Leadership Team
Jed Cassel (Associate Pastor), Lee Roy Martin (deacon), Scott Garman (Associate Pastor), Ryan Bomgardner (Lead Pastor), Evan Horst (Youth Pastor)
Mission and Vision
Mission
We intentionally and humbly share God’s love, expressed through his son Jesus, welcoming all people into a community of spiritual growth and discipleship.
Vision
As a congregation of God’s people, we are rooted in His Word and endeavor to follow Christ’s example and teachings through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our lives are motivated by the love and forgiveness we receive through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The presence of the Holy Spirit within us empowers us to walk in obedience to God’s Word. In corporate worship, we glorify God the Father and Jesus Christ His Son, and we celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit. We are committed to live in relationship with Jesus Christ so that our lives reflect His character and encourage others to live in relationship with Him.
We cultivate a caring, supportive, and loving environment in our congregation. We seek to find ways to share our faith and to invite others to know God’s abundant love and forgiveness and to experience joy and wholeness. We value opportunities for each person to deepen his or her relationship with Christ through discipleship, studying the Word, praying, listening to the Holy Spirit, and corporate worship. We welcome both the vigor and energy of the youth and the stability and wisdom of the experienced. We embrace and celebrate the spiritual gifts within our congregation and encourage people to use their gifts to enrich and strengthen the body of Christ.
Metzler Building and Renovation Project
- Expanded Entryway & Narthex
- Larger/Handicap-Accessible Bathrooms
- Larger Nursery with Private Rooms
- Elevator to Basement
- Larger Fellowship Hall
- KitchenExpansion & Renovation
- More Basement Storage
- Expanded Basement Exit
- More Parking Spaces
Historical Background of the Metzler Congregation
The Metzler Congregation began when Swiss-German Mennonite settlers moved into the Conestoga Creek area in what is now north-central Lancaster County. Christian Wenger, a Mennonite leader, moved into the area in 1728 while a few years later in 1732, the Ephrata Cloister was founded by the dissident Dunkard minister, Conrad Beissel. Both Mennonites and Dunkards were becoming established in the area and people from both groups helped establish the German Monastic Colony at Ephrata.
No meetinghouse was built for the Metzler Congregation for nearly 100 years. This followed the pattern of many Mennonite communities where worship services were held in members’ homes. The congregation took on the name “Metzler” when Jacob Metzler sold land for a meetinghouse and cemetery in 1827. The original frame building was replaced in 1897 with the present brick structure. Additions were added in 1952 and 1980. The Metzler Congregation has always taken a strong position on the Biblical teachings of Christian peacemaking and helping others.
Congregational records tell of assistance given to Russian Mennonite immigrants in 1874-1875. Today the congregation offers aid to local people, and through Mennonite Central Committee, helps people worldwide. The fellowship has maintained a peace position in every U.S. war going back to the Revolution.
The congregation used the German language for worship services until the late 19th Century. It was also at this time that it began a Sunday School. The congregation, which today numbers around 250, is one of several Mennonite fellowships in the area. The Metzler people still maintain many scripture based practices as their forefathers, but they have accepted modem conveniences. The members are challenged to make the gospel practical in their everyday lives.