PARTNERSHIP - LITHOPOLIS UMC & HOY UMC
1 Lord2 Churches
3 Worship Services
TOP of this page = Hoy UMC and Lithopolis UMC Partnership Chronology
BOTTOM of this page = Some building pictures
HOY HISTORY (click here for additional history information)
1808 log church built on donated land/shared by Lutheran & Reformed congregation meeting alternate Sundays
1816 first minister sent to Hoy form Evangelical Society
1852 larger brick building constructed and dedicated as Bloom Chapel
1920’s Bloom Chapel Evangelical purchased the site and changed name to Hoy Memorial
1946 Evangelicals merged with United Brethren becoming Evangelical United Brethren
1968 Evangelical United Brethren merged with Methodists becoming United Methodists
LITHOPOLIS HISTORY (click here for additional history information)
1822 a group of Methodists started meetings in private homes
1838 Lithoplois Circuit was formed
1840 Methodist Episcopal Church built
1939 Methodist Episcopal Church became Methodist Church
1960 education wing added
1980 narthex, kitchenette, offices and 2 additional classrooms added
1991 new sanctuary added seating 400 – old sanctuary became a fellowship hall
1997 old sanctuary was divided into a chapel , meeting rooms and library
2004 Multi Ministry Center with full commercial kitchen, showers, gymnasium or 300 person dining space
THE LITHOPOLIS/HOY PARTNERSHIP IN MINISTRY
10/23/08 Hoy approached Lithopolis regarding a merger and provided discussion points
11/16/08 Lithopolis formed ad hoc committee to consider possibilities & documented discussion points
01/19/09 Partnership in Ministry formed with representatives from both churches meeting for the first time
Purpose was to review all discussion points and decide next steps
02/23/09 Second Partnership in Ministry meeting
Purpose was to explore ideas to get individuals and congregations from the two churches together
03/16/09 Third Partnership in Ministry meeting
Purpose was to become more intentional and specific on joint events
3/26/09 Lithopolis developed an opportunity worksheet
Three opportunities:
1. Enhance direction and biblical teaching for youth ministry
2. Expand our community ministry outreach through the Partnership in Ministry
3. Potential to attract a better qualified candidate with more experience
Steps:
1. Search was begun to find a youth minister
2. Pastor Ben was hopeful that the candidate could also preach Lithopolis 2nd service
3. Pastor Ben would be freed up to preach at Hoy
4. Job posted on internet – many applicants
5. Narrowed applicants to 3 for formal interviews
05/04/09 Extensive interview process completed and a candidate selected
06/01/09 Bill Weaver started as youth pastor
08/25/09 Joint meeting Hoy PPRC & Lithopolis SPRC
unanimously approved agreement to formalize the Partnership
08/30/09 Bill Weaver will preach first sermons at both Lithopolis services
09/27/09 Hoy Ad Council - Church Conference approved agreement to formalize the Partnership
09/29/09 Lithopolis Ad Council - Church Conference approved agreement to formalize the Partnership
10/01/09 Joint meeting Hoy PPRC & Lithopolis SPRC with District Superintendent Dr. Stringer
to formalize appointment of Pastor Ben to Hoy in addition to Lithopolis
10/11/09 Pastor Ben will preach first sermon at Hoy
From George Tootle – 20090828 (revised 20091003)
Double click on image (maps in particular) for clearer view.
