40 Years of Faithfulness: Commemorative Magazine

1977-2017 COMMEMORATIVE

2 CORINTHIANS 5:7

“WE WALK BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT.”

Worship Center was established in 1977 to preach and teach the uncompromised Word of God. To build a strong, growing congregation of believers.

To minister to people of all walks of life spiritually, mentally, and physically.

To send men and women out to evangelize by preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, make disciples by teaching the Word of God, and plant churches in local communities and around the world. “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.� John 8:32

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES THE BEGINNING PAGE 5

BUILDING A CHURCH HOME PAGE 11

40 YEARS OF TECH IN THE CHURCH PAGE 18

40 YEARS OF HISTORY PAGE 27

MATT & KELLY MYLIN PAGE 36

CORE VALUES PAGE 54

GATHER 14

A PLACE OF WORSHIP

21

KIDS THROUGH THE YEARS

24

THE VISION FOR OUR KIDS

33

A VIBRANT COMMUNITY OF FAITH

GROW 42

HOUSE TO HOUSE MINISTRY

44

WHY CONNECTED PEOPLE GROW

47

MAKING BIG CHURCH SMALL

48

A MULTI-GENERATIONAL CHURCH

50

A SCHOOL FOR LEARNING

56

WHY WE PRAY

SERVE 61

WORLD MISSIONS

66

IN REMEMBRANCE

68

A MANDATE FOR MISSIONS

70

FULFILLING THE MISSION

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Sam Smucker, Sherlyn Smucker, Matt Mylin, Don Wambolt, Chelsea Mosher, Kate Aldrich, Alison Lewis, Keith Yoder, Marian Yoder, and Alyssa Eckhart

LETTER TO THE READER The last 40 years have been a wonderful journey for us. God’s faithfulness has been amazing. We started with a vision to help people build their lives on the unshakable foundation of the Word of God. Our greatest joy has been to see people’s lives transformed as they took on that challenge. Out of a group of 25 people has come a congregation of thousands that have found their purpose in Jesus Christ. We have seen God’s faithfulness time and time again as people have trusted God in the circumstances of life.

We are thankful for the faithfulness of countless people who have served sacrificially in all the areas of the church. This has resulted in seeing thousands of people reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many areas of ministry have been birthed because of people following what God has put in their hearts to do. Many are reaching into our communities, and others stepped out in faith and moved to other nations to reach the unreached.

Our core belief has been that God is for us and not against us. He is not the one that causes hardship and destruction in our lives. We have proclaimed his goodness and mercy for 40 years, and this has developed a deep love in people’s hearts toward God as their Father. So as we reflect on this chapter of our lives, we are very grateful to God and the Worship Center congregation for the vision that has been established and followed.

Sherlyn and I are closing this chapter in our lives and opening a new chapter. We will continue to be a part of the Worship Center family and cheer on Matt and Kelly Mylin as they step into the Lead Pastor role. We will oversee Worship Center Ministers Network and do pastors’ conferences with our missionaries. We will also speak at churches and conferences in the states and oversee the Northeast Region of Rhema Ministerial Association. We have a desire to encourage and strengthen pastors and leaders as we have the opportunity.

We believe Worship Center’s best days are ahead, and many unchurched people will be reached in our community and around the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We look forward to being a part of this church family in a different role.

God’s best is for you!

Sam and Sherlyn

GATHER

c. 1982 PASTOR SAM SHARES HIS MESSAGE IN THE NEW AUDITORIUM

THE BEGINNING In the midst of the fervent revival of spiritual worship that hit the decade of 1970, Mel Hurst and Ken Sauder sat in a car in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and wondered out loud what it would be like to start a church that was free to worship God “in spirit and in truth.”

There was a hunger for God in Lancaster County — there’s no other way to describe it. People would receive salvation and be filled with the Holy Spirit, but the churches they attended didn’t allow the kind of worship they wanted. These people, including Mel Hurst, Ken Sauder, and Pete Knutsen, formed a small group that met each Thursday morning at a restaurant on Oregon Pike. They shared what was happening in their lives and prayed together. Eventually, their regular waitress received Christ.

One day, that waitress called Mel Hurst and asked him to pray for her sister who was hospitalized because of a brain tumor. Mel called up Ken Sauder who agreed to pray for this woman’s sister. He suggested that the two men go to the hospital, lay hands on this sick woman, and pray for her in person.

They read her Scripture — 1 Peter 2:24 and Isaiah 53 — and prayed a simple prayer for physical healing.

They left the hospital, talking about how great it would be if they were part of a church family that could worship God in spirit and in truth, just as it’s described in the Bible.

Mel said, “Ken, why don’t we start something?”

“How do you start a church?” asked Ken. “I don’t know. I ain’t never started one before, but we’ll figure it out.” And so they did.

They made about 15 phone calls to couples they knew were earnestly looking to grow spiritually. These families rented a room in the Lancaster Sheraton Conestoga on Oregon Pike and jumped right into worshiping and reading the Bible each Sunday. As word got out about this new church, new families joined every week.

These core families felt strongly about making everyone feel welcome.

They just wanted a church where everyone belonged. And they needed a name that simply suggested that they followed God. So they landed on “The Worship Center.”

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About seven or eight weeks after the church began, Ken suggested they bring in his brother-in-law to see if he’d be a good fit as a pastor. Sam Smucker preached his first message at the Sheraton. The feeling was unanimous among the 50 people already attending: Sam and Sherlyn were the people that should lead this new church.

The congregation quickly outgrew the small room at the Sheraton and relocated to the Lititz Recreation Center. They held multiple services each Sunday, but it was chaotic. Masses of people were trying to get into the recreation center as others were trying to exit. Parking was limited. It was clear that Worship Center’s congregation would need a permanent home.

One night in 1978, Mel, Ken, and Pastor Sam felt led to start where the original farmhouse (now, what is Shepherd’s Touch) stands and walk toward Lancaster, turn left at the traffic light, and walk up to the horse barn. As they marched along the perimeter of this property, they claimed it for God.

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THE CHURCH HOLDS AN OPEN AIR SERVICE ON THE NEWLY PURCHASED PROPERTY c. 1979

There was no indication that it was for sale.

There wasn’t a previous conversation with the landowner.

These men just felt in their spirit that this is where God wanted them to be. So they walked, and they prayed.

They felt strange doing it, but they were obedient to the Holy Spirit.

After that night, the church board authorized Mel to talk to the farmer who owned the piece of land where Lancaster County Christian School sits today. The farmer agreed to sell them the land and even offered to take on the loan himself so the church could pay over a period of years. The contract was signed, and Worship Center bought its first ten acres in 1978. The congregation held a kick-off event and broke ground with a plow. These generous families brought what they could give to the church — cash, assets, even a house!

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c. 1979 KEN SAUDER LEADS WORSHIP AT THE LITITZ RECREATION CENTER

Undoubtedly, the hand of God was guiding the men and women of this congregation, using them to do great things and reach the people of Lancaster County. But the story didn’t end there — it continued. The original building expanded, and more people came. The youth group grew, and missionaries were sent out. This story continues in a way that is only explained by the divine providence of God. Thirty-seven years after that day when Mel Hurst and Ken Sauder sat in a car and brainstormed a different kind of church, Mel went to the funeral of a friend’s wife. At the viewing, his friend pointed out a woman to Mel and said, “Do you know that lady sitting there?” Mel answered that he did not recognize her.

“That’s the lady you prayed healing for over 30 years ago.”

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Mel walked over to the woman and introduced himself. She knew right away that he was one of the men that prayed over her all those years ago. She explained to Mel that when he and Ken laid hands on her and prayed for her that day, she knew in her heart she was being healed at that moment. The surgeon came in the next day to prepare her for her operation, but they couldn’t find the tumor or any evidence that the tumor was ever there.

Mel and Ken didn’t do anything special. In fact, there were a lot of people praying for this woman. But the day that woman was healed was also the day the vision for Worship Center was born, and only God can work like that.

c. 1979 A FULL ROOM AT THE LITITZ RECREATION CENTER

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MESSAGES TO REMEMBER

Pastor Sam has shared hundreds of messages over the last 40 years – many of them in written form. The following are excerpts from some of the messages he is known for.

These excerpts were featured in various Vision Builders – a monthly magazine Worship Center produced from 1986–2001.

VISION April, 1986 – “Where there is no vision, the people perish” or “the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law” (Proverbs 29:18). To accomplish God’s will in your life, you need a vision. Without a vision people perish; but with a vision, people are inspired.

