At Pathway, one of our greatest joys is meeting together with our entire church family, and we look forward to the day when we can do it again.
As the state gradually lifts restrictions, we are implementing a plan that will allow a staged resumption of in-person ministry activities. In a special video update, Pastor Jeff shares the wisdom and his heart behind our strategy. Watch the video now and download the entire plan here.
Please take a moment to watch the video as Pastor Jeff addresses these key topics:
•How you can meet the person we’ve selected to be our new Children’s Ministry Director.
•Details about our upcoming Annual Celebration & Business Meeting.
•The future of our online weekend services.
•Thoughts on how we might resume meeting together again.
Please take a moment to watch a message from Pastor Jeff as he shares important details about Easter Week at Pathway, including daily devotionals, a special fast and service on Good Friday, and a recipe to make your own unleavened bread, if you desire. You can download the recipe and watch our daily devotionals on our Easter Week page.
Please take a moment to watch this special message from Pastor Jeff. He shares important information about this Sunday’s online service, what remains canceled at our two campuses, and a word of encouragement from the psalms.
Women’s Bible Study
While we are suspending all on-campus gatherings temporarily, we will continue to conduct our Tuesday evening Bible study online. If you would like to take part in these unique virtual hangouts, email Women’s Ministry Director Jenna Hannum at jhannum@lifeatpathway.com.
Student Auction
This year’s biggest fundraiser for students has been POSTPONED until later this spring. In the meantime, we are STILL accepting donations of new and gently used items in our church office at the Chippewa Campus. Questions? Email Diana Brazzeal at students@lifeatpathway.com.
Support Groups
All of Pathway’s support groups that meet each Monday night at the Chippewa Campus have been postponed for the next couple of weeks. If you have questions or want to learn more, email Sam Van Nest at svannest@lifeatpathway.com.
RAP Registration
Looking for Christ-centered teaching and kid-centered fun for your children? Royal Academy Preschool is now registering 3,4, and pre-Kindergarten 5-year-olds for both morning and afternoon classes. To sign up or to learn more, email Director Jenna Redmond at jredmond@lifeatpathway.com.
Please take a moment to watch a brief message from Pastor Jeff McNicol as he delivers an important update about the days ahead for our church. And we would greatly appreciate it if you could share this video on your social media pages. Thank you!
In light of coronavirus concerns, Pathway Church is temporarily canceling all gatherings at our Moon and Chippewa campuses. However, we will continue to follow God’s calling to minister to his people in other unique ways.
To learn more about how Pathway will move forward in the days ahead, please view this special message from Senior Pastor Jeff McNicol.
The news has been filled with details regarding the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). As of this writing, there are no confirmed cases in western Pennsylvania, but we want to be vigilant for the safety and well-being of our church and surrounding communities. Toward that end, here’s what we are doing at Pathway to provide a safe environment.
1. We are trusting God
As children of God, we must remain on alert, but not give ourselves over to undo worry, anxiety and fear. Instead, Jesus calls us to respond with prayer, courage and faith in Him. We are praying for our church family and our surrounding communities. We’re also asking God to protect us and help us to be a blessing to those around us. We want to honor God in all we say and do.
2. We are still gathering together
We believe gathering together at church is incredibly valuable and should be a priority. We are under no restrictions to continue meeting for our regular services or other ministry gatherings. The potential of being exposed to the virus in our region is very low. However, if you are a senior citizen or fall into another potential high-risk category, you may wish to remain at home and watch the sermon online. Should a time come when we are not able to gather for services, we will provide an entire worship experience for you online. Also, if you are displaying symptoms, we encourage you to stay home.
3. We will communicate with you
As some circumstances change moment by moment, we may have to alter programming on short notice. When appropriate, we will send email updates, but we also encourage you to check our website (www.lifeatpathway.com) and download our church app for timely details. We also encourage you to stay informed about the virus through local, state and federal agencies.
