We're celebrating 200 years of faith, fellowship, and love!

Throughout 2018, Trinity will host a variety of events and opportunities to celebrate and honor our 200-year history. We hope to see both new and old faces as we remember where we've come from as a church, and where we are heading!

Over the course of the next few months, we will introduce fun facts and information about TUCC during morning worship.

tucc guest preachers of past and present

Rev. Jeff Kardisco, a son of Trinity, who was ordained at Trinity last summer, will guest preach on Sunday, April 29th.

Rev, Jeffrey Kardisco is the Associate Pastor at Mount Zion United Church of Christ in York, PA where he has served for just over a year. Before that, he was the designated support pastor for Mount Zion. Rev. Kardisco is a graduate of Lancaster Theological Seminary where he earned his Masters in Divinity in May of 2016. He was ordained as a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Waynesboro on July 30th, 2017.

His passions for ministry include social justice work, spiritual formation and Christian education, and community building.

In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife, Dani; their son, Ivyn; and their two dogs, Thor and Loki. He is proud to be a part of Trinity’s history, and is honored to carry the legacy of Christian discipleship from Trinity out into the world through his ministry work.

tucc guest preachers of past and present

Rev. Gerry Hanberry will guest preach Sunday, May 13th.

The Rev. Gerry Hanberry began his ministry as a pastor in the UCC as the Pastor for Parish Life at Trinity UCC in Waynesboro, PA, beginning January, 1990. Serving with the Rev. Don Stevenson, Sr. Pastor, Gerry served Trinity until near the end of 1995. He was active in starting a Unity Coalition in Waynesboro and led the church to a partnership with a congregation in the country of Honduras. Gerry led three different groups/delegations from Trinity to this church in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

Building on the work in Honduras at Trinity, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch in Central America, Gerry and his wife, Pat, started a project in the Catoctin Association (Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties in Maryland) Honduras Partnership in 1998; this project ended in 2015. Churches from the association sent participants on 21 house-building work trips to our partner church in Honduras. In that project they helped finance and build 50 houses with families in two small, rural villages in Honduras. In addition to the housing program this project supported a scholarship project that sent hundreds of youth to high school.

Pastor Hanberry is currently the interim pastor at Trinity UCC in Manchester, MD. He most recently served as Interim Pastor at Columbia United Christian Church in Columbia, MD (February 2016 – March 2018). Prior to that, he served as Interim Associate Pastor for Parish Life at Evangelical Reformed UCC in Frederick, MD. In addition to several other interim pastor roles (St. Matthews UCC, Emmanuel (Baust) Reformed UCC, and Zion Reformed UCC, in Hagerstown), for almost 13 years (1995-2008) Gerry served as pastor and worship leader at Glade United Church of Christ in Walkersville, MD. Pastor Gerry has participated actively in community programs. He is passionate in leading local, regional, and global mission outreach projects.  

Pastor Hanberry graduated as a church music major from Furman University in Greenville, S.C., and received his Masters and PhD degrees in Adult Education and Community Development from Florida State University and his Masters of Divinity from Wesley Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Gerry grew up on a farm in South Carolina. He has five adult children (three daughters and two sons, as well as, 12 grandchildren). Today, Gerry sets aside time for working-out at his gym and rides his bicycle throughout Frederick and Carroll counties in Maryland and in Pennsylvania. He and his wife of 29 years, Patricia, reside in Frederick, MD.

tucc guest preachers of past and present

Rev. Don Stevenson, former pastor here at Trinity, will guest preach on Sunday, June 10th.

Rev. Stevenson is a native of Denmark, SC. Since 1972, he’s been a resident of Hagerstown, MD. He graduated from Clemson University, with a major in English literature, and a miner in History. He holds a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Theology, from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC. He took additional graduate classes from Erskine College and Duke University.

He is an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ, having served a number of churches over a span of forty years. During those forty years, he was the Senior Pastor for Trinity UCC from 1986-1995. In 2009, he retired as the Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, Boonsboro, MD, but continues on in a part-time capacity.

Since 2004, he’s been an adjunct instructor in philosophy, ethics, and world religions at

Hagerstown Community College; adjunct philosophy instructor at Frederick Community College (2008-2012), and am or have been a member of several Boards and Committees in Washington County.