A vision gives you structure, it gives you something to aim for. It causes you to want to live, to go one more day, one more week, one more month, one more year. Vision makes something on the inside of you rise up and say, “Yes! I have something to live for in my life.

I’m here for a purpose.”

April 1988 – The desires that are talked about in Psalm 37 are God-given desires that become our vision and dream in our life. God plants a seed into our heart and the desire that builds from that seed becomes a vision, a dream, and a plan for your life. That vision will chart the course of your life if you follow it. God will lead you step by step in fulfilling that vision.

January, 1993 – Vision has a lot to do with how we see with our spiritual eyes (Matthew 6:2223). How we view life decides whether we have a life full of light or full of darkness. The way we see life controls the way we live it. Vision is the motivating factor in our heart that pushes and guides us or limits us.

January, 1994 – Sometimes people look to find the will of God for their lives in circumstances or in what someone else is doing. Proverbs 20:27 says, “The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the inner depths of his heart.” Our vision, our future, is not in the stars–it’s in our heart.

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BUILDING A CHURCH HOME Worship Center almost became a church in Lancaster City. The church was only a year old in 1978, but it had already moved to its second meeting location and would soon need to add a second service. So, the group had decided to pursue and purchase a facility. After a brief search, a building in downtown Lancaster City was selected and agreed upon – almost.

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1983 FIRST BUILDING

c. 1983

1986

1996

2009

2009

2017

One of the founders had questions about the spot and an overall uneasiness inside. After further deliberation, the team of leaders at the time decided to look elsewhere. Soon they found a ten-acre farm, with a house and barn, along Route 23, just over the Lancaster-Leola line.

The church received its first building offering of $1,500 that year and purchased that plot of land shortly after. God has been faithful, as well as those who trusted him enough to invest financially in this great work. Because of these two things, the church expanded and grew.

In all, Worship Center has experienced four land purchases and six building projects. The church has expanded on the original ten acres, and it also serves as a home base to ministries around the world.

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c. 1987 DON & DORIS NEFF, ALONG WITH SHERLYN SMUCKER AND OTHERS, LEAD WORSHIP

A PLACE OF WORSHIP As the church grew in numbers, areas of ministry began to take shape. Sherlyn Smucker led worship from her guitar in the beginning. But then as time went on, more singers and musicians were added, and groups would present special music.

In 1987 Don and Doris Neff were serving as pastors when Pastor Sam asked them to bring some formation to the worship ministry. They oversaw the team and led worship for over two years as the church searched for a permanent worship leader.

A young adult named Brad Kauffman was hired to fill this role in 1989. Though he didn’t have a lot of experience leading worship, he was a gifted young man. Shortly after stepping into the role, Brad’s parents felt

a call to start a church, and Brad stepped down at Worship Center in order to assist them.

Jon Fike began attending Worship Center around 1989 and served on the team with Brad. When Brad stepped down, Jon was asked to consider leading. He didn’t have much experience in this, but he was a skilled musician and vocalist and could bring formation to the team.

Jon was influential during a time when worship music itself was changing. Songs were simple choruses during Worship Center’s earlier years. But companies like Integrity Music were emerging to supply the Church with songs from songwriters, worship leaders, and churches around the

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c. 1994 JON FIKE AND WORSHIP TEAM

DON WAMBOLT LEADS WORSHIP DURING 20TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT 1997

2012 MATT MYLIN AND WORSHIP TEAM

world. Darlene Zschech’s “Shout to the Lord” was first released in 1996 by Integrity Music before Hillsong was a well-known label.

As a musician, Jon had a skill and passion for musical arrangement. He brought excellence and formation to the worship team, serving for 15 years until stepping down in 2005 to answer a call with his wife to missions work in India.

Don Wambolt was asked to take Jon’s place. Don had led worship for Worship Center’s youth group beginning in 1991.

Matt Mylin was in high school then and was invited to join the youth worship band as the keyboardist.

Matt was an experienced and gifted pianist, but he was shy. He shares that he felt most comfortable leading from behind an instrument. After high school, Matt continued to serve as a volunteer in worship ministry for many years and came

on staff part-time as the assistant worship leader in 2007. Shortly after that, church leadership asked Matt to fill the worship leader role, while Don continued to lead the media, audio, video, and lighting teams.

Matt continued to develop the worship experience as his predecessors did – with excellence. But his emphasis was on the details and the importance of each member’s personal spiritual health.

Developing “team” was as important to him in the worship experience as the musical elements.

In 2010, Matt led the congregation through a pivotal time when it moved from a very familiar environment to the new building – a space specifically designed for worship. In 2012, God began to lead Matt in a direction he could not have anticipated. He was turning Matt’s heart toward the people of this local church, not as a worship leader but as a pastor.

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He submitted his name for the lead pastor role in 2014. After a process lasting just over a year, Matt was selected as Worship Center’s next lead pastor. Not only was the church preparing to walk through change they’d never experienced before, but they would also be welcoming a new worship leader.

At 22 years old, Daniel Seiz was returning from Hillsong School of Worship. When he began attending Worship Center, he loved everything he experienced. That was in 2012, about the same time God was working in Matt’s heart concerning his role

in the church. Dan got involved in leading worship at The Living Room and weekend services shortly after attending. In 2016, he submitted his name and was chosen to be Worship Center’s next worship leader.

McKenna Whisler and Colin Davis also joined the worship staff team.

Music has changed, and methods of how worship is conducted have changed with it.

But Daniel, McKenna, Colin, and the worship teams, continue to lead the church on the path set 40 years ago to provide a place and environment to worship the Lord.

2017 DAN SEIZ LEADS WORSHIP

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40 YEARS OF TECH IN CHURCH When Worship Center first gathered in a small hotel room in 1977, there was no stage and no need for microphones or cameras. While the compact cassette tape had emerged ten years prior, the group wasn’t using them to record its gatherings for future listening.

Not until the young congregation outgrew the hotel and moved to the Lititz Recreation Center did they have to think about a PA system. All microphones had cords, as wireless microphones were too costly, an unnecessary extravagance, and were most likely never even considered back then.

Times and technology have certainly changed in 40 years. The Apple II computer and Radio Shack’s TRS80 were introduced in 1977. The first computer used to project words on a screen for worship was for Youth Conquest around 1993.

Youth Alive rented a Commodore 64 computer for its youth conference held annually between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. After renting the computer for two conferences, the church explored the purchase of a Windows-based computer to replace the overhead projector (along with the box of transparencies).

The oldest video recording Worship Center has in its archives is a series of video cassettes featuring a missions conference held in 1984.

Also in the archives are videos of the 10th anniversary celebration from 1987. Many might remember the big orange video camera that used to be rolled out into the center aisle to capture events such as these. Image magnification -- live video on projector screens -- came much later.

As digital technology became mainstream, churches like Worship Center began to explore ways to expand their reach to the community

and around the world. Audio and video cassettes gave way to CDs and DVDs. This decision was a big one (do enough people have CD and DVD players?), but the church navigated the change.

For years Worship Center had its own print shop, printing weekly bulletins, fliers, and Vision Builder magazines. In the fall of 1995, church leadership was advised to consider moving away from the printing presses and instead invest in doing the design work in-house.

Computers were purchased, and a full-time graphic designer was hired. From that time on, all designs have been generated internally.

Technology has made a huge impact on how Worship Center functions and ministers as a church. Even when the first designs were being drafted for the current building, a significant decision had to be made: do we include standard (SD) or high definition (HD) video? At the time, the cost of HD was 30 percent more than SD. Just a couple of years later, the decision became easier as consumers moved more and more toward HD televisions and prices started coming down.

Advancements with the internet changed everything for churches. Today, live service broadcasts are accessible online around the world. WiFi and smartphones allow people to stay engaged during services by using the church app to follow along. People can listen to or watch messages online shortly after the service ends. Things like social media, the website, and the church app have made communication and connectivity so much more efficient. With all these advancements, our prayer is that Worship Center will continue to leverage technology to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus, and help them find their purpose in him.

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c. 1988

c. 1995

2016

MESSAGES TO REMEMBER FAITH, OUR WORDS, AND BELIEVER’S AUTHORITY September, 1993–“Hold fast to the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). The word “sound” means to have been proven by experience. Sound words are words that can be trusted, words that are pure and wholesome. Speaking God’s Word needs to be our daily lifestyle and not just in times of adversity or crisis. Speaking God’s Word builds in us a fortress and a strength that prepares and maintains us as we fight the good fight of faith.

January, 1995 – “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). “Now faith is”–faith is present tense. Faith believes now, receives now, acts now. Faith does not wait to believe, receive, and act until circumstances are favorable.