4. We are taking extra precautions
Our facilities team has always been diligent to provide a spotless environment for all who enter our buildings, but at this time we are taking extra care to sanitize bathrooms, classrooms and other gathering spaces on our campuses. This includes sterilizing toys/games/books and wiping down children’s classrooms after every class, sterilizing the Playland, frequently wiping down doorknobs, countertops and other surfaces, providing hand sanitizer at welcome desks, and more.
5. We welcome online giving and hands-free offering
If we are unable to meet, or if attendance decreases through this circumstance, giving is likely to decrease as well. To assist us in continuing to meet our commitments, we invite you to consider using our online giving options at www.lifeatpathway.com/give. Online giving options also are available through the Pathway app. Should you prefer to bring your offering to church, we will be receiving the offering through receptacles located in the auditorium rather than passing the buckets.
6. We can be friendly without touching
As always, we encourage you to connect with others, but for the sake of those who are cautious about the contact, we invite you to do so without shaking hands or hugging, at least for the time being.
7. We encourage excellent hygiene
Please wash your hands thoroughly and regularly. If you have to cough or sneeze, please use a tissue or the inside of your elbow and cover your mouth to keep any germs from escaping. Remember that the coronavirus spreads before people become symptomatic. Good habits like these will keep you from passing on germs you may not be aware you have.
Please join us in praying for our church and community as we navigate these unusual days. Also be in prayer for families who have been impacted through exposure. Ask God to provide His grace and peace.
In prayer and trust,
Pastor Jeff
(This is another installment in our ongoing series called “Unlimited: My Story.” Every other month, we spotlight a family or a volunteer who will share the impact our special needs ministry has had on them. Today, meet volunteer Tammy Davis.)
Parents of special needs children agree that finding someone to care for their kids can be quite taxing — especially when it comes to attending church.
But thanks to Unlimited, Pathway's special needs ministry, these same parents are now free to our enjoy our services with peace of mind as their children are not only being cared for by our volunteers, but they are growing and flourishing in our ministry.
Unlimited Director Jenna Hannum is most grateful for the faithful volunteers who love and serve our special needs children, and as we prepare for our next Respite Night this Friday, we wanted to introduce you to one of our most experienced care-givers — Tammy Davis.
***
What brought you to Pathway Church?
When my oldest daughter (who is now 23) was in middle school, she helped with after-school tutoring at Pathway. We had been looking for a new church, and she suggested that we try Pathway. We did and we have been here ever since.
Why did you start serving in Unlimited?
When I heard that we were starting a special needs ministry, God laid it on my heart that I should volunteer. I have always had a special place in my heart for children with special needs.
What unique skills/talents do you contribute to Unlimited?
I don’t really have any special skills or talents. I just love all these kids and enjoy serving.
Share a special moment you've had with one of the children.
For some reason, I connect well with Matthew Shultz (scroll down the page to read his story). I had been with him previously in the toddler room. To see him blossom has been a complete joy to me. I enjoy all of the children and love seeing them all when I serve.
What has serving in Unlimited taught you about Christ?
We should always be willing to sacrifice for each other and love these kids as Christ loves us unconditionally.
Why should others serve in Unlimited?
It’s very rewarding. No one should think that they don’t have the education or the background to do this. I have no education or background in special needs but I just love serving. People need to understand that they are like anybody else — just children who need love and understanding. That is what everyone needs in life.
What's your favorite drink from Pathway Café?
Hot chocolate or just plain hot tea.
What is a typical Sunday afternoon like for you after a morning of serving?
Depends on what I have gotten done on Saturday — sometimes it is doing laundry or other household chores. Sometimes it is spending time with my family.
***
What is a Respite Night?