Rev. Stevenson believes that Jesus Christ is the full expression of God. He grew up in a Christian family and always loved the church, warts and all. He enjoys preaching and teaching about God's love. For him, the church and faith go together.

His hobbies include: sports, reading, writing letters, developing and writing essays on faith, community and ethics. He and his wife, Deborah, enjoy spending time with their children, grandchildren, and their Bull Mastiff dog, Sadie.

Trinity Players proudly presents: "Godspell," the 2012 Revival July 20 at 7:00 P.M.; July 21st at 7:00 P.M.; and Sunday, July 22nd at 2:00 P.M. 

Tickets are $10, general admission.

Online tickets available on July 1st. Tickets will also be available at the box office inside the back door of the church, Monday through Thursday, July 16-19, from 4 to 6 P.M. They will be sold one hour prior to each performance. Tickets will also be available during  coffee hour on Sunday, July 15.

"Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden); and it took the world by storm. Led by the international hit, "Day by Day," Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All for the Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side."

A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life. 

Boasting a score with chart-topping songs, a book by a visionary playwright (John-Michael Tebelak) and a feature film, Godspell is a sensation that continues to touch audiences. Because of its small technical demands and minimal cast size, it has become a staple of theatre companies, large and small."

tucc guest preachers of past and present

Pastor Beth Firme, daughter of Trinity, will guest preach on Sunday, August 12th. 

Pastor Beth Firme, a daughter of Trinity, will be ordained this fall!

Pastor Firme is the pastor of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Highfield/Cascade, MD. She has served therefor about two-and-a-half years. Prior to that, she served as a supply pastor in both the Mercersburg and Catoctin associations.

Pastor Firme is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry, a five-year program designed to prepare laypersons for ministry through a variety of classroom and developmental experiences. In addition to the coursework, Pastor Firme completed an internship, and also a half-unit of Clincial Pastoral Education (CPE). She sought ordination through the United Church of Christ’s alternate path to ordination, and will be ordained this fall at Faith UCC in York, PA.

Her passions for ministry include: social justice work, Christian education, building and developing community, and faith formation.

In her free time, she enjoys riding her bicycles, reading as much as possible, playing with the cats and dogs that share her home, and spending time with her husband, Chris. She is incredibly proud to be part of Trinity’s history and considers it a great honor to carry the spiritual and religious heritage of Trinity forward into the next two hundred years of service.

tucc guest preachers of past and present

Rev. Don Flick, will guest preach on Sunday, September 9th on Rally Day/Homecoming Sunday.

Dr. Flick is a 1952 graduate of Grove City College, Grove City, PA with a BS Degree in Chemical Engineering, and Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster, PA with a B-Div (1956), M-Div(1971), and D-Min (1981) degrees. He helped organize two new UCC congregations (Church of the Holy Trinity, Hagerstown, MD, and Church of the Master, Hickory, NC), and relocate a third (Church of the Savior, Knoxville, TN).  After serving these three mission congregations, he entered the field of retirement housing and long-term healthcare, serving as Director of Development at Uplands Retirement Center in Pleasant Hill, TN, Associate Executive Director of Homewood Retirement Centers with headquarters in Williamsport, MD, and retired from United Church Retirement Homes and Services, Newton, NC, where he served as Executive Director for thirteen years. 

Throughout his career he has also served several established congregations, one of which was Trinity United Church of Christ, Waynesboro, PA (1977-1980). During his time at Trinity, he helped organize a social service ministry in the community involving several congregations, but with Trinity playing a key role. While at Trinity he helped celebrate the 160th Anniversary with some major renovations to the building and a long-range plans for community ministry.

Rev. Dr. Flick has always been active in helping to organize important community ministries. He has helped organize a Habitat For Humanity Program, a Cooperative Christian Ministry, and most recently, Catawba Valley Interfaith Council, bringing together a number of different faith traditions to carry out community services.

tucc guest preachers of past and present

Rev. Danielle Neff will guest preach on Sunday, September 30th.

Rev. Danielle Neff is the Senior Pastor at Mt. Zion UCC, York where she has been serving since 2009. Danielle was born and raised at Trinity UCC and most of the foundational stories that formed her faith life come from the interactions, nurturing, and love of the people who make up the Trinity Family.

