Pine Grove United Methodist Church

 I have been the Director of Music at Pine Grove UMC since 2005. Having been active in music ministry for over 30 years, I can tell you that there is nothing comparable to the sound of a quiet anthem that makes me feel very close to God!
     I was born in Jersey City, NJ in a very poor neighborhood called "the projects." I married my high school sweetheart, Linn, while living in Brick Town, NJ and then earned a degree in engineering. Linn and I moved to York when I was offered a position at Harley Davidson as a Tooling Engineer. After Harley, I worked with Stanley Tools & The Wolf Organization until 2008 when I moved into semi-retirement due to downsizing.
      Growing up, I learned to play the trumpet and sing and was a trumpeter in my high school band. Later, I put together a small band and performed in shows, recitals, night clubs and at weddings. Since then, I also began playing the piano.
      In addition to music, I have been an oil painter and wood craftsman and up until recently had just been storing my work or giving it away to family and friends. Now I sell my paintings as well as prints and many original woodworking projects. Linn and I fill our days with work for the church and our business venture 'Van Wicklen Creations." We take part in arts and crafts shows for my paintings and woodwork and Linn's photography, card making and crocheting.
    I find inspiration in reading Matthew 22:21 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." I am also a firm believer in that God hears our prayers and answers them. We just need to be listening and watching. The answers come. It just may not be what you expected.  

 
Sexton: Pam Ness

Treasurer: Charles (Charlie) Brown

I am your Church Treasurer. I grew up in West Virginia and after serving 26 years in the Army we moved to York County in 1996. During my time in the military we lived in 6 different states and 5 different bases in Germany. I was involved in various youth organizations and church groups. I enjoy work camps, woodworking, nature and my number one grandson, Keegan.

Ministry Leaders

Lay Leader: Danny Chronister

I have been a Lay Leader here at PGUMC for the last three years.  I was born and raised in York and have been a member of the church since it was a small room church down at the corner of Pine Grove Rd. My family members were elders in the church, including my mother who has patiently fostered me spiritually over the years. In addition to being a Lay Leader, I am active as a Lay Speaker, a Sunday School Teacher, Member of the Finance, Nominations, SPRC and Administrative Council Committees.
        I was brought to church as a child, being raised by my grandparents, who were both dedicated servants of Christ and taught me to appreciate the simple things in life. They planted some very important 'spiritual seeds', which during more difficult times has brought me back to the church! I am inspired by the Word of God and the life of Jesus Christ, the ability He gives me to serve Him, as well as His grace and mercy! I find great meaning in reading Matthew 16:24-25 "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me, will find it.'"
      My spiritual life is very important to me and I feel God has blessed me with a spiritual gift of speaking and teaching; although a medical condition has disallowed that temporarily, my faith lies in God's restoration. My passion is music. I have sang many solos for Cantatas and sung with a Christian Contemporary Trio with my brother Tom and Ed Alwine.
       I have been employed with Apple Automotive for 27 years in a variety of Management positions and oddly enough I am most well-known for my Annual "Get Danny Down" Sale, where I ascend to the roof for days, challenging my salespeople to sell 50 cars to get me down!

Youth Leaders: Dave & Kim Fry

      We have been leading the youth group for the past three years. Pine Grove UMC has had a great tradition of a very active youth ministry and then when it took a few years hiatus we felt the calling to revive this tradition.
     Kim & Dave, and their daughter Brittani, live in the community of Lake Meade, just outside of East Berlin. Kim works as the athletic trainer for Bermudian Springs School District.
      Both Dave and Kim have a passion for serving today's youth and feel a special connection to serve. They work together to help promote a group that will serve our Lord.
      Our prayer for all youth today is best said in Psalm 40:3. "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord."

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Leadership Team:

Jan Bankert Head Usher	Donna Bennett President of Ladies Sunshine Group	Martha Brown Chair of Mission & Outreach	Ken Bushong V.P. of Church Council
Margaret Chronister Assistant Pianist	Kim Fry Coordinator of Fellowship	Preston & Patty Greenplate Communion Stewards	Denise Harlacker Assistant Organist
Dale Hess, Sr. Director of Acolytes	Shirley Hess Assistant Pianist	Mary Kohler Director of Greeters	Donna Lentz Lay Member to Annual Conference
Eunice Luckenbaugh Recording Secretary	Dave Miller Coordinator of Children's Story	Lois Oberdick Organist	Tom Chronister  Director of Flowers
Tammy Ort Chair of Nurture & Membership	Denny Ortman Assistant Financial Secretary	Bill Robinson Assistant Financial Secretary	Sue Shoff Banners
Don Slaugh Assistant Lay Leader Assistant Director of Acolytes	Pat Slaugh Assistant Treasurer	Bruce Smith Chair of Staff-Parish Relations Committee	Dean Wise Chair of Church Council Chair of Finance & Stewardship
Linda Wise Financial Secretary