The Independent Methodist Church of New Castle, PA

Style of Worship:

What might you expect to find at an Independent Methodist Church worship service? Like most Methodists, we are uncomfortable with "too much" ritual. Yet, we often use printed forms of liturgy; yet, there are predictable parts of our service: recitation of the Apostles' Creed, praying the Lord's Prayer and singing The Doxology. Acolytes (altar boys and girls) make their appearance in our worship, as do Lectors (readers). Intentionally our worship is a blending of the traditional and the contemporary Praise choruses, light rock music and traditional hymns are sung. Songs made popular by Twila Paris, Jaci Velasquez and Michael W. Smith might find their way into our service, but we haven't forgotten how to sing How Great Thou Art or Amazing Grace.
Since we do not have a church choir, at every the special music is provided by superb guest vocalists and or instrumental musicians. Pageantry, dance, and drama have all been incorporated from time to time to enhance the worship life of our church.

For your convenience, we have two weekly worship services. The Saturday service begins at 7:00 P.M., with a fellowship hour following at approximately 8:15 P.M. You can expect an attendance of about 90. The atmosphere at this service is informal and can be described as a "come as you are" inter-generational service. The 10:45 A.M. Sunday service is more traditional. The Pastor preaches at both services and his preaching style is Biblically based, Christ-centered and life-oriented. The children's sermons, taught by Reverend Gilbert, are exceptional. The Christian lesson is beneficial to all in attendance, but only the children are given a special gift to help them remember the lesson that was taught.

Nursery supervision is provided for all services. Our nursery supervisors are credentialed professionals. In the event that you need to stay with your child during the service, the entire service is piped into the nursery area for your enjoyment. Nursery supervision is provided for all services. Our nursery supervisors are credentialed professionals. In the event that you need to stay with your child during the service, the entire service is piped into the nursery area for your enjoyment. The nursery has been redecorated this summer. The walls were painted and new colorful boarder added. A safety glass window has been installed to enable parents to observe their children at play. We purchased new chairs, crib sheets, decorative pillows, puzzles, coloring books, crayons, and, array of other items to provided educational and enjoyable playtime for your
child.

Regular Services:

Children's Sunday School

Age 4 through Grade 6 Please join us for a new term in Sunday School. We will be studying Bible Heroes and many topic to enrich your regular education. Older children are welcome to attend as guides and helpers. As in the original Sunday School many, many, years ago, we will focus on learning about the world we live in, as well as, the story of our Christian Heritage. Please join us!

Mid-Week Prayer and Bible Study

Both the Noon and 7:00 P.M. Prayer and Bible Study groups will be studying Bible heroes. To be included are Josiah, Ezekiel, Moses, David, Ezra, Isaiah and Nehemiah. The class coordinated by the Pastor will make use of a DVD, featuring Anne Graham Lotz. Scriptural readings and take-home assignments will augment the presentation. Why not join us this Lent?

Prayer Shawl Ministry Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon

Volunteers are needed to help make prayer shawls for those on our prayer list. The group meet on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon in the church social room beginning on November 14th. The only skills needed are the cutting and knotting of fabric. Everyone is welcome to help. The project is sponsored by the Mission and Benevolence Committee.

Chocolate Fantasy Festival
February 7, 2010 2:00 - 4:00 P.M.
See our Chocolate fountain and sample the large variety of chocolate specialties.
Proceeds benefit: Habitat for Humanity Donation: $5.00 per person>

Adult Sunday School:

Pastor's Sunday School Class
This one hour class begins at 9:30 A.M., and meets in the downstairs social room. Who's invited? Members and non- members, teenagers and adults, never married/separated/divorced/widowed and wanna-be marrieds! Why not join us? rs and non- members, teenagers and adults, never married/separated/divorced/widowed and wanna-be marrieds! Why not join us?

Sacrament of Baptism by mode of sprinkling scheduled at various times.

Directions From Pittsburgh and South

Directions from West New Castle

Location: 1921 New Butler Road ¥ New Castle, Pennsylvania 16101
Mailing Address: P. 0. Box 7805 ¥ New Castle, Pennsylvania 16107
Phone: Church ( 724) 652-6567

The Independent Methodist Church is a church on the "highway and byway" located at the corner of Route 422 and Willowbrook Road. We've been in existence for the past fifteen years and have witnessed one remodeling and two major additions. Some of you may remember that the building once housed a restaurant.

Our pastor, Reverend Frederick H. Gilbert is well know in the community for his artistic talent. (He often reminds us when we're decorating that he has two art degrees) Pastor Gilbert was ordained in the United Methodist Church. His undergraduate work was done at LaRoche College in Pittsburgh, then he earned a Master of Divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary of the American University in Washington D.C.. Prior to establishing the Independent Methodist Church, he served two United Methodist pastorates. Beginning in June 2004, Reverend Gilbert begins his 24th consecutive year of ministry in New Castle, which makes his ministry one of the longest tenure in the area. For your convenience we have two weekly worship services. The Saturday service begins at 7:00 P.M. with fellowship hour following at approximately 8:15. You can expect an attendance of about 90. The atmosphere at this service is informal and can be described as a "come as you are" inter-generational service. The 10:45 A.M. Sunday service is more traditional. Both services have wonderful guest vocalists, who replace the usual church choir. The children's sermons, taught by Pastor Gilbert, are exceptional. The Christian lesson is beneficial to all in attendance, but only the children get a treat. Nursery supervision, by a qualified adult, is provided at both services. Please feel welcome to attend either service.

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!

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.

-Dave and Dzidra Ernst

Programs:

History: