By any measure, 150 years is a long time.
Remarkably, that is how long the Oval Church has been serving the people of the Nippenose Valley in Lycoming County.
“150 years is a huge milestone,” said Pastor David Brenneman. “It is important to celebrate because this is bigger than just a date on a calendar. This is 150 years of God moving in the Valley through the people called Oval Church. This is 150 years of weddings, baptisms, funerals, and more potluck dinners than you can even imagine. This is generation after generation of families who have laughed together, cried together, and experienced the grace of God together. This is 150 years of faith. 150 years of hope. And 150 years of love. This is more than just an anniversary. This is a recommitment to another century and a half of sharing God’s love and truth with the people of the Nippenose Valley.”
The church purchased its first piece of property for $50 on April 25, 1876, and has been serving the community ever since. Known simply as Oval Church, the congregation sponsors many programs, including the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and has hosted The Valley Choir, which was made up of members of all the churches in the Nippenose Valley. “We have Women’s Bible Study, Men’s Alliance, Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, Sunday Small Group, children’s ministry, and nursery,” said Dena Schreck, church secretary. “We also have an annual Toy Shop for families in need of toys for Christmas, all the toys are free, and an annual Easter Egg Hunt for the young kids and anyone with special needs.” There is also a Blessing Cupboard, which is stocked with food, hygiene, and cleaning supplies for anyone in need. The list of programs and special events goes on and on.
By now, it should be obvious that this country church is special.
When asked what led him to ministry and, ultimately, Oval, Pastor Brenneman replied, “When I first became a follower of Christ, it was through a non-denominational church. When I began asking questions to further define my faith, it was the movement that John Wesley began that seemed to answer my questions in ways that lined up with the Bible. John Wesley’s views on baptism, salvation, and grace really spoke to me. I eagerly joined the Global Methodist Church as it is a movement that is seeking to reclaim and return to the Wesleyan theology and practice.
I found myself in a season in life where I was looking for a congregation to pastor. I heard about this church called Oval that was looking for a pastor. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it became increasingly clear that God was arranging something special. He was calling us to each other. Oval was exactly the church I needed, and I pray I am the pastor that they need. I thank God every day for bringing my family to Oval Church and to the Nippenose Valley.”
What makes Oval Church unique? “Oval Church is unique because it is a small church with a big faith,” said Pastor Brenneman. “Rather than being content to simply meet on Sundays and special occasions, we truly live out the mission and vision of the church of Jesus Christ. We love God, and we love our neighbor. And we dream big. We believe that God will provide what we need to do what He is calling us to do. We believe that God is bigger than our imaginations and that He is on the move in our community. We are simply willing vessels, looking to do the will of the One we love. Oval Church worships with passion, serves with love, and gives with joy. We love our children and believe that they are more than just the future of the church; they are the church. We want to provide the children of our church with a real foundation on which to build their lives and their faith. We honor and cherish those who have gone before us, and we try hard to live up to and continue their legacies. We believe that church is more than a building; it is a family.”
Mark your calendars! The festivities will be held beginning Friday, June 26, at 5 p.m. with a doubles Pickleball tournament. The tournament is free, family-friendly, and will have three age brackets: Juniors (ages 13-17), Adults (ages 18-49), and Seniors (ages 50+).
The fun continues Saturday, June 27th, beginning at 11 a.m. with the Hunter Family musical group, a martial arts demo, Kid’s Carnival (11 a.m.-6 p.m.), and a cake wheel (various times throughout the day). In addition, there will be photo booth areas around the property, face painting and hair tinsel, a sensory table, Smoky the Bear will be in attendance, and many other fun activities. The Lions Club will also be barbecuing, and the Nippenose Valley Fire Company will be serving ice cream. At 6 p.m., there will be a devotional and hymn sing with Pastor Dave, along with a bonfire, so bring a lawn chair.
Fittingly, the festivities will start back up on Sunday, June 28th, with a 10 a.m. worship service, followed by a congregational picnic at 11:15 a.m. and a cake cutting at 12:30 p.m.
To register for the Pickleball Tournament, please call the Oval Church at 570-745-3197. Registration deadline is June 21st. Rain date for the tournament is Sunday, June 28th. Singles wishing to participate in the tournament will be paired, if possible. Oval Church is located at 6796 S Rt 44 Hwy, Jersey Shore, PA 17740 (Oval). For questions about the celebration or church services, please call 570-745-3197 or email ovalchurch@ovalinternet.net.