Parents of children with special needs can leave their children — both those with and without special needs — at Pathway Church and enjoy an evening to themselves. Unlimited staff will provide fun activities for the kids, which will include a bounce house, Wii, a movie, a snack, and more. After you sign up, a member of the Unlimited staff will contact you to conduct a brief interview to ensure that we can provide the best care for your child. Our next Respite Night is set for 6-8pm this Friday, February 21, in the children’s wing at our Chippewa Campus. Can your child join us? Let us know by emailing Jenna Hannum.
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Thousands of smiles.
Just as many hugs.
More than 50 messages from the stage.
Hundreds of worship songs.
Dozens of baptisms.
Lots and lots of great food in the café.
Dinosaur duels, a football toss, trust falls, name that tune, and … OK, you get the picture.
A lot can happen in a church year, for sure.
But on a Thursday night at Pathway? As we shared in the previous sentences, you never quite know what to expect — you might even witness a party breakout.
And that’s exactly what happened last night as we marked the one-year anniversary of our Thursday night service.
Blue and gold balloons fluttered throughout the lobby. Even more in a variety of colors rested on the stage in our Live Auditorium, along with a huge wrapped package.
“In honor of our one-year anniversary, I’m wearing the same clothes as I wore last year,” Pastor Jon Gott joked as he opened the service.
Indeed, there was much to celebrate. And in true Pathway fashion, we went ALL IN — including a baby race and a baby bottle chugging contest during the “30 Before Thursday” segment.
Following the service, attenders gathered in the Pathway Café to view a montage of photos from the past year and enjoy a slice of cake in their honor, which read: “Happy 1-year. Yay, it’s Thursday!”
Before eating, though, Pastor Jeff McNicol took the microphone and gave thanks for the life transformation, spiritual growth and all the new faces we’ve welcomed on Thursday evenings.
“We were greatly anticipating what the future would hold,” he told the crowd. “It’s a blessing to look back and see God’s faithfulness in bringing a dream to reality.”
Indeed. On a bitter cold January 31, 2019, Pathway Church made history as Pastor Jeff uttered the now familiar refrain from the stage: “Yay, it’s Thursday!”
A year later, he joked about a potential new slogan for visitors.
“Come to Pathway each Thursday for the two Cs: Communion and Cake.”
He paused and smiled.
“And we’ll share another C while you’re here: Christ.”
For sure. And we can’t we to see what His power will do in Year 2.
Stay tuned …
Matthew, 5; Trevor, Elliana, 1; Stephanie and Stephen Shultz, 3.
(This is another installment in our ongoing series called “Unlimited: My Story.” Every other month, parents of a special needs child will share the impact that our Unlimited ministry has had on their family. Today, meet the Shultz family.)
The story of Matthew Shultz is a familiar one, especially for church-going parents who have children with developmental delays. As Matthew was nearing his 4th birthday, he still had not met some of the milestones required to be in the Crosstown classroom for 3-year-olds. His parents, Stephanie and Trevor, began to grow concerned.
“Thankfully, someone had told us to talk to Jenna Hannum because they had heard a rumor that the Unlimited ministry would be starting soon,” Stephanie said.
It did. And not long after, Matthew found a home in Unlimited, the name of Pathway’s special needs ministry. Today, at age 5, he is blossoming. The Shultz family is most grateful, and Stephanie has agreed to discuss the impact Unlimited has had on their lives.
What are some qualities that make Matthew so unique?
He is a big snuggler. He just loves to crawl up in people’s laps and give hugs. He does have a sense of humor, although it takes a while to find that spot. When he starts laughing, it is the cutest thing. He has such a sweet spirit. He doesn’t always show it, but he does love his siblings. He is also a huge help – always wanting to help clean up around the house, help me do the dishes, always asking to get “the stool.”
What are Matthew’s special needs?
He has autism, expressive and receptive communication disorder (though he has come a long way with this), other developmental delays and epilepsy with absence seizures.
What is God teaching you as a parent of a special needs child?
