Name of congregation:
Paoli Presbyterian Church
Location: Paoli
Denomination: Presbyterian Church (USA)
Size of congregation: About 1,630
Question: What is the history of the congregation?
Answer: First Presbyterian Church of Paoli traces its beginning to October 1892. Twenty-three members of a Sabbath Mission School met in a small chapel on Darby Road. The congregation's charter was granted in 1900. In 1983 we officially changed our name to Paoli Presbyterian Church.
Q: What makes you proud of your church?
A: In the spring of 2006 we launched "My Ministry Matters." This program helps our members and guests to identify and invest their gifts in Christ's work.
Paoli is synonymous with mission. Both near and far, we seek to bear witness to Christ. In September 2006, the congregation gave $55,000 and a tremendous amount of time to build a house [for Hurricane Katrina victims] in our church parking lot. It was then partially disassembled and stored in a large trailer.
In December, more than 20 members of Paoli Presbyterian Church along with more than 20 folks from our community traveled to Shreveport, La., and built the home for a family whose lives had been devastated by Katrina.
In September 2006, we inaugurated a new Sunday morning worship service. With its blend of contemporary music and reverence, it moves people of all ages.
Q: How do you see your congregation's role in today's society?
A: The frieze over the entrance to the church captures the vibrant spirit of Paoli. It depicts Jesus with his arms opened wide to embrace one and all. In a world scorched by violence and fear, in a time when so many souls are parched for a word of hope, we at Paoli invite you to join us in celebrating the good news that we are splashed by the grace of God!
Church staff: Pastor: the Rev. Dr. J. Patrick Vaughn. Associate pastor: the Rev. Dr. James Churchill. Director of equipping ministries: the Rev. Debra Ebling. Director of congregational care: the Rev. Phoebe Kitson-Davis.
Director of welcoming ministries: Melanie Bradley. Director of children's ministries: Daphne Hager. Director of youth ministries: Jill Laufenberg. Church administrator: Jack Felch. Director of music: Robert Reilley. Director of contemporary music ministries: Kimberly Russell. Parish associate: the Rev. Marcia Woodruff
Sunday services: 7:30 a.m. worship in chapel. 8:30 a.m. worship in sanctuary. 9:45 a.m. contemporary worship in Forrester Hall. 11:00 a.m. worship in sanctuary
Address: 225 S. Valley Rd., Paoli
For more information: Visit www.paolipres.org or call 610-644-8250.