Faith believes, receives, and acts on God’s Word in spite of the circumstances.

Spring, 1998 – Jesus taught his disciples a lesson about faith (Mark 11:22, 23). Notice he said our faith needs to be in God. He is the source of faith, so our faith must always be in him. We also realize God dwells in the heart, therefore faith is from the heart of man. Faith is more than mental power–it is God’s power within us. Faith is a supernatural power that flows from the heart of man. We release that power through our words and our actions.

Spring, 2001 – Living by faith is taking God at his Word. Living by faith is understanding the authority we have through Christ Jesus, God’s Son, who took our place on the cross and paid for our sins once and for all. He took the keys of death and the grave, rose up from the dead, and presented his sacrificial blood to his Father. Now we have been given authority through Christ Jesus over sickness, disease, poverty, and spiritual death. We can live a life of victory here on earth. We have been made partakers of his divine nature, being made new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

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2013 KIDS ENGAGING IN KIDS MINISTRY

KIDS THROUGH THE YEARS With the start of a new church comes the desire to see children and youth grow in Jesus. As Worship Center attendance increased, so did children and youth ministries. The years have passed, and styles have changed, but many things remain constant: values that have shaped the culture of this church have done so with the children, as well.

Countless people have poured into kids and student ministries over the course of the past four decades. Bob Longer, who served as Worship Center’s Children’s Pastor (birth-

fifth grade) from 1983 to 2004, shared, “Our vision was to point children to Jesus, see him for who he is, and to help them understand the importance of his Word in their lives. We provided teaching designed to establish a strong foundation that children could build their lives on. Children need to realize how important they are to God, their families, and to others around them. We wanted to help each child become the person God designed them to be.” It is easy to hear Bob’s heart for children in the church family and his desire for them to know Jesus and grow in him.

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Kids moved on from Children’s Church to Youth Ministry, where environments were created for students to grow further and understand who God desired them to be.

Former youth pastor Tim Keller expressed that the vision for the Youth Ministry was “to see the youth find their purpose in Christ.”

Tim and his wife, Brenda, had volunteered in the Youth Ministry before Tim came on staff as youth pastor -- a role he served in for 19 years. In a January 1987 article, Tim shared about the number of students attending Youth Alive, the name of the Youth Ministry at the time: “We (the youth staff) expect to see 200 youth active in our youth department by the end of 1987. However, this is not our goal, but the result of a goal.

We believe in ministering God’s Word; we believe that signs, wonders, and miracles are for today and for today’s youth.”

Through the years, hundreds of students logged thousands of miles as they traveled all over the world on youth summer mission trips. Middle school and high school students received experiences of a lifetime, learning vital life lessons like what it means to serve others and what really matters most in life.

Children are not only tomorrow’s leaders, they are integral now while they are young.

Kids and students have always had a place to experience God, grow, and serve others at Worship Center. From small beginnings 40 years ago, each area of children and student ministries has provided these opportunities and will continue to do so for years to come.

2000 PASTOR TIM KELLER SHARES AT YOUTH CONQUEST

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2015 ALYSON GLICK AT DRIVE 78

2012 PASTOR ALISON LEWIS CHEERS FOR THE WINNING TEAM

THE VISION FOR OUR KIDS Did you ever hear the saying, “all I need to know I learned in kindergarten”? Be kind to one another. Raise your hand when you want to talk. Keep your hands and feet to yourself.

Listen when others are sharing.

Just imagine what life would be like for our communities if we all embraced simple kindergarten rules. There would be fewer hurt feelings. More friendship. Less crime. More sharing. Less shouting. More listening.

The whole concept of teaching kids foundational truths at a young age has been a cornerstone of how Worship Center has approached Kids Ministry over the past 40 years. Culture has changed, both in families and in technology, and it impacts how we reach households in the community with the Gospel of Jesus. What hasn’t changed is the message that Jesus loves

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and wants to be in a personal relationship with each one. For 40 years, whether it was Kids on Track, Faith Factory, or WC Kids, Worship Center’s heart has always been to show kids that Jesus loves them and has a unique plan for their young lives today -- not just when they grow up.

Worship Center’s Kids Ministry focuses on three foundational biblical truths within the early childhood and elementary programs: God made them, God loves them, and Jesus wants to be their friend forever. In the elementary school groups, students learn about three more biblical truths: they can trust God no matter what, they need to make the wise choice, and they should treat others the way they want to be treated.

This second layer of biblical truths encourages kids to put action steps during the week to what they are learning and, hopefully, believing. It gives them the chance to see their role as a primary character in God’s big story.

Worship Center has strived to provide environments and ministry for kids at each stage of their young lives where they not only hear stories about Jesus, but they are encouraged to build a relationship with him that they can share with others.

WC BABIES TEAM MEMBERS INTERACT WITH TODDLERS 2017

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MESSAGES TO REMEMBER

GENEROSITY AND GIVING February, 1987 – Almost everything God created gives. The earth itself gives. You put a seed in the ground and it gives. Trees give. The air gives. God made the sea, and it gives. God made the sun and the moon, and they give. Everything God created gives, and God created man who can be a giver also! But man has a choice. He could be a giver or he could be a scrooge. Let’s not be a scrooge, let’s be givers. If there’s anything I want this church to be known for, it is that we are a giving church, not only as a church, but as individuals. You see, as we allow that giving spirit to take hold of us on the inside. When that giving spirit gets ahold of you, it will affect every area of your life.

Winter, 2001 – The Apostle Paul talks about the heart of a giver in 2 Corinthians 9:7-8. We are to give with purpose – not just aimlessly, but with vision and purpose, seeing what our giving can accomplish for the Kingdom of God. We are not to give grudgingly or of necessity, but with desire and not having the thought, “I could do a lot of other things with this gift” or “I guess I will give this if I have to.” We are to give cheerfully, which is to give with love and joy in our hearts. We give because we love Jesus and because we love people. Great blessing is released into our lives when we give with the proper attitude. Where is great blessing released? It says that “we may have an abundance for every good work.” In other words, we give, and blessing is released into our lives so we can in turn be a greater blessing to others.

What a powerful way to live!

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40 YEARS OF HISTORY The following timeline is just a glimpse of God’s faithfulness over the last 40 years.

RELOCATING THE FARM HOUSE 1980

1980 CONSTRUCTING THE FIRST BUILDING

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1981 WORSHIP IN THE FIRST CHURCH BUILDING

1977-1981 First service as a church at the Lancaster Sheraton Conestoga Motel on March 20, 1977. After a short time, the church relocates to Lititz. A ten-acre plot of land is purchased in Leola. Young adults ministry and home groups begin meeting bi-weekly, and Pastor Sam is ordained. First mission trip to Jamaica inspires leadership to “make this a missions-minded church.� A second service is added. Congregation begins construction on its first facility. The first service is held in this building in February 1981. Living Word Academy opens to students.

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1982- 1990 An additional eight acres is purchased, and an addition is added to the west side of the building, followed by another addition on the east side. By 1985, 13 missionaries are supported, and the first Missions Homecoming is held. Don Neff comes on staff as groups pastor, Bob Longer comes on staff as kids pastor, and Tim Keller is hired as youth pastor. A two-story addition begins on the front of the building, and the parking lot is expanded. Young adults group becomes the “WAVE,” and the first Vision Builder is released.

The church celebrates ten years as a ministry, and the first Youth Conquest is held.

1980 THE SMUCKER FAMILY (LEFT TO RIGHT) SHANNON, SHERLYN, JAMIE, SAM, NICHOLE

1991- 1997 CARE Groups begin meeting every week. A new baptismal is added to the stage, and the second floor offices and school library over the lobby are completed. Saturday service is added, and Worship Center Bible School begins. “Thine is the Kingdom” worship recording is released.

A large building expansion is introduced, to be completed in four sections and to include a church auditorium. Matt Mylin graduates from high school. Church gives $18,000 to other churches that are building. Groundbreaking for the first building section takes place on the south side of the existing structure. Worship Center celebrates 20 years.

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1996 GROUNDBREAKING FOR SOUTH WING

1998- 2005 The largest missions offering of $74,000 is received for a bread factory in North Korea.

Worship Center buys the 94-acre Greystone Manor Horse Farm south of the existing property and 20 acres on the Lancaster side. Youth Conquest skips a year (partly due to Y2K). The design process for the new building begins. The church family comes together for one celebration service at Sight & Sound to celebrate 25 years and to kick off a three-year building campaign.

Oneighty opens in Greenfield Corporate Center, and the final Youth Conquest is held.

