The passing of former pastor, the Rev. Harry Kissinger, in December 2017, brought to mind some history of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Laurys Station.

The Rev. Kissinger began his ministry at St. John’s in 1961 when it was a union church with active Lutheran and Reformed congregations.

They worshipped on alternate Sundays, although many people attended every week, no matter which denomination was in charge that day.

Soon after the Rev. Kissinger’s arrival, people started talking about merging the two congregations.

Although some were opposed, many felt it was their church, no matter what its affiliation.

The Rev. Kissinger did a lot of work visiting and talking to church members to find the best future for St. John’s.

In 1965, both the Lutheran and Reformed congregations dissolved and became one - the United Church of Christ.

The Rev. Kissinger was the pastor who united the congregations.

Remembered as a kind person with a good sense of humor, the Rev. Kissinger remained at the church until 1969.

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The Rev. Kayli Freeman will be installed as associate pastor of Union United Church of Christ, Neffs, 3 p.m. on Feb. 25.

The service will be followed by a time of fellowship with free food and beverages.

Union UCC will celebrate Youth Sunday on March 4 with the theme, “Jesus is Our Super Hero.”

Young people will greet, read, sing and preach at the 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services that day.

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As repairs continue in the main social hall, the Schnecksville Fire Company will have an all-you-can-eat breakfast 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 25 in the pavilion.

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The Auxiliary of Northern Valley EMS, NOVA, will be baking wet bottom shoofly pies as their next fundraiser.

Call Julie at 610-262-7749 by March 5 for pickup on March 11 or 12.