He is teaching me a lot of patience and a lot of grace. Sometimes Matthew will echo and script (a behavior of autism where the child will repeat sounds, words or phrases not pertaining to the conversation), and it can get kind of frustrating. So I need to remember to be gracious with him. God has not called each of us in the same way, so I can’t expect him to learn about God in the same way. The way the church is so open about us coming to God in all different ways and abilities — that has been really encouraging.
What does Pathway’s Unlimited ministry mean to your family?
It has been so helpful and encouraging to us. When Matthew switched from Crosstown to Unlimited, he started really looking forward to church. We love the events that help us connect with other parents of special needs children. The Respite events allow time for us to regroup as a couple, and that has been super helpful.
What does Matthew like most about Unlimited?
He loves that people are willing to hug on him! And I think it’s important that he knows he can be himself and be comfortable. If something is too much, he can take a break. He goes up those stairs in the children’s wing and just runs into the sensory room. They are so understanding up there. His epilepsy medication can make him so, so tired. They let him crawl up onto the bean bag and they put a blanket on him so he can rest.
How do you see Matthew evolving as a disciple of Jesus Christ?
He has been singing songs, and we have been working on verses at home. We see a difference, especially in the way he interacts with siblings. He might get aggressive sometimes, but we have seen a big change in how he feels afterward. He apologizes, and he hasn’t really done that before. He is realizing that what he does affects other people.
What do Unlimited Respite Nights means to your family life?
The Respite Nights are so important to our family. We don't have family that lives close to us, so getting time to ourselves is rare. The Respite Nights give us a chance to reconnect, re-engergize, and refocus, so that we can be the best parents for our kids. It is nice to have a quiet dinner and good conversation together. We always feel refreshed when we pick up the kids.
What do you wish people in the community knew about special needs?
I would like the community to remember to choose kindness. Kids don't develop and grow within the same time frame — even with similar abilities or disabilities. So, please choose kindness and offer help or encouragement when able.
What are your hopes and dreams for Matthew’s future?
I pray that he will continue to love the Lord and just let himself shine as he is, no matter what that is. It’s OK to make mistakes, but I just want him to do the best that he can and use the abilities that God has given him. He is who he is, and God made him this way, so we often tell him, “You were made for goodness.”
***
What is a Respite Night?
Parents of children with special needs can leave their children — both those with and without special needs — at Pathway Church and enjoy an evening to themselves. Unlimited staff will provide fun activities for the kids, which will include a bounce house, Wii, a movie, a snack, and more. After you sign up, a member of the Unlimited staff will contact you to conduct a brief interview to ensure that we can provide the best care for your child. Our next Respite Night is set for 6-8pm this Friday, December 6, in the children’s wing at our Chippewa Campus. Can your child join us? Let us know by emailing Jenna Hannum.
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“Contentment.”
We know the definition. We have a sense of what it can look like in our lives. Yet we struggle to experience it on a consistent level.
But after exploring scripture with a popular Christian author, there’s a good chance that this weekend’s Fall Women’s Conference has helped change that perspective. Stacy Reaoch, who wrote the book “Wilderness Wonderings,” led nearly 100 women from Pathway through a pair of sessions that focused on the Israelites’ journey and how their discontentment often matches our own.
“We saw how God provided for them throughout that journey,” said Women’s Ministry Director Jenna Hannum. “Even when they were discontent and bitter.”
Saturday’s activities also included worship, breakout discussions, and lunch from The Butcher and The Baker.
The conference kicked off with a Girls Night Out on Friday evening, when Donna Mrdjenovich of the Moon Campus guided 85 women as they painted snowmen.
“Each snowman was unique and different — just like our Pathway women,” Jenna pointed out. She’s right. The women who attended this weekend’s event ranged in age from 13 to 92.
“It was a wonderful weekend with the perfect mix of relaxation, laughter, and scripturally sound truth,” Jenna explained. “Ladies left feeling refreshed and reminded of who our true deliverer is.”
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Some were visiting for the the first time.
Some came with siblings.
Some walked through the doors with unique needs.