2000 RODEO OUTREACH AT WORSHIP CENTER 2010 CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW CHURCH BUILDING

2006- 2010 The first Sportsmen’s Dinner is held, and the Alpha Course is launched. Beyond the Blue Chair building campaign is launched. Young adult ministry introduces The Living Room and The Union as part of The Movement’s programming.

After a lengthy zoning issue with the township on what the church could build on its property, groundbreaking is held and construction begins.

Living Word Academy and Lancaster Christian School discuss a merger. Matt Mylin comes on staff as worship director. Oneighty closes at Greenfield and moves back to main campus.

The new building is completed and the church holds first services as Lancaster County Christian School is formed and receives its first students as an independent school.

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2016 PASTOR SAM AND MATT ON VISION SUNDAY

2011- 2017 Pastor Sam’s and Sherlyn’s leadership remains constant and steady, as in years past. Sam’s dream of completing 40 years as pastor draws near. During this period, a transition team is formed and the selection process begins to find the next lead pastor. Matt Mylin is named the next lead pastor of Worship Center. During services June 11, 2017, Pastor Sam and Sherlyn pass their mantle to Pastor Matt and Kelly as Worship Center’s mission and story continues.

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MESSAGES TO REMEMBER

THE HOLY SPIRIT October, 1995 – When a person is born again he is born of the spirit. The born-again experience is a work of the Holy Spirit. The moment a person receives Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in him. But there is another aspect of the Holy Spirit. It was only after Jesus was endued with power that He began to minister to people with the supernatural power of God. He did not minister in the power of God as the Son of God but as the Son of Man anointed by the Holy Spirit. This power and anointing to minister to people as Jesus demonstrated in His life is available to every believer. It is God’s will and purpose that all believers receive this anointing to minister to need and to destroy yokes of bondage around people’s necks in the name of Jesus.

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2002 IMPACT SKI TRIP AT KILLINGTON, VT

A VIBRANT COMMUNITY OF FAITH In 1979, young adults began attending a Bible study just for them, launching a ministry that’s grown to average 400 people per week in attendance. From the beginning, the young adult ministry focused on connecting through small groups and activities. By 1987, this ministry, called the “WAVE”, welcomed 70 young adults every Wednesday evening. These men and women would play volleyball, go whitewater rafting, and have parties, all while they eagerly took in the Word of God and just did life together — not so different from today’s young adults.

In April 1992, Clair and Orpha Hostetter, Merv and Kathy Smucker, and Dave and Sadie Crills headed up IMPACT, gearing this ministry specifically toward high school graduates and college-aged adults.

Their purpose was to “spur one another on through prayer, teaching, and encouragement” and grow spiritually, mentally, and socially, making a difference in society and the church. This group of young people met in the Smuckers’ house and continued to focus on spiritual growth through small groups.

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Leadership passed to Tim Keller, and young adult ministry moved to the Oneighty Youth Facility in Greenfield Corporate Center. In 2006, Josh Simmons joined the staff as the church’s first young adults pastor. Josh created The Living Room as a smaller part of The Movement. The latter name was dropped shortly after, and The Living Room (TLR) took shape.

In 2010, Bryce Taylor joined the church staff as the young adult pastor and Josh moved to working with middle schoolers. The Living Room met in the Student Ministries Center Auditorium, but by 2014, the ministry had outgrown its space. An average of 250 people attended each week, lining the walls of the auditorium because there weren’t enough seats. In August of that year, the first Oh, Taste and See event was held in the Main Auditorium — a trial run to use the bigger space and see if it worked for this growing group of young adults.

In 2017 The Living Room’s average attendance was 400 per week, with numbers reaching even higher for nights like Oh, Taste and See, which has become the ministry’s annual celebration of what God is doing through young adults in Lancaster County. Oh, Taste and See highlights that God is still alive and working and moving powerfully.

Leadership for this ministry continues to flow and, in the spring of 2017, Bryce transitioned to the Leadership

2015 BRYCE TAYLOR LEADING AT OH, TASTE AND SEE

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Team for Worship Center. Shannon Kann became the new director of this group of young adults who so eagerly want to connect to God and each other.

“Some people see Tuesday nights as just another service,” says Bryce. “It’s really a place for young adults to explore their faith and learn to lead. It’s an environment where failure is good research, so they’re free to fail.

We invest time in them because they’re the leaders of tomorrow’s church.”

So what’s next for The Living Room?

“The vision for The Living Room is to continue what we’re doing and keep getting better,” Shannon Kann explains. He goes on to say that the end goal is not growth in numbers, but growth in people.

We see the evidence of growth, not just on Tuesday nights, but every day. More and more young adults are going through membership classes and serving and leading in areas they weren’t involved in before, contributing to Worship Center and the Church as a whole.

The leaders of this vibrant community of believers did an excellent job of setting the course. Our job is to continue on that course and stick close to the purpose — to encourage and equip young adults to be radically abandoned to Christ.

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2016 MATT AND KELLY MYLIN

INTERVIEW WITH MATT AND KELLY In 2015, Matt Mylin was selected for the new lead pastor position and the transition phase for this role began.

Matt and his wife, Kelly, have been involved with Worship Center since they were kids. This interview highlights their story, their family, and their passion for this church.

When did you become a Christian?

Kelly: I accepted Jesus in my Sunday School class when I was five or six years old. In my early teens, once my family and I came to Worship Center, I really committed my life to Jesus. I was fortunate to have several adults here at Worship Center that poured into my life during my teen years – and their investment drew me closer to Jesus. There wasn’t one particular moment for me as much as it was a settling in my heart that I would live my life for Him.

Matt: I have great memories of attending Worship Center’s children’s ministry and there were many times that the leaders presented the question, ‘where do you want to spend eternity, Heaven or Hell?’ That was an easy question to answer, and I knew at a young age that I wanted to go to Heaven, so I prayed to make Jesus my personal Lord and Savior. At age 7, I’m sure I didn’t understand every facet of salvation, but that decision set me on a path to know God and follow Him. In my early teenage years, I experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit, solidifying my decision to live for God and discover the purpose that he had for me.

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How did you meet?

Matt: Kelly and I met in youth group at church.

We didn’t date in high school, but we built a solid friendship. We started dating soon after I graduated from high school. We dated for nine months, were engaged for 9 months, and were married in September, 1997. We were just two kids getting married back then!

Kelly: The day we got married, one of my bridesmaids said, “Remember when we were in middle school, and you said you always wanted to marry someone like Matt?” I had forgotten that I said that in the past, but, score!

What did you do before you worked for Worship Center?

Matt: While I was attending Worship Center’s Bible school, I was employed at a local drywall company, hanging and finishing mostly residential drywall. I spent ten years in the construction industry until I

joined the staff here in 2007. I still love driving by a home or building that I worked in and pointing it out to my kids; though they no longer believe that I “built” it! It’s only a God-story that I could go from installing drywall to leading worship.

Kelly: After I graduated from high school, I came on staff as Tim Keller’s assistant in youth ministry.

I worked at Worship Center until we got married in 1997 and then did administrative work for a couple local businesses. When we started our family, I was blessed to become an at-home mom, a dream that God put in my heart as a young girl.

Kelly, where do you see yourself in your role as a lead pastor’s wife?

Kelly: Currently, I don’t feel a specific direction from God to lead a particular area of ministry. I believe my most important role in this season is to support Matt, continue to raise our three children, and be available to them. It sometimes seems that they need us more than ever in this stage of life! Pastor Sam and Sherlyn

1993 KELLY WITH STUDENTS

MATT AND KELLY GET MARRIED 1997

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have always been very clear with me to be who I am and to prioritize our family, and they’ve released me from feeling that I need to oversee several things or be here for every event. I am so grateful to them for that! I believe that life is about seasons and that God will direct my heart when it is time to take on something new.

Matt: I would say nothing is really going to change for Kelly when my role changes.

Her top priority is to keep our family healthy.

But she has the gift of encouragement, so someday she might utilize that even more by being an influence for people in the congregation and also our staff.

Can you tell me a little bit about your call to become lead pastor at Worship Center?

Matt: I was the worship leader for a little over five years by 2012. In that season, a love for the local church grew in me. I wasn’t discontent, but I started to experience this wrestle in my heart. I began caring about

all of Worship Center, not just the worship ministry. I cared about things that weren’t part of my responsibility, and I saw how much impact a local church could have.

Discussions about Pastor Sam’s transition came up, and Kelly and I took some time before God to see if we even wanted to walk through this process. We felt like the first step was to say “yes” to pursuing the process and following God’s lead in it. I remember thinking, “God, if this is not what you have for us, please shut the door.”

