltzfus. All local women are invited; child care will be provided. For more information, email tina.m.essick@gmail.com or join the “Neighbors” Facebook group.
Jan. 17. Soup Sale Fundraiser
Presented by the Caernarvon Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary
Caernarvon Fire Company
2145 Main St., Narvon, 11 a.m. until sold out. Offered for sale will be ham and bean soup and chicken corn noodle soup by the quart. Frozen cheeseburger soup will also be available by the quart.
Jan. 23. Cliffhanger Book Club
Boone Area Library, Birdsboro, 6 to 7 p.m. The topic will be “The Blue Hour” by Paula Hawkins. To reserve a spot, email Amber at youthlibrarian@boonelibrary.org. The group discussion is recommended for people age 19 and over. www.berkslibraries.org/branch/boone
The Community Calendar is a weekly feature of the Community Courier. Submit a meeting or event for consideration in writing at least two weeks prior to the event. Email submissions to ffulton@engleonline.com.
CCEDC receives funding
The U.S. Treasury Department has informed the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) that the organization has achieved the next major step in becoming a community development financial institution (CDFI) to support underserved businesses across the region. CCEDC has been awarded $300,000 in technical assistance to build operational capacity and provide training and education.
CCEDC president and COO Michael Grigalonis noted that this achievement required CCEDC to
demonstrate an ongoing commitment to aiding businesses owned by minorities and women. The announcement comes as CCEDC awaits an additional $7.6 million to support the Pennsylvania Catalyst Loan Fund, which provides a fixed interest rate of 5.00% to businesses of all sizes for uses such as working capital, inventory, workforce development, and equipment. Loans typically range from $50,000 to $200,000, with borrowers providing equity up to 20%.
CCEDC’s announcement regarding CDFI status
See CCEDC pg 6
Tutor Jane Palestini (left) and her student Hong Nguyen, who hails from Vietnam
Book Bonanza distributes funds, posts collection dates
Following a successful mini-sale this past September in its new home, Berks Book Bonanza distributed a total of $40,000 to the Friends of Berks County Public Libraries and Reading Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW).
The annual fundraiser laid dormant for several years since its final sale at the Berkshire Mall in 2021. Without a place to call home, organizers searched across Berks County to secure a location big enough to support one of the area’s largest book sales. The Berks County commissioners extended a helping hand by offering substantial space at their south campus location in Mohnton.
September marked the organization’s first official sale at the Berks County South Campus building. Originally branded as a mini-sale, organizers were unsure how many donations they would receive in just a few months’ time. They did not expect for Berks County donors to arrive in full force, supplying enough donations to fully stock the sale in only three months.
Berks Book Bonanza
reopened its donation collection period on Jan. 6, and it will run on a Monday/Tuesday weekly schedule from 9 a.m. to noon on both days until Tuesday, March 11, with the exception of Monday holidays. Interested donors should also confer with the Governor Mifflin School District’s website at www.gmsd.org for any closures due to inclement weather. Expanded collection hours will be announced later this spring.
Volunteers will be on hand to accept donations at the rear entrance of Berks County south campus located at 400 E. Wyomissing Ave. in Mohnton. A complete list of acceptable donations is available at www.berks bookbonanza.org.
Berks Book Bonanza is made possible through community donations and the efforts of its volunteers. Funds raised from the annual gently used book sale go to the Friends of Berks County Public Libraries and Reading Branch of AAUW, which supports the public libraries of Berks County and provides scholarships to women.
Recognizing brake issues
Drivers play a vital role in vehicle maintenance. Although diagnosing and fixing car problems is often best left to professionals, drivers who learn to recognize warning signs of various problems can prevent breakdowns and potentially costly repairs. Problems with the brake system are among the issues that drivers may learn to recognize.
Television shows and movies have lent credence to the notion that brake problems are marked by the sudden loss of a vehicle’s ability to stop. Although that can happen, warning signs of fading brake systems tend to be more subtle.
Certain noises are one of the signs that brakes may be failing. The most noticeable of these signs is a highpitched squeal that occurs when drivers apply the brakes. Grinding sounds and noises like scratching and scraping also warrant a visit to a brake specialist.
Drivers may also notice an increase in the distance a vehicle travels before it stops after the brakes are applied. This issue may or may not require a brake replacement. In fact, it sometimes indicates that brake fluid levels are low, which can be remedied
quickly and easily. However, an increase in stopping distance is significant enough that it should be brought to the attention of a brake specialist immediately.
