People’s Ministry in Christ
516 Dewey Ave [ map ]
PO Box 13665
Rochester, NY 14613-0665
585-647-9735
peoplesmin@frontiernet.net
A Brief History of
People’s Ministry in Christ
- 1989—Christ Presbyterian Church closes
- 1992—Survey by Presbytery determines need for an mission outreach in the Dewey/Emerson area; Edgerton Ministries Committee is formed
- 1993—Presbytery begins to fund Edgerton Project $6000 through Metropolitan Committee
- 1994—Presbytery funds Edgerton Project $7100 through Metropolitan Committee
- 1995–1998—Presbytery funds Edgerton Project $6000 annually through Metropolitan Committee
- (?)1995—Fritz Longabaugh, is called by Presbytery of Genesee Valley to begin a community ministry
- November 5, 1995—Reverend Fritz Longabaugh met with four others, in a home on Locust Street, for the first worship service of People’s Ministry in Christ. The message for that Sunday explained Jesus’ parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32). Jesus spoke of how the tiniest of beginnings (small as a mustard seed) could grow to become a haven for many.
- missioners recruited????
- ___________when did People's Ministry begin to occupy a building
first address???? move???? - January, 1999—Rev. Fritz Longabaugh is called to minister in Maryland. Missionaries Bob Graham, Sue Mearns and Ann McCrossen continue to provide ministry at People’s Ministry
Presbytery discontinues funding of ministry. Ministry oversight is given to Ecumenical Ministries Committee. - May 1999—Missionary Lynn Scott begins ministry in the recovery group
- August, 1999—Bob Graham and Sue Mearns called to ministry elsewhere. Steve Behnke, Ann McCrossen, and Lynn Scott assume the responsibility for planning and facilitating services and special events.
- October 1999—Oversight of PMIC is transferred from Ecumenical Ministries to the Evangelism and Discipleship Committee of the Presbytery.
- January 2000—Bible Study, Newsletters begin on a regular basis
- May 2000—The Couch Committee, a group of People’s Ministry leaders begins meeting monthly to oversee PMIC and assorted ministries
- July 2000—First community outreach is held, giving spiritual and practical help to the neighborhood
- January 2001—Under new committee structure, Mission & Advocacy Committee is given oversight of PMIC.
- May 2001—The Mission & Advocacy Committee meets at People’s to assess needs
- September 2001—Sunday Morning Bible Study begins
- June 2003—Carol Trappis joins The Couch Committee
- August 2003—Locust Street citizens group begins meetings in our building
- February 2004—Bill Litteral joins The Couch Committee
- March 2004—Steve installed as Pastor at Ossian Pres, remains on Couch Committee; Rutha Williams, CLP, agrees to pulpit supply occasionally
- September 2004—People’s Ministry moves to new quarters at 516 Dewey
Throughout this period of change, the Presbytery, individual churches, and individuals have continued to support PMIC through prayer, material goods, and finances which are used for rent, utilities, van maintenance, special events, kids praise ministry, and all sorts of ministry supplies.
We truly believe PMIC originated as God’s idea, and continues because of His grace and love Our desire is that “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven!” (Matthew 6:10).