But God continued to give us vision for this church specifically. The calling was a process, but he was very clearly leading us during that season.

What’s your favorite memory of growing up at Worship Center?

Kelly: Wow. It’s hard to say which one was best. I mean, we got married here — how can you beat that? One of my most exciting memories of Worship Center as an adult was watching the new building go up. One weekend, early in the construction process, we were all given the opportunity to sign the steel beams that support this building.

Somewhere in here, my kids’ names are on a steel beam, and it’s special for me to realize that God was preparing our family even then for this journey.

Matt: We used to do church-wide picnics, and those memories stick in my head.

There were lots of games, and fun, and music. It was one of those times when this big church had a small church feel — even though there were a lot of people.

Tell me a little bit about your kids.

Kelly: Hallie is 16 and will be a junior in the fall. She enjoys running, spending time with friends, and being involved in school, sports, and clubs. She loves working with kids and serves as a fourth grade small group leader in WC Kids. She is an easy-going “people person” and loves puns — just like her dad!

1997 MATT LEADS WORSHIP FOR IMPACT

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Ethan is 14 and will be a freshman this fall. He enjoys sports of all kinds – particularly football and basketball – and recently discovered a love for the high jump. He’s a hard worker and also serves in WC Kids fourth grade. He has a quick wit and good sense of humor, and he’s fast approaching being taller than his dad!

Alyssa is 12 and will begin middle school this fall.

She enjoys cooking and interior design, and she’s always up for a new experience. She is a one-on-one person with a compassionate heart, and it serves her well as a volunteer in WC Kids Jr. She is a deep thinker who also enjoys spontaneity, a combination she shares with her dad!

How has being a parent affected your ministry?

Matt: I think it’s been helpful because it raises the value of authenticity. I always want to be the same person in front of the church that I am in front of my family which is good accountability. I think it also helps me to have a compassionate heart toward families and the challenges that many families face.

I want Worship Center to be a place where families can grow together, find healing together, and support each other as we learn how our faith in God intersects with real life.

Kelly: And when Matt comes home on Sundays, the kids are happy to highlight anything that he did goofy or wrong. They’re an honest feedback machine!

Kelly, how do you feel about Matt’s puns?

Kelly: (laughing) He learned them from me! Just kidding. But I think Matt’s a very funny guy!

2017 MYLIN FAMILY (LEFT TO RIGHT): ALYSSA, KELLY, HALLIE, MATT, ETHAN, AND THEIR DOG, HENRY

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c. 1992 DON AND DORIS NEFF LEAD A DISCUSSION AT A SMALL GROUP LEADER’S RETREAT

HOUSE TO HOUSE MINISTRY The following article was featured in the 20th Anniversary edition of the Vision Builder, 1997.

“So continuing daily with one accord in the temple and house to house.” Acts 2:42 Worship Center is building on two main pillars, temple and house to house -- large worship services and small group meetings.

The primary focus of Worship Center from the beginning was preaching and teaching the uncompromised Word of God in worship services.

As his Word began changing lives, the congregation grew rapidly. By September of 1979 people began expressing a need for more fellowship in a smaller setting, so eight home groups were formed. These groups were led by the elders of the church and were primarily for fellowship and Bible study.

In the fall of 1980, Pastor Sam and several of the church leaders attended a small group seminary in

Buffalo, NY. While there, the seed was sown for a vision of having small groups as a way to structure the church according to the New Testament pattern.

This would also provide an opportunity for both unlimited growth and personal care and ministry.

The keys that were taught were: • Pray for each community • Reach out with the love of Jesus by finding a need and filling it • See groups as a network for pastoral care • Develop many “ordinary” believers who would multiply the ministry to others.

In 1983, Pastor Sam and Sherlyn traveled to South Korea to attend a church growth conference held at one of the largest churches is the world pastored by Dr. Paul Youngi Cho. This further clarified the vision in Pastor Sam’s heart to build the groups two-pillar

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structure: meeting in “the temple’ and house-tohouse.

(not just homes) and to depict a lifestyle of care and outreach.

In the summer of 1984 the church began to take steps toward strengthening this “house to house” pillar by bringing all the groups together for fresh vision and training. Don Neff was brought on staff part-time to give oversight and administration and to develop training for Home Group leaders. Don worked with a team of people consisting of Dan Esh, John Day, Dan Stoltzfus, and Pastor Sam.

The CARE Group Ministry gradually became stronger as more and more people caught the vision. By 1990 there were 42 groups overseen by one CARE Pastor and eight Section Leaders, with 45 percent of the congregation participating. Ladies’ groups and specialty support groups began to develop as the Lord brought many people with a desire to reach out and show God’s love to other.

In 1985 the name was changed from “Home Groups” to “CARE Groups” to better reflect the vision for groups to be meeting in many different settings

When this article was written in 1997, we have 85 CARE Groups, 4 District Leaders, and 18 Section Leaders, with 61 percent of the congregation involved in a small group.

GOLDEN GLOW SENIOR ADULTS GROUP PRAYS TOGETHER 1997

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2016 YOUNG ADULTS CONNECT AT LIFE WEEKEND RETREAT

WHY CONNECTED PEOPLE GROW This article was first featured as a blog on Worship Center’s website in August 2016.

I bought my first keyboard when I was 15 years old.

I loved sitting at my new keyboard all by myself, creating melodies and making music that was sure to hit the charts.

Here are three reasons why connected people grow:

Around this same time, I started playing keyboard for our youth group worship band at Worship Center.

Our band had a drummer, bass player, electric guitar player, vocals, and me playing the keyboard. Making music with a band was a lot more fun than playing keyboard by myself, and, as time went on, I realized something significant: my skill level was quickly increasing. The time spent on music was the same.

My equipment was the same. The only difference was that I was making music with others.

At first glance, the word accountability can have a negative connotation. Especially since, in our current culture, there seems to be a mindset that says, “You do what’s good for you, and I’ll do what’s good for me.” This mindset presents a dangerous road to walk down because it eliminates a standard of righteousness while justifying behavior.

There is a principle in life that people who are connected to others will grow. “Connected” means there is a relationship based on interaction and trust. Musicians who are connected and in sync will grow as individuals and as a band. Similarly, there is personal growth when we are connected in relationships.

1. Accountability

However, accountability can be inspiring. When people depend on us for something, it should motivate us to fulfill our responsibilities. Over time and with experience, we will grow. Think about it in the context of sports. If we know there’s a big game ahead, we will prepare and practice because our teammates are counting on us. This responsibility motivates us to bring our best, which leads us to grow.

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2. Stewardship Stewardship takes effort. I often ask myself, “What will it take for me to grow in a particular area so that one year from now I can be better than I am right now?” We can apply this in every area of our lives: our marriages, our parenting, our skills and abilities, and the influence God has given us. In almost all of these areas, people are impacted. God entrusts us with relationships, and it’s our responsibility to steward those well by living out Hebrews 10:24: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to love and good works.” (NLT) In other words, we need to discover ways to motivate or stimulate love and good works in others.

3. Created We were created by God to be in relationship with others. However, relationships with people are not

always comfortable. In fact, there are many times that our experiences fall short of our expectations in relationships, whether it’s in a marriage and family context, friends, acquaintances, or others. God designed us to be in relationship to sharpen each other, encourage each other, and ultimately grow together.

In reality, each of us can choose how we walk through life. We can go solo, with the intention of protecting ourselves from relational hurts, or we can decide to allow people into our lives, recognizing that, in the end, our lives will be better when we are together. Music sounds best when musicians practice, prepare, and play in sync with each other, and the same is true for people. We will grow when we live as God designed us to live by discovering ways we can encourage and motivate the people around us “toward love and good works.”

LADESSA SMUCKER HELPS A COUPLE GET CONNECTED IN A SMALL GROUP 2016

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MESSAGES TO REMEMBER

PRAYER Autumn, 1997 – God wants us to value our fellowship with him more than we value the work we do for him. Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you.” Perhaps there are times when we put too much emphasis on things. Jesus taught that if we put fellowship with God first, we won’t be so tempted to worry about things. What does it mean to seek his face? “Seek” means to inquire, investigate, crave or to look for something. To seek His face is to intensely desire an open, honest, loving relationship with the Lord. Sometimes we hear the saying, “We want to meet that person face to face.” This is a personal, intimate kind of relationship.

You may ask, “How do I seek his face?” First, read the Word of God and meditate on portions of his Word. Second, pray in the Spirit or praying in the prayer language you have received from the Holy Spirit. Third, take time to listen – to be quiet and hear what he is saying to you.

I encourage you to write down the things he says to you. Fourth, pray the Word of God over your life, your family, job, etc.