Another warning sign of brake problems is that the vehicle noticeably pulls to one side as it comes to a stop. This behavior indicates that one side of the brakes is malfunctioning while the other is working properly. Like other issues with brakes, this one requires immediate attention from a professional.
Issues with brakes can be costly and dangerous, so it is important that drivers learn to recognize the warning signs of brake problems.
Individual & Couples Tickets
Early
Registration:
Ventriloquist: RYAN & FRIENDS
County administrators named
In a move intended to strengthen the administrative leadership of Chester County Government, Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe have announced the restructuring of the county government’s top administrative positions. The commissioners named David Byerman as chief executive officer (CEO) and Erik Walschburger as chief operating officer (COO). Together, they will replace the previous county administrator position. Walschburger will oversee day-to-day operations, and Byerman will attend to the county’s strategic vision and overall leadership.
Byerman is a nationally recognized leader in government administration with a distinguished career managing complex organizations, fostering innovation, and
advancing public services. He most recently served as a management consultant, a role that included leading a $1.8 million cooperative agreement between the Council on Licensure, Enforcement, and Regulation - a multinational association of state and local regulators - and the federal government.
Previously, Byerman was director of the Legislative Research Commission, serving as chief executive of the Kentucky General Assembly’s large and centralized staff, with nearly 600 employees and a $70.4 million annual budget. From 2010 to 2015, Byerman was elected to two terms as secretary of the Senate for the Nevada Senate, where he oversaw a $21.5 million budget and a staff of 90.
In both roles, he received national recognition for his
BANGOR EPISCOPAL-FOUNDED 1722. 4 mi. W of Morgantown on Rt. 23 in Churchtown. Sunday Holy Eucharist at 10am. All are welcome. Handicap accessible. Parking lot adjacent to the church off Water Street. For additional info., www.bangorepiscopal.org
BETHANY GRACE FELLOWSHIP: 400 Reading Road, East Earl (at the corner of Rt. 625 & Union Grove Rd.) Join us for worship, Sundays at 9 & 10:35AM. Adult, Youth, 56 Club classes at 10:35. Options for nursery-grade 4 during both time slots. Check us out at www.bethanygf.org or call 717-4456644 with questions. To Thrive | To Impact | To Unify.
BRICK LANE COMMUNITY CHURCH:52 S. Brick Lane in Elverson, welcomes visitors to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 am. Wheelchair accessible. Childcare through age 2 and children’s worship during the sermon for PreK-Grade 3 available. Learn more at www.brick52.org or call the church office 610-286-6790. For those unable to attend in-person, see our livestream on www.youtube.com/bricklanecommunitychurch
CHURCHTOWN UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH: 2170 Main Street, Narvon (Churchtown). Phone: 717-445-5585, umcchurchtown@gmail.com. Pastor Dave Kling, dklingclm@gmail.com 5 mi East of New Holland on PA 23. Sunday worship at 9 am. Handicapped Access.
efforts to make government more efficient, more accessible, and more engaging with constituents. He holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in political science and history from the University of Redlands, and he earned a master’s degree in government administration and was a Fels Scholar at the Fels Center of Government at the University of Pennsylvania.
Byerman, who previously lived in Chester County in the 1990s, planned to relocate back to the county from his home in Kentucky. He was scheduled to start as CEO on Dec. 9.
Walschburger’s promotion to COO follows seven months as acting county administrator, preceded by two years as deputy county administrator. In these roles, Walschburger provided administrative
CCEDC
from pg 4
coordination, leadership, counsel, and management support to the county commissioners, the county administrator, and department leaders. He currently serves as a board member of the Chester Water Authority, and he is a graduate of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) Excellence in County Government program.
Prior to his move to county administration, Walschburger served in the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, most recently as chief deputy district attorney, where he prosecuted criminal defendants, approved appropriate cases for diversionary programs, wrote grants, and defended convictions on appeal. He was named Chester County Prosecutor of the Year in 2018.
FAIRVIEW EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH- 800 Fairview Road, Glenmoore, PA (intersection of Fairview & Little Conestoga Rds.) Rev. Tim Latham. Sunday School for all ages at 9:15am; Worship Service at 10:30am Nursery provided. Christian Education, Men’s & Women’s Bible Studies, Music Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Small groups... and much more! As growing disciples, we continue to Worship, Connect, Know and Serve God. For more info, find us online at www.FairviewEPC.org or call the office at 610-942-2640
LIVING GOD LUTHERAN CHURCH: 3200 Horseshoe Pike, 3 miles east of Honey Brook. Handicap accessible. Please join us for worship each Sunday at 9:30 am and Children’s Sunday School at 9:30 am. Nursery care is provided. If you are unable to attend in-person, join us via livestream on YouTube.