Others didn’t.
But as the first Respite Night of the school year came to a close, they all had something in common.
“The kids come with big smiles on their faces,” said Jenna Hannum, director of Unlimited at Pathway Church. “And they leave with even bigger ones.”
For sure.
Nearly 40 children, including 22 with special needs, gathered in our children’s wing to enjoy an evening filled with laughter, games, crafts, snacks, and lots of love and care from the 22 volunteers who served during the event. Pathway conducts a Respite Night every other month so parents of special needs children can enjoy an evening to themselves.
“I am always struck by the heart of the volunteers who desire to make this the best night possible for all of these kids,” Jenna shared.
She added that two new families brought their kids on Friday, while another family traveled from Hopewell so their child could attend.
“It was a wonderful evening. One mother told me her son had been talking about coming all day long,” Jenna explained.
Yet he didn’t say a word when he left the building on Friday night.
Didn’t have to, though. His huge smile said it all.
***
If you are interested in serving, want more information about Unlimited, or if you know a family who could benefit from our ministry, email Jenna Hannum .
Teddy, Curtis, Annie and Victoria Lloyd.
(This is the first in a new series called “Unlimited: My Story.” Each month, a parent of a special needs child will share the impact that our Unlimited Ministry has had on their family. Today, meet Annie Lloyd.
Annie Lloyd has been identified in many ways during her time on this earth.
Journalist.
Wife.
Mother.
Hippie.
“I guess that explains why someone would move from San Diego to Darlington,” Annie said, laughing. “We found a house on six acres out here. We like the open space and we’re avid gardeners. We’re just hippies.”
Not only did Annie and Curtis Lloyd find a house in Beaver County, but they also discovered a church home at Pathway. And God has used their son’s communication issues to surround them with the love and care they were seeking.
Annie attended a Roman Catholic church while growing up in Youngstown. Curtis, who was born in Utah, was raised as a Mormon. The two met while Annie was a journalist at the Baltimore Sun and Curtis was attending the Naval Academy in nearby Annapolis, Maryland. Curtis was commissioned as a Naval officer on May 27, 2011. The next day, he and Annie were married. Two days after that, the couple packed up and moved to San Diego.
While the weather was certainly gorgeous in southern California, their life wasn’t always filled with sunshine. “Curtis was in special forces,” Annie recalled. “He had been deployed and there was plenty of training. He was home less than 20 percent of the year.”
By that time the couple had two children — Victoria, who is 6, and Teddy, who just turned 5. And that meant Annie was caring for them alone most days. She would struggle as she took them to a Catholic church, which did not have child care options. So when Curtis was discharged and the Lloyds moved to Beaver County in 2016, Annie knew that if the family were to attend church together, it would have to feature child care.
But not just any child care. To complicate matters, Teddy has been diagnosed with Apraxia, which prevents his tongue from moving properly as he speaks, and he has been placed on the autism spectrum, though his diagnosis frequently changes.
Teddy now attends kindergarten at Blackhawk Intermediate School. Two years ago, he came home from his special needs preschool with a postcard promoting an upcoming Respite Night at Pathway Church. These events are designed to free up an evening for couples who have children with unique needs.
Annie and Curtis took Teddy to the church’s first event on December 16, 2017 — and they’ve been returning to Pathway each weekend since. “We’ve had a great time here at Pathway,” Annie said. “The Respite Night was a wonderful first impression. I really felt comfortable with Teddy being there.”
And the Lloyds are now comfortable calling Pathway their church home. They attend the 10:45am service each Sunday while their kids are across the walkway in the children’s wing. Victoria jumps right into Crosstown activities each week, while Teddy starts out in a sensory room for children with special needs. “The sensory room has been wonderful,” Annie pointed out. “It can be very draining to walk around with Teddy and explain why he struggles to communicate and make friends. The people in the sensory room now do the explaining for us.”