Summer, 2000 – In Philippians 3:8-14, Paul gives us a glimpse of his heart toward God. He has a hunger within his heart to have an intimate relationship with Jesus. One of the ways we can build this relationship is to have an appointment with God. We should schedule a time on a regular basis to spend undisturbed with our Lord, a time in which we separate ourselves unto the Lord and disconnect ourselves from outside influences. In Acts 3:1, we see that Peter and John had an hour discipline built into their lives and out of that came power to heal a lame man in Jesus’s name. Yes, there are many ways to pray and many things to pray about. But remember, the foundation of your prayer life is regularly spending undisturbed time with your heavenly Father. Out of this kind of prayer discipline comes great wisdom for all areas of our lives. Let us be diligent in building a strong prayer life.

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2014 MANZONE CAMPUS GROUP

MAKING BIG CHURCH FEEL SMALL At Worship Center, we believe connected people grow. We’ve been getting people connected into small groups for a long time because we want believers to walk in relationship with other people in their journey of faith. God doesn’t call us to live life alone but to encourage other believers in community.

Some people, like John and Dawn Koser, have been part of small groups for years.

The Kosers came to Worship Center in 1982, and they were involved in small groups from the very beginning. They’ve been both leaders and participants. The Kosers were usually involved in the multiplication aspect of groups, so they were typically breaking off and starting a new group when their small group grew too big.

“We both came from a Christian, conservative realm, but we weren’t walking out the Word of God,” Dawn explains. “The biblical teaching at Worship Center brought us strength in our spiritual walks. That strength is practiced and realized in small groups. We try to take the Word of God and apply it to our lives.”

Like most people involved in a small group, John and Dawn found that a small group becomes like a family and a support system.

This tight-knit community of believers helped each other walk through life changes like children getting married and family members passing away. Small groups became a source of encouragement, advise, and spiritual strength.

“We’ve had mentors through the years, and now we’re a support to the younger generation,” says Dawn. “Sometimes there’s not a book to go through or an agenda to follow — it’s just friendship.”

Small groups are what make a big church like Worship Center feel small. They help to form a unity that supports the church at large, bringing the Gospel into each neighborhood so that the love of Christ can touch lives outside of the four walls of Worship Center.

Small groups aren’t just another ministry; They’re a lifestyle of our church.

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A MULTI-GENERATIONAL CHURCH Worship Center believes family and community are two important aspects of life. Many call Worship Center home and have joined the thriving community here.

Shawn and Cathy Erb have been a part of Worship Center for a long time. Shawn and his family started coming to Worship Center in 1996 when he was ten years old.

A few of their neighbors kept inviting them to come. One of these was Pastor Sam and Sherlyn Smucker, who moved in across the street from the Erbs. As Shawn continued to attend, he got involved with the youth group where he learned about the purpose God had for his life and where God became his foundation in everything. He also began connecting with a lot of other teenagers, even though he was shy. Shawn says, “From junior high and all through high school, I am grateful for many life-changing experiences I had on mission trips, retreats, and other events. It was an impacting season of my life.”

Shawn’s wife, Cathy, was older than Shawn when she discovered Worship Center.

Around 18 years old, she was aware of the church because she attended its Christian school, Living Word Academy, her junior and senior years. When she went to check out the Sunday service, Cathy felt so welcomed and connected quickly, even though Worship Center was so big. She felt the excitement for what God was going to do during worship and through the message in those around her each time she came.

Cathy started getting involved with IMPACT, the young adults ministry, to pursue God and connect with others more. She grew in

the Lord by going on fun retreats, participating in Bible studies, and serving with the IMPACT community.

Shawn and Cathy met at Worship Center and dated for a while. After they married, they continued to serve at Worship Center. They didn’t have discussions about exploring other gatherings or leaving their church. They always believed Worship Center was their home.

Shawn and Cathy received so much through the school, the messages, and the church family that they wanted to give back. They both have hearts to serve using their skills and desire to encourage others just as much as Worship Center has supported them.

Now their legacy is carried on through their four-year-old daughter, Mia, who loves to come to church and learn about Jesus. The couple’s hope is that she will continue to love coming to church and discovering the purpose God has for her life. It’s common these days for families to go from one church to another because of their children. Shawn and Cathy are very thankful they don’t have to do that because Worship Center is a place they know they can trust. That trust is Worship Center’s legacy–the result of those who have committed to ministry, specifically to young people, over the past 40 years. The leadership reflects stability and a passion for Jesus while leading authentically.

The Erbs believe a good foundation and stable environment are crucial in their daughter’s life as she grows up in this ever-changing world.

Cathy shares, “We love that Mia will be able to experience this family-like community and draw closer to God in the process. We are so blessed to call Worship Center home and plan on staying for years to come.”

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2017 SHAWN, CATHY, AND MIA ERB

MIA READING A BOOK IN WC KIDS 2017

LWA A SCHOOL FOR LEARNING From the initial meeting of Worship Center in March 1977, the congregation grew rapidly as the positive teaching of God’s Word inspired people. Lives were transformed as they realized their authority as believers. Parents were saying, “We’ve found something that helps us. We want a school that will help our children learn the same thing.”

In June 1980, the church formed a Christian school committee. This team seriously considered the question, “Why another Christian school in a community with several good ones?” Distinctive answers emerged: equip students with the Word of God in a Spirit-led environment and serve families with students having special abilities, specific emotional needs, or difficulty with learning.

Much prayer and thought were put into the reason for existing, the name of the school, and the people to lead it. A survey among the congregation confirmed the conviction of the leaders; God was leading Worship Center to establish a school.

By October 1980, the committee set up the first school board. The board’s first responsibility was to search for and hire a school administrator. God had already placed a qualified leader for the school among the team -- Ken Godshall, who served faithfully in that capacity for many years.

The school was named “Living Word Academy” (LWA) and was chosen to express three commitments in its program in the context of academic excellence. These were:

• The Word of God is to have first place in all matters pertaining to the school.

• Jesus Christ, the Living Word, is to be exalted in all things.

• The written Word is to be made alive to hearts dedicated to Christ to conform them to His character.

LWA opened in September of 1981 to include 80 students in grades K-6 the first year. Each successive year, another grade was added to accommodate the oldest class. By 1988, a ceremony was held for the first graduating class of 24 seniors from LWA. Worship Center and LWA shared the same facilities since the beginning of the school, and when either grew, more space was needed for both. With each building expansion, implications for the church and school had to be considered. When it was time to build a church auditorium, the original plan was to expand the existing

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c. 1990 STUDENT WAITS FOR HIS BUS

LIVING WORD ACADEMY SCHOOL BOARD c. 1987

ANDREW TAYLOR OBSERVES CHESS MATCH c. 1985

c. 1990 STUDENTS BOARD THE BUS

c. 1981 KEN GODSHALL IS LIVING WORD ACADEMY’S FIRST SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR

building. By the end of a three-year township issue, the church needed to reevaluate its building plans. By the mid-2000s, times had changed, and the need for schools to be locked down for the safety of students and faculty had become a reality. The church decided to build a separate, unconnected facility, and the school would use the entire existing building. This decision would provide room for growth for both, allowing the school to lock the doors and the church to remain open during the week.

Around this same time, Lancaster Christian School and Living Word Academy entered into conversations concerning a merger. As Worship Center broke ground in 2009, the two schools were completing their merger agreement to become Lancaster County Christian School (LCCS). While Worship Center was preparing to move into its new church building in August 2010, the newly formed LCCS was preparing to receive its first students.

“We can make our plans, but God determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

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c. 1983 PASTOR SAM PREACHING

SAM SMUCKER CORE VALUES Every organization that wants to succeed creates its own core values. Our definition of success is leading others to Christ -- even from the very beginning. Our core values are founded on biblical, God-honoring principles that guide our church in decision-making and everyday life. Worship Center’s core values are the foundation of Scripture, connectivity, being Spirit-led, excellence in stewardship, intentional service, authentic worship, and generosity. We sat down with Pastor Sam to talk about why these core values were chosen for Worship Center and their importance.

What do these core values mean to you, personally?

How has Worship Center made God’s Word our foundation for living?

Sam: They are guiding principles for our church and our lives. I think we need guiding principles — things that stay and don’t move — because we are always moving and straying, but we can always come back to these principles.

Sam: By preaching and teaching the Word on a consistent basis in such a way that people can apply it in their daily life. We want people to know that if you read it consistently and meditate in the Word all the time, then act on it, that’s what builds the unshakable foundation.

Are the current core values the same ones that helped establish Worship Center?