Dani has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from American University, a Masters of Social Work from the University of Chicago, and a Masters of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary. She lives in York with her husband, Alan, their two sons, Sam and Liam. Their third child will arrive in the fall of 2018.

tucc guest preachers of past and present

Rev. Jim & Rev. Linda Williams, former pastors at Trinity, will guest preach Sunday, October 14th.

Jim has been an intentional interim minister, serving a number of churches in suburban Philadelphia. A number of years ago, he was designated a Professional Transition Special Minister by the Interim Ministry Network. He currently serves as a Transitional Pastor at an urban Presbyterian Church in Saginaw, MI.

 
Linda did a one year residency at St Luke’s Hospital, and then served as a Hospice chaplain for a number of years. She currently serves as a Parish Associate at a Presbyterian Church in Bay City, MI.

Guest Composer & Organist, Ned Wetherald to participate in morning worship on Sunday, October 28th.

Ned has been the Director of Music Ministry at State College Presbyterian Church. He has held this position for almost twenty-four years. He serves as organist, and choir director of three children/youth choirs, the adult choir, and handbell choir. For eighteen years, Ned was Music Director of the Williamsport (PA) Civic Chorus. Previously he was Director of Music at the Hagerstown Presbyterian Church. Ned holds a Bachelor of Music in Church Music, and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA.

Ned is a Certified Church Musician in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He is deeply involved in the LOGOS Ministry, a mid-week program for children and youth. He served on the Board of Directors of LOGOS, and through LOGOS, provided Worship Skills training in workshops across the country.

Ned is a member of the American Guild of Organists, American Choral Directors Association, Chorister’s Guild, and Handbell Musicians of America.

Ned and his wife, Karen Neff, live in Bellefonte, PA, at the bidding of their three cats – Addy, Sophie, and Fraidy. Karen is a retired school music teacher and has been a huge influence in the Music Ministry at State College Presbyterian Church. 

tucc guest preachers of past and present

Rev. Carol Kipe will guest preach on Sunday, November 4th.

As a daughter of Trinity, Rev. Kipe became a member as a teenager through Confirmation Class. She took an active part in the life of the church through the choir, serving on Christian Ed, teaching church school, Vacation Bible School, serving  on Consistory, and as a Youth Director.

Later, when she felt the call to ministry, she attended Wilson College, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a BA degree and honors in World Religions. Rev. Kipe attended Lutheran Theological Seminary, graduating with a Master of Divinity Degree, and was ordained at Trinity UCC on September 23, 1984. She went on to pursue graduate work at Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC, graduating with a Doctor of Ministry Degree.           

                                                                   
She served Trinity UCC, St. Thomas, PA, as a Student Pastor from 1982-84. After ordination, she was called to the Upton/Lemaster Charge from 1984-90, and then called to the Church of the Apostles UCC, Waynesboro from 1990-2010 when she retired. In 2015, she was called out of retirement to serve Grace UCC, Greencastle after the tragic death of their newly called pastor.

Rev. Kipe has served the larger church as President of the Mercersburg Association, and as a member of the Church and Ministry Committee. She served the Penn Central Conference as a member of the Board of Directors, and as Moderator of the Conference. She became a Delegate to the General Synod in Norfolk, VA, and Atlanta, Georgia.

In retirement, she and her husband, Bill, have enjoyed traveling and spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Now she has come full circle, and returned to her church home. It has been a wonderful journey, and an honor to have been called by God into the church of Jesus Christ to serve the people of God. Now, she's glad to be back home at Trinity and glad to be retired.

tucc guest preachers of past and present

Rev. Clay Moyer, Pastor Emeritus of Trinity, will guest preach on Sunday, November 11th.

Rev. Moyer was ordained in 1948 and served as pastor of Trinity from 1954-1980. Coming to Trinity in 1954 was a time of transition for Rev. Moyer and the life of Trinity church. The church building’s total renovation had just been completed and the new facility provided an exciting time of challenge for new programs and events which the congregation supported along with affirmative support for the denomination’s quest for racial justice. One of the reasons for Trinity’s surviving 200 years is the congregation’s willingness to make necessary changes that allow the Gospel to be relevant for the special needs of each generation. Trinity’s willingness to continue doing this will assure it’s future will be as blessed as it’s past. After his many years of service, Rev. Moyer realizes the time has come to end his use of the pulpit.

