In Our Own Words

 

The Life of a Church can be best defined by the Life of its Members. See a New Video that our Members put together (for Broadband).

Independent Methodist Church was just what I was searching for!  I had attended church in a different area for 12 years, had become friends with the minister and was involved in several of their various programs.  After moving to Shenango Township, I started looking for a church that would fill the void created by leaving that church. I wanted one that was in our neighborhood, so the congregation would not only be our church family, but, also, our neighbors.  We attended other worship services, but Pastor Gilbert was the first minister to visit our home and extend his personal invitation to us.  He has proven himself to be a very caring, compassionate minister and friend.  When my father recently died, he made the 2 hour trip to the funeral home to offer his support and express his sympathy.  He goes above and beyond what most ministers consider necessary to care for his flock.  The church family we have found at IMC is fantastic. They have welcomed my husband, my daughter, and me with open arms and loving hearts.  The Wednesday night Prayer and Bible Group has, also, been a great blessing to us.  These are all reasons why we have decided to call this beautiful little church by the highway HOME!

- Janice Himes

 
Church Life

I first attended Independent Methodist Church with my sister, Geri Giannone Hobel, and her husband, Clyde, about two years ago. I was impressed by the sermon and delivery by Pastor Gilbert and the genuine friendliness of the congregation. At the time, I was living in Monticello, Arkansas and was a member of the United Methodist Church. I continued to visit IMC, during my trips back to my hometown of New Castle. About a year ago, I decided to leave Arkansas and return to my roots. I joined IMC on Sunday, April 18,2004. I did this for several reasons: My sister's family are members, Pastor Gilbert's sermons are well researched, positive, and enlightening, the children's sermons are very informative, and the congregation treats me very nicely and is very friendly.

- James R. Giannone

We visited close to a dozen churches before discovering Independent Methodist Church. We discovered a feeling a genuine acceptance. It is usually easier to make such a statement, than to describe it. I suppose it was seeing the diversity in the congregation that made us feel their hospitality was genuine. We felt little pressure to fit into a mold. That first impression was better and longer lasting than we previously experienced. We waited a year before actually joining the congregation. Our satisfaction since joining, six months ago, is gratifying. We are most grateful to have found a church home! We clearly recommend it to other seekers.

-Dave and Dzidra Ernst