How have you seen the core value of being Spirit-led play out over the last 40 years? What is an example?

Sam: Our core values evolved, but Foundation of Scripture was the number one core value from the beginning. I always felt like I wanted to help people build their lives on the Word of God.

Sam: To be Spirit-led means you recognize that the Holy Spirit lives inside of you and you learn to detect his leading. When we were planning to build our current building, I remember waking up one morning, and the

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PASTOR SAM PREACHING 2015

Holy Spirit said to me, “It’s time to step out and build.” I felt in my heart to go to the leadership at Worship Center and, pretty soon, they all agreed.

For a church, it’s very important to understand the leading of the Holy Spirit. Having leadership that is led by the Spirit has affected our congregation for the better.

Small groups and getting connected is a big deal at Worship Center. How have you seen connectivity allow individuals at Worship Center to grow?

Sam: When we were a church of about 200 people, I soon realized that I wouldn’t be able to take care of all of those people by myself. So, in 1978, we decided to have some “home groups” — we called them that back then. From the beginning, we saw the value of people connecting. People relating on a one-onone basis and doing life together is totally different from a Sunday service but totally necessary.

How have you seen the two core values, excellence in stewardship and generosity, related to each other and play out in our congregation?

Sam: Excellence in stewardship means doing the

best you can with what you have. You can’t have everything you want. When God sees that you’ll be satisfied and content with what you have, he’ll open the door for you to have the other things you need.

Generosity has risen from our congregation from the beginning. Before we even had our own building, I felt in my heart we should build a building for someone else. In Jamaica, we built two buildings before we ever had one in Lancaster and we considered those buildings a seed. We gave $13,000 for those buildings in Jamaica which was exactly what we needed. It set the stage for generosity. We’ve never apologized for offerings — it’s an opportunity to be a blessing.

It’s fitting that authentic worship is one of our core values since the word is in our name. What does authentic worship mean to you?

Sam: To me, I don’t like when worship is worked up or forced. If we provide a setting or atmosphere for people to worship God together, we can make it inviting. Authenticity in worship means having worship leaders who are worshipers themselves.

People should be drawn in by the Holy Spirit, not forced to sing or raise their hands. That’s what makes it real.

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c. 1992 SHERLYN PRAYS WITH A WOMAN

WHY WE PRAY Prayer, or communication with God, has been a part of my life since I was a small child. I was taught to depend on the Lord. I remember I would pray when I would have to go out in the dark, to go to the barn, to do chores, or run the garbage out to the field on our farm. I think we needed more outside lights! It was dark, and I don’t know what I thought would hurt me, but I would pray, “Jesus, keep me safe,” and I guess he did because I’m still here!

Prayer is my lifeline for every area of my life.

I’ve asked God for wisdom many times. It says in James 1:5-6, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach (criticism or rebuke), and it will

be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting…” I need his wisdom for my family when I pray for them. Even though they are all grown and have lives of their own, we still pray for them and their families. Sam and I pray as we minister to people, whether at our church or other places we are invited. He gives me wisdom for planning for the future, as well as walking out my life plan in the present. It is so wonderful to be able to communicate with my Lord throughout the day, just as if he is walking beside me. Well, it’s better than that -- his Spirit is inside me! He cares about what I care about.

He wants me to ask him for whatever need I may have, and he will respond.

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CHRISTOPHER ALAM LEADS A TIME OF PRAYER c. 1994

Through the years we have met corporately as a church at various times, as well as in smaller groups of prayer. At one time, we had what we called “100 houses of prayer” meetings for a time in small groups when individuals would open up their homes. At times we would, and still do, call everyone together to pray and intercede for a certain emphasis. We also have people cover the list of prayer requests that come into the church office daily. Each ministry has prayer times for their particular area, and after each weekend service there is opportunity to receive prayer from the prayer team members.

Ephesians 6:18 says, “And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

In Psalm 133, it mentions how pleasant it is for us to dwell together in unity, liking it to the precious oil that was poured upon Aaron’s head

and his beard and running down to the edge of his garments. Then it says, “For there the Lord commanded a blessing — life forevermore.”

God’s blessings are upon a church when a congregation is in unity and oneness of mind.

From the beginning of Worship Center, we sought the Lord on many things: from choosing those who would hold various leadership responsibilities, to how to care for the people he had entrusted us with, to getting the mind of the Lord on the kind of mandate or vision he had for the church, and anything else when wisdom was needed. God truly blessed us through the years with wonderful leadership and a church body who has been and is committed to the vision and being a blessing to many.

The influence of prayer for Worship Center was included in various ways throughout the last 40 years and still carries a vital role in the life of the church.

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MESSAGES TO REMEMBER

SERVING OUR WORLD August, 1987 – If your first priority is to serve people, then as you serve them, meaningful relationships will be built in your life. God puts you in a local church body for a reason: to be vitally connected to people within the Body; and then together, we become a strong force in this community and wherever the Lord leads us in reaching out around the world. Satan’s kingdom cannot hold out against the Church. We’re infiltrating his kingdom faster than he can turn around. When people are moving together in a local church, it becomes a place of agreement, a place where God can move mightily. It is a place where people are helping one another.

March, 1989 – The church is people. It’s not buildings and structures. It’s not an organized, government structure, it’s people. We have become the building where God lives. Our mission on this earth is to be a channel of God’s power to other people. The field we work in is the world, taking the Good News to others. If we are willing to be used by God in our work place, the marketplace, His anointing and His power will flow to other people. To reap a harvest, a farmer has to work in the field. He does his planting in the field, he does his harvesting in the field. He needs the barn to protect his crop. To bring people to Christ, we can’t stay inside the church building. We must carry our witness to our place of employment, to the streets, to everywhere God sends us.

2 Corinthians 5:20 tells us that we are ambassadors for Christ. An ambassador is an authorized representative or messenger. We have been authorized by Jesus himself to go with the message of salvation and hope to those in our communities and to the nations of the world. An ambassador also works on keeping relationships in good standing between his country and the people he is sent to. As ambassadors of Christ, we aim to bring people into relationship with Jesus Christ.

July, 1990 – Not every person is called to go to another country. However, we are all called to be a witness for the Gospel’s sake. We have a vast mission field right in our own neighborhoods. My prayer is that compassion would rise up in our hearts for the lost, that we would realize there is a hell to shun and a heaven to gain. People all around us are looking for answers in life. Let us listen to the Holy Spirit within us and hear His vision for the world. My prayer is that our response would be, “Yes, Lord, I will go, I will give, I will do, I will speak what you want me to.”

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WORLD MISSIONS

2016 A CHILD IN CHANGING DESTINY PROJECT, A MINISTRY IN INDIA

From the very beginning, missions has been an important focus for Worship Center. Our congregation has maintained a strong commitment to Jesus’s command to go into the world and make disciples. So we’ve given time and resources, and we’ve traveled the world, and we’ve sent missionaries out across oceans, keeping in mind the purpose to make Jesus’ name great and proclaim the Gospel to all the nations. Worship Center had a strong start, and our vision is to continue in this way: to live out the Gospel in our actions and words so that each person hears the Good News of Jesus Christ and believes.

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INDIA

KENYA

INDIA

NICARAGUA

SIERRA LEONE

HONDURAS

NIGERIA

FIJI

MEXICO

JAMAICA

INDIA

WORSHIP CENTER MISSIONARIES ACTIVE REACHED UNREACHED

1978 | CHURCH IN JAMAICA | $13,000

2006 | KENYAN STUDENT LODGING | $12,610

1998 | NORTH KOREAN BREAD FACTORY | +$74,000

2008 | JONAH & MARY BEDAN | $23,244

2005 | MALAYSIAN TSUNAMI RELIEF | $67,682

2008 | SIERRA LEONE FIRST OFFERING | $7,878

2005 | HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF | $33,305

2008 | MYANMAR CYCLONE RELIEF | $16,044

2005 | PAKISTAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF | $15,263

2009 | RAFIKI FOUNDATION | $10,990

2006 | PRINTING PRESS IN ROMANIA | $19,166

2009 | ORPHANS IN ZAMBIA | $11,119

SIGNIFICANT GIVINGS

2010 | HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF | $67,019

2012 | LIVING WORD MINISTRIES IN NIGERIA | $10,732

2010 | HOUSE OF HOPE IN INDIA | $23,787

2013 | SYRIAN BREAD PROJECT | $15,734

2010 | AGAPE CHILDREN’S HOME IN INDIA | $13,727

2014 | PHILIPPINES TSUNAMI | $26,353

2011 | NORTH KOREA PROJECT | $11,799

2015 | NEPAL EARTHQUAKE RELIEF | $22,736

2011 | JOPLIN TORNADO | $14,883

14-17 | SIERRA LEONE INITIATIVE | $42,630

2012 | KEEPS KAMP | $10,002

15-17 | INDIA INITIATIVE | $77,353

IN REMEMBRANCE

DORRETT WILLIAMS Dorrett was the wife of Bishop VT Williams. She ministered with VT in Jamaica for many years. Together, they founded Jamaica Evangelistic Center. VT and Dorrett held many crusades throughout Jamaica and established more than 20 churches over many years.

