Pastor Bruce Levy has served as Pastor of Otterbein United Methodist Church since July of 2018. Pastor Bruce's profile: I grew up as a Trojan from Hamilton Heights, west of Chambersburg. I graduated in 1977. Then I went to Indiana University of Pennsylvania, graduating with a B.S. Degree in Social Studies Education (concentrating in Economics) in 1981. I sang in a Christian singing group called "Inside Out" at IUP, and that singing group is where I met an Adams County farm girl named Joyce Hinkle. She majored in Consumer Services at IUP with a concentration in food and nutrition. We were married in January of 1983, and moved to Erie, PA where I was already teaching and coaching (junior high football and wrestling, and high school track). We lived in Erie till August of 1986. Joyce decided she wanted to get back to Central PA., closer to her parents, and I am glad we did. I took a job teaching and coaching at Shippensburg High School (a Trojan becoming a Greyhound) staying there until I retired as principal in 1987. We have three boys, Ben, age 28 who lives in Carlisle, and the twins, age 15. All three boys love sports, really any pro or college sport. The only other girl at home is Lolla, our black lab who will turn 12 in December. We built a home in 1993 at 162 Pugh Drive in Shippensburg, and I hope you will stop and visit sometime. As far as my faith walk goes, I became a Christian, giving my life to Christ in 1972 when I was age 13. My home church was Park Ave. UMC. Joyce and I have attended many churches and denominations over the years. In 1996 I started working part time as a youth director at Park Ave.UMC. In 1998-2004 I was the youth director at Memorial Lutheran Church in Shippensburg (Joyce was raised Lutheran), and then from 2004 until June 30, 2018, I was the youth minister at Messiah UMC on Penn St. in Shippensburg. I am very excited to be the new Pastor at Otterbein and Christ churches. I felt the call to be a pastor when I was still a teenager, so I am elated to be appointed in this way. I hope to help you grow in your relationship and knowledge of Christ as we walk and worship together. Keep the Faith! In the year 1832, a church of the United Brethren in Christ was organized near Mowersville, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. This is assumed to be the formal beginning of the Otterbein United Methodist Church. The congregation soon felt a need for a house of worship and authorized their trustees, John Mower, Jacob Kreider and Joseph Mower to purchase land for the erection of a church. In May 1845, a tract of land was purchased from Henry Clippinger for use as "burying grounds". Known as Mower's Church and Otterbein Chapel during its early history, a building of one large room and a vestibule was erected. Worship was held regularly at that location. On June 17, 1945, Otterbein Church observed the one hundredth anniversary of the building of the "old brick church". Some years later, it was deemed necessary to expand for the present and the future. Eight and one half acres of land, located across the road from the brick church, were purchased from John Cover. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on Sunday afternoon of February 26, 1956. The cornerstone was laid in a service conducted by the late Dr. Paul E. Shannon and Reverend Roland E. Garvin on June 17, 1956. Members and friends contributed many hours of labor, allowing for considerable savings. The new, completed church building was dedicated on December 1, 1957, beginning a new tradition of worship and ministry. Over the years, a number of improvements have been made to what has come to be known as Otterbein United Methodist Church. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on Sunday April 17th, 2011 for the next chapter at Otterbein United Methodist Church. Reconsecration services were held on Sunday January 22, 2012 for the completion of the new addition and renovation. Otterbein United Methodist Church 15634 Paxton Run Road Newburg, PA 17240 717-423-5218 |