The good news at First Presbyterian Church of Avonmore is that the congregation is growing. In the past year and nine months 18 new members have joined the church, Pastor Kevin L. Johnson reports. And, it is good news for Pastor Kevin as this is his first pastorate since being ordained. He was called to the Church in early November of 2005.

One of the reasons for the growth at First Presbyterian is the vibrancy of the congregation. They are “extraordinarily welcoming” said Pastor Kevin. And, that has attracted many young families that have moved to the area and are looking for a church connection.

Strong programs and organizations within the church also are a big plus factor. Every summer, at the end of July, the church has a Vacation Bible School (VBS) that draws 130 to 140 children and volunteers. That is a very impressive yearly turn out for a small community. It is a program the church has invested in and built to the point of generating great interest and participation.

The Women’s Association and the Sewing Circle, a group within the Association, contribute to the church life through their efforts. Meeting every month they undertake many different tasks. One great event is the Mother and Daughter Dinner held around Mother’s Day. The reason it is great is that it is open to all women offering a time of bonding as a community. A lot happens through the Sewing Circle that may be out of sight such as making clothes to send overseas. The group also meets at various times for smaller events such as an evening with dessert.

The Board of Deacons has a strong foundation of building the church community and reaching out in many ways to assure their members that they are standing with them. Those who are shut-ins, hospitalized, or families that lose a member are all comforted through their works.

First Presbyterian also reaches out to the community. Every summer at the end of August the Church holds a cook out at Fair Manor, the local residence for the elderly. Every Lent they participate in a pulpit exchange sponsored by the local Ministerium (association of local churches). Mission wise, the Church participates in Operation Christmas Child, a Samaritan’s Purse program. The project entails making shoe boxes filled with gifts for children that are sent overseas. Over 40 of these shoe boxes were made this past year. As a Presbyterian church, they have a strong commitment to giving. It demonstrates that even small congregations can have a strong giving program.

Other church activities are having a regular family night with dinner and entertainment and renewing their annual outdoor worship. The Prayer Chain is a very important foundational ministry in the church and is very active. Sundays, the congregation has a Deacon Greeter and Outreach Greeter for the services.

Pastor Kevin was raised in the Presbyterian Church and always was strongly committed to service. After graduating from Frostburg State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in history, he worked for five years at two newspapers and 2½ years for the Red Cross. Throughout this time many spoke to him about him being in the ministry. For a long time his answer was “no way,” but it increasingly caused him to consider the call of God on his life. He entered Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary graduating in 2004 with a Master in Divinity. First Presbyterian Church of Avonmore is his first pastorate. He is married to Katherine and has one daughter, Grace.

First Presbyterian Church of Avonmore is located on Indiana Avenue. Church School is at 9:45 a.m. (during the school year) and Worship at 11:00 a.m. Sundays. Call 724-697-4221 for further information.