Dorrett was a woman of prayer and established a prayer center in Negril, Jamaica. She is greatly missed by her husband, family, and congregation in Jamaica. Dorrett and VT are the couple that launched Worship Center into being a missions-minded church.

HERB BARGO Herb was a missionary to the Mexican people. He and his wife, Sallie, impacted many lives in Mexico with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Herb’s compassionate and giving heart for the Mexican people was outstanding.

He operated a Bible school, and many churches and ministries were planted by the students of the Bible school. Herb is greatly missed by Sallie, his family, and the Mexican people he was acquainted with and impacted. Herb and Sallie’s compassion for people helped give Worship Center a love for the nations.

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KATHY JANGDHARI Kathy was the wife of Charles JangDhari. Together they did missions work in Jamaica and Poland. Their compassion and service to the people and their teaching of God’s Word impacted many people’s lives in both of these countries. Kathy’s love for people opened their hearts to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At the orphanages where they ministered in Poland, Kathy’s love and care was a great blessing to many children. Kathy is greatly missed by her husband, her family, and the people they served in Jamaica and Poland. Worship Center is blessed to have supported Charles and Kathy in their mission work.

PATSY TAYLOR Patsy was the wife of Andrew Taylor. Andrew and Patsy served on staff at Worship Center and Living Word Academy, the church’s Christian school. They served together in missions in India, Indonesia, Australia, Fiji, and the South Pacific Islands. Patsy had a great love for people in these areas. Their heart for teaching God’s Word influenced many men and women who are now leading ministries of their own. Patsy is greatly missed by her husband, Andrew, her son, Luke, and by the many people she impacted in her life. Worship Center misses her smile and kind heart.

RAY ENGLERTH Ray was the husband of Joyce Englerth. Together they served in missions in Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Mexico.

Their evangelistic ministry used a film called, “Jesus,” which resulted in many people committing their life to Jesus and churches being planted in Mexico. Ray had a heart for pastors. He was a craftsman and built many churches and furnishings for them. They hosted teams from the United States to help with the building. Ray was a man who loved God and people. He is missed by his wife, Joyce, his family, and the people he impacted in his mission work. Ray and Joyce were part of Worship Center’s mission work from the very beginning and helped us shape our vision for the world.

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A MANDATE FOR MISSIONS We first visited the island of Jamaica as a church in 1979. We were invited by VT Williams to do a crusade and help build a church in another part of the island. This was actually the first mission trip we had experienced. Our eyes were opened to another culture, observing poverty and island life for the people there that most of our team had never experienced before.

We divided the team of 40 people from Worship Center into two groups. One group would attend the crusade, and the other group would build the church. This was the first of many teams sent to give support to Jamaican missionaries VT and Dorrett Williams and their family.

As we headed to the airport to go home from that first trip, Sam was very quiet the whole ride. He recalled later that God was giving him a mandate and direction for Worship Center.

He heard these words in his heart: “I want Worship Center to be a missions-minded church.”

Since that time God has set up divine connections for us with missionaries in various countries just like we connected with VT and Dorrett.

The Williams’ ministry has made an impact on our lives that will be branded on our hearts forever. We observed their heart for the people of Jamaica and how their ministry became known throughout the island. For many years they have held evangelistic crusades, started many churches, and produced a radio program.

Dorrett has gone on before us to her heavenly home, but VT still has the passion and compassion for souls. He still talks about wanting to do crusades, even in his 80s! Anyone who meets him can clearly see the passion and gift of an evangelist. He touches hearts with his love, his special humor and joy, and that twinkle in his eye for people and the church family and friends around him.

We love VT. He is a special brother in the Lord and one of God’s statesmen who has touched many lives, preaching and teaching with signs and wonders following his ministry.

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VT AND DORRETT WILLIAMS c. 1960s

VT AND DORRETT SPEAKING AT MISSIONS HOMECOMING 1997

c. 1989 MIM SHENK TEACHES AT CHILDREN’S CHURCH

FULFILLING THE MISSION Churches and ministries would not function well without the faithfulness of volunteers. The ministry and mission of Worship Center is carried out by teams of people who serve by teaching, greeting people, producing Sunday services, playing instruments, managing the café, and so much more. Those who serve are integral in the church’s mission to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus and find their purpose in him.

Long-time volunteers, like Mim Shenk, have seen Worship Center grow, both in numbers and in ministry. Mim has been serving in Kids Ministry for over 30 years, and she’s been teaching kindergarteners for quite some time.

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c. 1984

2015

“Kindergarten is a great age group for learning,” she says. “When I tell a story, they sit up and listen, and they get it.” Each child is treated as an individual.

Volunteers go a long way to make sure every child feels comfortable and at home in their classroom.

As for what it means to be a volunteer, Mim says she’s learned to meet the people she serves right where they are. Kids just need to be loved, and their parents need the same thing.

As we observe these 40 years as a church, we celebrate the faithfulness of those who have owned the mission God has given this church.

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MESSAGES TO REMEMBER

PURPOSE Winter, 1996–It is very clear in the Bible that God has a plan for each of our lives (Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 139:1). He has given us his Holy Spirit to show us and to guide us into it step by step. As we learn how to be led by the Holy Spirit, we can walk in God’s plan. It is not an automatic thing to walk in the will of God. An effort on our part is needed. Before Paul became a Christian, he persecuted Christians and made havoc in the Church of Jesus Christ. God had a specific purpose for Paul’s life. It is the same way for each of us. We all have a specific purpose from God.

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AS WE MOVE FORWARD Worship Center is a picture of faithfulness. I’m typically not a sentimental person, but as we are celebrating 40 years as a church, I can’t help but reflect on how faithful God has been through many people to make this church what it is today. My parents made this church our home when I was only four years old. I grew up learning about God in our children’s ministry, chose to make him my Lord and Savior at a very young age. As I transitioned through each season of life, I experienced the value of authentic community helping me to grow in my faith. Worship Center’s impact on my personal journey greatly influences my understanding and appreciation of the previous generation’s faithfulness and self-sacrifice. People, who invested time by pouring their heart into others, who sacrificially gave their money as seeds producing a great harvest, and who prayed for young people like me to take God’s call on their lives seriously, were simply being faithful to God’s call. They may not have realized it at the time, but the kingdom of God was being moved forward on the shoulders of these men and women who were willing to take a risk and invest in a vision that was bigger than themselves and build a church that would outlast them. I am a benefactor of this faithfulness, and I dedicate my life to seeing this same faithfulness continue for generations to come.

As we pause to celebrate 40 years as a church, God has specifically directed me to a passage of scripture that gives us clear direction for the future. In Matthew 9, while Jesus was with his disciples looking at the crowds around him, he gives us an intimate encounter with his heart. Large crowds of people, who seemed to be searching for the meaning of life, were drawn to Jesus. As he looked around, his eyes full of love were most likely welling up with tears. The scripture says that when he saw them, he had compassion on them for they were lost and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. Then in verse 37, he directs us by saying, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. Pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

Our mission is clear. We exist to lead people to a growing relationship with Jesus and help them find their purpose in him. Our mission field is here. There are over 300,000 people just in Lancaster County who don’t go to church and many more to reach in our surrounding region. Additionally, by partnering with our missionaries around the world, we can bring the Gospel to people in over 150 nations. The harvest is here, and it’s clear to see. What is our response?

My prayer follows Jesus’ direction – I often pray that God, who is in charge of the harvest, will send us more workers to go into his fields. Workers who love people as Jesus loved, see people as he saw them, and are moved with the same compassion he exhibited. Workers who will step out of their comfort zone to invest their time, money, and lives into another person because many are in need of this living hope that only Jesus provides.

God has given me a passion that burns like a fire to strengthen our home base by mobilizing many more men and women to work together to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our world. Let’s go!

Matt and Kelly

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EPHESIANS 2:10

“FOR WE ARE GOD’S MASTERPIECE. HE HAS CREATED US ANEW IN CHRIST JESUS, SO WE CAN DO THE GOOD THINGS HE PLANNED FOR US LONG AGO.”

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