Flemington First Church of Christ Hires New Youth Pastor
Flemington First Church of Christ located at 714 Canal Street in Mill Hall welcomed Noah Lenker and his fiancé, (now wife, Keri Bechdel the couple got married on October 2) as their new associate youth pastor on June 6th of this past year. Noah is originally from Millersburg in northern Dauphin County.
He is a 2013 high school graduate of Harrisburg Christian School and a 2018 college graduate from Lancaster Bible College where he received his Bachelors in Youth & Young Adult Ministries and Biblical Studies. Keri grew up in Clinton County, just outside of Lamar.
She graduated from Central Mountain in 2013, where she was heavily involved in the music programs. Keri graduated from college in 2017 from Lock Haven University, earning a degree in Biology with a concentration in Environment and Ecology. She currently works as a Water Quality Specialist for the PA Department of Environmental Protection. Keri has a background in children’s and youth ministry, previously helping as a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, and in various positions for VBS at Cedar Heights Brethren in Christ.
Noah previously served as the Youth Pastor at Reigles Bible Fellowship Church in Millersburg prior to being hired at Flemington First Church of Christ.
Regarding the type of ministry that Noah & Keri plan on leading will be centered on family and grounding youth foundationally biblically and scripturally. Their goal is to create a family environment culture where there will be honesty and transparency. Their goal for the youth and those within the church and surrounding community is that people will not just see themselves as those in charge.
They plan on being a friend to the youth, adults, and those outside of the church. The couple plans on encouraging and supporting them in all aspects of their lives. This means that if the youth are involved in sports, musicals, or other extracurricular activities, they want to be there and show their support.
Most importantly, the couple plans on being spiritual advisors and helping youth as they navigate the choppy waters of the culture today. The couple knows firsthand what the youth are dealing with today as they both grew up in this current landscape.
They plan on teaching a biblical worldview and grounding them with a solid foundation in the Bible, that way they can make disciples unto the rest of the world as Jesus commands in Matthew 28:19-20. Their hope will be that all the youth that come through the youth group will be able to answer the three essential questions in life: who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going? By being grounded in the Bible and having a solid foundation they will be able to do just that.
Lastly, they plan on creating a team at Flemington First Church of Christ. Where everybody has a role to play, and everybody has talents and gifts that God has given them. They want to create a youth environment where helpers and the youth themselves can use their gifts to honor and glorify God and to encourage them in all aspects. It is never about one person but rather the work of the Holy Spirit and power to transform lives.
The couple is extremely blessed to have received such great support from everybody already, they look forward to getting to know others outside in the community and building a community with other churches. They feel that the church is at its strongest when it has strength in numbers. They are also thrilled to see what God has in store as they create, build, and establish a Christ centered culture at Flemington First Church of Christ.
Junior & Senior High Youth Group meets every Thursday for grades 5-12 beginning with a meal followed by youth group from 6-8 PM. There is also a younger age group that meets at the same time with the meal included for grades Kindergarten – 4th grade. ALL ARE WELCOMED. If you have any questions feel free to call the church office at 570-726-8009.