November 17th @ 5 P.M. in Harbaugh Hall.

Keystone Family Restaurant is catering this celebratory meal!

The menu includes: a carving station with roast beef and turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans, cole slaw, applesauce, cranberry sauce, rolls and butter, cake for dessert, coffee and water. 

The cost is $5.00 for adults. Children (16 and under) are free. 

There is a sign-up sheet on the sign-up board in the sanctuary. 

Deadline to sign-up is November 11th.

Following our celebratory banquet, at 7 P.M., on November 17th, we will head upstairs to the Sanctuary for a special concert by the Penn State University “Essence of Joy Alumni Singers.” This concert is free.

200th anniversary worship service!

We are honored to welcome General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, John Dorhauer, guest preach on Sunday, November 18th.

The Rev. John C. Dorhauer, author and theologian, currently serves as ninth General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. 
 
Before his election at the 30th General Synod in June 2015, Dorhauer was the Conference Minister of the Southwest Conference of the UCC, the regional body that provides support and services to 47 local UCC congregations and clergy within Arizona, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas.

Prior to his role at the Southwest Conference, Dorhauer served as associate conference minister in the Missouri Mid-South Conference, and also served First Congregational United Church of Christ and Zion United Church of Christ, in rural Missouri. Dorhauer received a B.A. in Philosophy from Cardinal Glennon College (1983), and has a Master of Divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary (1988), the same year he was ordained in the United Church of Christ. He received a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary (2004), where he studied white privilege and its effects on the church. His second book, Beyond Resistance: The Institutional Church Meets the Postmodern World, was released in June 2015. His first book(written with Sheldon Culver), Steeplejacking: How the Christian Right is Hijacking Mainstream Religion, was published in June 2007.

Dorhauer is passionate about justice. Two statements that shape his theology are: "God is love. God is just." He is also passionate about the future of the denomination, insistent “that the Holy Spirit envisions a future in which the United Church of Christ matters.” During his tenure, he is calling on the denomination to rethink itself and to consider new ways of “being church” in light of reduced societal interest in institutional religion, and the steep decline in the membership of the UCC since the 1960s. He says alternatives to institutional churches, what some call the "emergent church," will not immediately supplant, but will grow alongside the institutional church for a long time.
 
Under his leadership during his first year in office, UCC congregations addressed racism through the Black Lives Matter movement and the denomination’s White Privilege curriculum, released in September 2016, which Dorhauer initiated; campaigned against discrimination, including that aimed at the LGBTQ community; and offered extravagant welcome and visible public support for Muslim neighbors through its Building Bridges initiative.

Along with his passion for justice, Dorhauer has a passion for and love of baseball – specifically the St. Louis Cardinals – music, literature and poetry. He has been married to his wife for nearly 31 years and they have three children. 

Dorhauer was chosen as the GMP candidate by an 18-member search committee in February 2015. His candidacy was confirmed by the UCC Board of Directors by a two-thirds vote in March. He was elected at the 30th General Synod, which met June 26-30, 2015 in Cleveland. Dorhauer replaced the Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Black, as the ninth person to lead the UCC since the denomination was formed in 1957.
 
Dorhauer was the first person to conduct a legal same sex wedding in the state of Arizona when he performed the wedding service of David Laurence and Kevin Patterson on October 17, 2014. In June 2015, facing verbal threats while standing across from 250 armed bikers targeting a local mosque, Dorhauer, as nominee for United Church of Christ general minister and president, joined 250 inter-religious supporters from Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths opposing a protest outside the Islamic Center of Phoenix. In October 2015, in one of his first directives as general minister and president, Dorhauer issued a call to leaders of the United Church of Christ to stand against planned demonstrations in their community targeted at Muslims and their places of worship. That same month Dorhauer also went to a Kansas City high school to rally with students countering a protest of Westboro Baptist Church, which opposed the school’s decision to crown a transgender girl as homecoming queen.