In December of 2019, Lancaster First Church of God welcomed New Hope Bible Fellowship to become part of the ministry at the corner of Chestnut and Charlotte Streets in Lancaster City. Now one church family, we officially have a new name - Chestnut Hill Church. We are excited to grow and work together to show God’s love to our community!

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First Church of God was founded over 200 years ago in 1816 and became a member of the Churches of God, General Conference in 1841. Through the years the church met on East Chestnut Street, at the corner of Prince and Orange Streets and since 1925 at its current location at 344 West Chestnut Street. In 1964, after a period of great growth, Pastor J.E. Lewis asked, “Where do we go from here?” His answer was clear and concise, “There is but one direction to go as servants of Jesus Christ. That is forward.”  In 2017 the same question was asked with the same answer given. This forward motion has led the church into revitalization and the merger with New Hope Bible Fellowship.

 

New Hope Bible Fellowship was formed in 1995 with a group of families and individuals focused on loving one another, serving together, loving the scriptures and worshiping in spirit and truth.  Evangelism and discipleship aimed at teens and young adults was the focus of the early days.  The church moved from home-church gatherings through a series of temporary facilities and eventually finding its home just west of Lancaster. New Hope has been a body of believers focused on love for Jesus, love for others, and a passion to be obedient to God's Word. After twenty-five years of ministry, New Hope has now joined First Church to discover together our next season of ministry as one body.

 

Chestnut Hill Church excitedly looks to the future. Our desire is to continue to love God and love others from the corner of Chestnut and Charlotte. There are new chapters to be written as we serve to share the gospel and to do all things to glory of God.

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Come help us create this future . . .