Fox Chapel United Methodist Church

It’s hard to believe that ten years ago Fox Chapel United Methodist Church was ready to close it’s doors. In fact, Pastor Larry Fink (now deceased) came with the understanding he was to close the church. That all changed when he discovered the small congregation of little more than a dozen people had hope and faith. Their dedication inspired him to begin a journey that has resulted in a new church facility, a new church name and new members. Today Fox Chapel United Methodist Church is Faith United Methodist Church. As they finish a six-year building program they are experiencing growth. Sadly, just a few months before the church was completed and ready for occupancy, Pastor Fink died. He left behind a living testimony of hope by encouraging the people, giving them vision and empowering them to act on their beliefs. Although the congregation was deeply grieved over his passing away, they now occupy a church building that is full of life, new members and with continued community growth. After Pastor Fink’s death, the Reverend Bill Kemp became Interim Pastor to help take the church through its transition. He has nearly completed his stay with the calling of a new permanent pastor, David Vaughan. The minute you see Faith United Methodist Church setting high on West Chapel Ridge Road, you sense there is something different. Stepping inside the church’s sanctuary you immediately feel the tranquility. Flooded with natural light from the outside, the seats are arranged in a nearly a full circle, providing an intimate environment. Pastor Kemp says it permits him to preach by being in the midst of the congregation. In the summer months the congregation hold their Sunday services in an amphitheater located in a grove of trees aside of the church. Pastor Kemp said one of Faith’s strengths is quality worship that fosters inspiration by addressing today’s generation in a relevant manner. He believes the church’s growth is a result of this ministry. The Church designs its ministries to fit the life-demands of today’s families, promoting Christian faith values. The church is very dedicated to missions, both here at home and overseas. Pastor Kemp pointed out that missions is not only a corporate work, but also an individual work with members. One member, a doctor, goes to Vietnam every two years to donate her time treating Vietnamese people. She returned to the church with a request to raise money for four individuals who need serious heart surgery, one a 17-year old, but are too poor. The church has generously responded through special collections and a unique “Ye Olde Midwinter Feaste”, a time of music, merriment, silent auction and 14th century feasting event. Another ministry of the church with a strong emphasis is youth. Mark Wasser chairs the team that includes Sue Young and Mark Konopasek. The youth meet every Tuesday night. They begin with a common meal that adults also attend and then go to their meeting while the adults have a Bible study. Youth study, participate in the Sunday service and worship and enjoy recreational times in addition to summer camp.

One very strong core ministry is the Fox Hill Preschool. Over 70 children attend this well-established program that began many years ago. Their reputation for quality teaching and individual personal care of children continues to attract area parents in placing their children in the program. There is a separate Preschool building on the church property and children also use rooms in the church. Diana Natali is the Preschool Director. There are many ministries in this active church among which are Together Ministry Team, Centering Ministering Team, Serving Ministry Team, Spiritual Growth Ministry Team, Children’s Ministry Team. Faith United Methodist Church began in the late 1800’s (look for a related article online in Inspired Heritage at www.akinspired.com/inspired/articles/archives/72). In fact, Fox Chapel Borough was named after the church. The original church had an addition and then in the fifties a new church was built on 261 West Chapel Ridge Road (just off the Green Belt) in Fox Chapel. The name change from Fox Chapel to Faith United Methodist came later when, although the church wasn’t full, the congregation decided to build in faith for future growth. The new church was built and connected to the older church giving them a new facility with adequate meeting rooms and accommodations for the many church programs and the Fox Hill Preschool.

Pastor Bill Kemp

You can visit the church at 261 West Chapel Ridge Road in Fox Chapel. Sunday services are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. There is a Coffee Fellowship at 10 a.m., Youth Sunday School at 9 a.m. and Children’s Church at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. the adult Bible study group and Youth group meet separately. You can call 412-963-8155 for more information or visit their web site at www.faithfoxchapel.com

Watch the Video Interview with Interim Pastor Bill Kemp at http://www.alle-kiskitoday.com/webcasts/1301