MT ZION UMC: 753 Mt. Zion Rd., Narvon, PA. Pastor: Ian Solodky, Worship Leader: Joe Liptock, Praise Band “3:16”. Adult Bible Study 9 am, Worship Service 10:15 am, Child Care Provided. We teach the traditional Gospel of Jesus Christ. All are welcome! Enjoy the views of our beautiful rural setting. Facebook.com/mtzionroad/ Instagram: Mt.Zion_narvon
PARKESBURG WORD OF FAITH CHURCH
Sunday Service 10 am & Wednesday prayer at 7:30 pm - at 501 Lenover Rd., Parkesburg, PA 19365. Call 610-593-2277 www.parkesburgwordoffaith.org
Please Note: Updates can be made to your church’s listing for 1st issue date of each month only. (Changes must be submitted by the previous Wednesday.) For More Information On Church Listings And Rates, Call Justin at 717-492-2533
comes on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the CDFI fund by the U.S. Treasury. CCEDC began the multi-year application process about a year ago. Business loans administered by CDFIs are funded by the government and private sector and can include term loans, lines of credit, SBA loans and commercial real estate loans.
The Chester County Economic Development Council is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that has promoted smart growth
in Chester County and the surrounding region for more than 60 years. CCEDC provides financing solutions, cultivates workforce talent, leverages business partnerships, and fosters entrepreneurial collaboration. Together with the support of the private and public sectors, CCEDC initiates, implements, and innovates programs that seek to improve the business community and enhance the quality of life in Chester County. For more information, visit www.ccedcpa.com.
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church,” she noted. “I am half time and working half time at the hospital.”
She said that because the church has been without a regular pastor, congregation members have taken over some of the responsibilities of the church. “They at least once a month either lead worship or get someone to come in to lead worship,” she noted. “For example, we just had the UCC PA Southeast Conference disaster response coordinator who came here to talk about (the organization’s) work. They have also taken responsibility for making sure that our home-bound members are visited on a regular basis.”
Parker-Hill says she hopes to build on the church’s already successful Mission Trip Birdsboro & Beyond, an annual effort where volunteers from local churches help people in need with home improvement projects. “I saw Mission Trip Birdsboro on Facebook and followed it,” she noted. “I thought, ‘This is what the church should be doing.’”
One of her first efforts as new pastor is working to establish a Mutual Aid Network. “(Congregation members were trying to figure out) what more can they do to meet the needs of the community. They determined that the best way to meet those needs was to form this committee. They put it on hold (until after the installation service), so one of the very first things I did was to get this started,” Parker-Hill shared. “I did some research on Mutual Aid Networks, and we actually met on Zoom with an
organizer of a network in Anchorage, Alaska. She gave us some nuts and bolts of the program.”
“Besides worship, which is the other main thing that I am concentrating on, I am also trying to get to know people in the community, as well as people in the congregation,” she added.
Parker-Hill is bi-vocational, meaning that she works part time at the church and is a part-time worker in the community. “I am excited about bi-vocational ministry, which is doing two jobs,” she said. “I think that is part of the church’s future. It was intentional on my part because that keeps me grounded in the world that everyone else is living in - the secular world. I can hear what people are concerned about.”
The Sunday service, which features traditional music and a message, is held at 9:30 a.m. “I want people to know that God loves them and inspire them to reach out into the world with God’s love,” she stated. “I base my sermon on the Scripture assigned for the week and make it relevant to today and to things that are going on people’s lives, the community and the world. God loves us all and how can we go out into the world and be that love?”
St. Paul’s UCC is located at 300 W. First St., Birdsboro. For more information, visit www.stpauls birdsboro.org or www .facebook.com/stpauls uccbirdsboro. Those with questions may call the church at 610-582-8461 or email office@stpauls birdsboro.org.
Jam sessions from pg 1
take turns picking what song,” she said. “Everyone will get at least one song they want, enjoy or know. If you don’t know the song, you can play the chords.”
She said the musicians can be of any skill level. “A slow jam is for all levels. You don’t have to be an advanced or even an intermediate musician,” Thorpe stated. “It is (songs) I have picked that have simple music. It is geared toward beginners, but intermedi -
ate and advanced musicians can join and be challenged and up it a level.”
While the jam sessions are free, there will be suggested donations per individual or family to benefit the library. The Village Library is located at 207 N. Walnut St., Morgantown. For more information about the jam sessions or the next adult guitar workshop at the library, contact Thorpe at ginny@ginnymusic.com.