From New York to California and North Carolina to Pennsylvania, Patrick Elmore has ministered all over the country. But, since he landed in Plant City just two months ago as Springhead United Methodist Church’s new pastor, he has developed some big plans for the small, but growing, congregation. Elmore attended Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, […]
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Local youth the focus of annual church event
The women’s ministry of St. Mary’s Community Church is hosting its annual conference Sept. 20, open to both women and men, but it will have a different format from past years. In the past, all attendees gathered in the church annex and listened to consecutive lectures. Each speaker took a different approach but discussed the […]
Continue ReadingPlant City missionary returns from Honduras
When Melissa Harnage boarded a plane for Honduras June 22, she left behind her cell phone, Internet connection and any semblance of her life back in America. Armed with a camera and a helping heart, she arrived in the poverty-stricken country with the goal to run a vacation Bible school in Siguatepeque and help build […]
Continue ReadingPHOTO GALLERY: Parkway Baptist Church VBS Kickoff Party
Parkway Baptist Church celebrated the beginning of its 2014 Vacation Bible School with a fun-filled kickoff party July 19, at the church. The party included carnival-style games, face-painting, inflatable bounce houses and a puppet show. This year, the church’s “Agency D3” VBS will take place from 9 a.m. to noon July 21 to 25. For […]
Continue ReadingPastor leads FBC Midway church in outreach
With tattooed sleeves and a trendy pair of kicks, Cole Dodd would be the last person anyone would suspect to be a pastor at a Baptist church. But First Baptist of Midway’s newest spiritual leader brings his own style to the job. Dodd moved to the position four months ago after serving as worship pastor, […]
Continue ReadingPlant City resident receives Advocate of Year Award
Plant City resident and executive director of Florida Presbyterian Homes, John Hehn, was presented with LeadingAge Florida’s Advocate of the Year Award in Lakeland. This award is presented annually to a LeadingAge Florida member who has made exceptional advocacy efforts on behalf of the field of housing/retirement communities or long-term care for seniors. Highlights of […]
Continue ReadingLebanon Baptist Church interim pastor recalls ministry in Alaska
J. Hugh Long ties a thick silver fox pelt around his chin. The rare fur encases his exposed skin in its heated embrace. It’s one of the relics Long has brought back with him from his eight years in Alaska. “It’s very warm,” Long says. “When you turn it around, you can cover up almost […]
Continue ReadingBoy Scout restores church’s hoop dreams
Many — if not all — of the most recent Eagle Scouts waited until nearly the last minute to complete their mandatory projects. Henry Yoho, on the other hand, couldn’t wait to fix up his church’s basketball court. So, roughly three years before his deadline, he checked that project off of his list. The court […]
Continue ReadingHope Lutheran Church pastor celebrates 20 years in ministry
The Rev. Dean Pfeffer and his family love the beach. And his congregation at Hope Lutheran Church knows that. So, to celebrate Pfeffer’s 20th anniversary since his ordination, the church decided to throw him a tropical-themed party, June 8. The fellowship hall was transformed into an oasis — complete with beach balls hanging from the […]
Continue ReadingWishing Well Barn hosts Safe Families anniversary
Children roamed the pristine grounds of Wishing Well Barn off Pippin Road in Plant City, during a party for Safe Families for Children. They pushed a carriage, explored the blueberry patch and enjoyed a showing of the popular Disney film “Frozen” under the crystal lights of the barn. It’s a rare time when these children […]
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