History of Community Church
Ten worshipers started meeting in homes in 1920, moved to a dilapidated schoolhouse at the south end of town, and in 1949, with the financial help of the Yoder brothers, built the present sanctuary, which carries their name on the cornerstone. On February 12, 1928, with 27 charter members, it became affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. (once known as the Northern Church) and was incorporated on February 3, 1937.
Our Core Values
Our Core Values
“With God’s help, we strive to be a team of disciples who follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We seek to be Christ-like in all our relationships by demonstrating the love that is welcoming, unselfish, unconditional, and non-judgmental. We pray that all our actions reflect humility, honesty, and the values expressed in God’s Word. We seek to be a church that:
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Loves God
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Protects the Environment
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Cares for the Poor
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Forgives Often
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Rejects Racism
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Fights for the Powerless
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Shares Earthly and Spiritual Resources
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Embraces Diversity
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Enjoys this Life!
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WE ALWAYS END OUR SERVICE WITH THE FOLLOWING BENEDICTION
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Wherever we go, God is sending us. Wherever we are, God put us there for a purpose. Christ who indwells us has something He wants to do through us wherever we are.
Rev Willliam (Bill) Hawley was born in Bethel, CT. He is married with 2 sons. Bill entered the ministry in 1996, attended Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hmpson, Mass and was ordained in Oct of 2003. He has served in CT, MA and SC, coming to us after retiring in 2022. Bill has been pastor of Howey Community Church since July of 2023 and continues to devote himself to not only this congregation, but the community surrounding us.
Kind, sincere and compassionate with the love of the Lord in his heart, Pastor Bill is truly a gift from God and we are so blessed to have him in our pulpit.
Julie Fulks
Office Manager and Bookkeeper
Julie has background in bookkeeping and building construction. She and her husband Scot have been members for over 19 years and served in many volunteer capacities. Julie is a people person, great cook and organizer .
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Jean Wittmaier
Musician
Rev. Bob Merrell
Pastor Emeritus
Bob was born and raised in Leesburg, FL. He was ordained in 1955 and served churches in NC and FL until beginning his service as a chaplain in the US Air Force in 1962. He retired at the rank of Colonel in 1990. He has continued his work as a pastor in various places since then. He was Supply Pastor for Howey Community Church 1997- 2004 and came back as a temporary pastor between 2012-2014. Bob and his wife, Gail, live in Fruitland Park. They have many children, grandchildren. and great-grandchildren.
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Offering 4-Hunger
A monthly “5 Cents a Meal” offering is collected during worship. These funds help support local, national, and global efforts to address hunger wherever it is found.
Homeless Outreach
This congregation assembles “Blessings in a Bag” that are available to pass out to homeless people we encounter along the way. Bags include socks, canned food and toiletries…etc..
Care
Team
Our Deacons along with others offer support & encouragement to those in need. Our “care recipients” are contacted at least once a month. Cards are mailed to all including for Birthday celebrations.
Outreach
events
Several times a year we plan & support community-wide outreach events:
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Annual Pet Blessing Service
Outdoor Easter Sunrise Service
Trunk or Treat Community Event
Live Nativity Scene Outdoor
Thrift Sale
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Other Outreach Donations
Four times a year we accept donations for these PCUSA Causes:
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One Great Hour of Sharing
"Disaster Relief and Hunger"
Pentecost Offering
"Evangelism and Youth"
Peacemaking Offering
"Local and Global Efforts"
Christmas Offering
"Supports retired church workers"
other
outreach
benefits
Other Outreach uses of our facilities
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Several Groups regularly use our facilities: AA groups, Local Police Force, Civic Club among others.
Spiritual Formation
Reaching In to become more like Christ
We are committed to lifelong discipleship.
There is no expiration date on growing into the likeness of Christ. We offer the following opportunities to grow:
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Bible Study is held on Fridays at noon in the Library.
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There is an emphasis on practicing prayer in all aspects of our life together.
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Congregational involvement in church's monthly food distribution.
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Hosting a monthly food distribution sponsored by Lake Cares.
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Brand new used clothing drop shed behind the church for donations of clothing, shoes, blankets, sheets and stuffed animals.
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Contact the Church Office for more information
352-324-2639
Hospitality Reaching Out to Serve Others