Jenna Hannum, who oversees the special needs ministry at Pathway, explained that a sensory room uses music, ambiance and accessories to offer a calming environment for special needs children.
“Teddy is just about the sweetest kid you’ve ever met,” Jenna said. “His favorite thing is music. Teddy loves to sit outside the sensory room and listen to and sing along with the elementary worship. The safety of the sensory room allows him to participate in a way that makes him feel comfortable.”
Once Teddy is comfortable, a “buddy” takes him to the Crosstown Kindergarten for a Bible story and craft, then it’s off to the Playland for more fun. He returns to the sensory room at the end of the service.
“Our buddies are highly trained in the area of special needs,” Jenna said. “They know Teddy well, and have grown to care deeply for him and his family. We see it as a privilege to have a small part in caring for Teddy each week.”
And the comfort level for their children’s care has the Lloyds engaging deeper in the life of the church. They’re inspired by Pastor Jeff’s teaching and are growing in their faith with their small group. “I am very deficient in Scripture and the theology department,” Annie admitted. “I have so much reading and studying to do and I am thankful that my small group is helping guide me.”
Curtis, she added, remains “undecided” on a spiritual path.
“My husband's journey in faith is long. Spending time overseas and witnessing some pretty awful things done in the name of God complicated his journey further,” she explained. “In spite of all this, he is an amazing man, husband and father. If you were to see how he lives his life, you would never know that he is conflicted spiritually. I believe I said at Pizza with the Pastors that he is a good Christian man — he just doesn't know it yet.”
But here’s what the Lloyds do know. They arrived at Pathway initially for child care, and have received so much more in the months since. “The church has been so generous without expecting anything in return,” she acknowledged. “Pathway has been so welcoming and non-judgmental and accepting of who we are. It’s been quite a breath of fresh air.”
***
What is a Respite Event?
Parents of children with special needs can leave their children — both those with and without special needs — at Pathway Church and enjoy an evening to themselves. Unlimited staff will provide fun activities for the kids, which will include a bouncy house, Wii, a movie, a snack, and more. After you sign up, a member of the Unlimited staff will contact you to conduct a brief interview before your child(ren) may attend. This is to ensure that we can provide the best care for your child. Our next Respite Night is set for 6-8pm this Friday, October 18, in the children’s wing at our Chippewa Campus. Can your child join us? Let us know by emailing Jenna Hannum.
Click on the images to scroll through a photo gallery.
They saddled up.
They made a splash.
They bounced around.
And they hit the bull’s-eye.
Three hours later, an exhausted — but extremely happy — crowd of nearly 250 children left Pathway Church on Saturday with huge smiles on their faces.
It’s called the Fun Festival effect.
“We couldn’t have been more pleased with how the day went,” said Interim Children’s Coordinator Jenine Pyle. “And we couldn’t have asked for more perfect weather.”
For sure, Pathway’s biggest children’s event of the year was a massive success by any measure.
“Everything came together so well. It was a really, really good day.”
Under a brilliant blue sky, dozens of carnival booths dotted Pathway’s lots as families strolled through, devouring such festival delicacies as cotton candy, popcorn and sno-kones along the route. Games included dart throwing, basketball pop-a-shot, bowling, and ring toss. Children with flowers, animal features, and various shapes painted on their faces bounced from activity to activity — that is, when they weren’t bouncing around in the inflatable houses.
While the kids focused on how high they could soar, Jenine and Executive Pastor John Westurn were going down in the dunk tank — for a good cause, of course. More than $350 was raised to support the Johnston family. Pathway already is planning additional activities to match that total.
Asked how she handled dropping underwater during the crisp fall day, Jenine responded: “I was fine. I wore a wet suit and goggles.”
Pastor John wasn’t so fortunate.
“Poor John. He was getting dunked in the morning when it was only 50 degrees out,” she said, laughing.
She paused.
“But I don’t feel bad for him.”
Just across the lot, little cowboys and cowgirls saddled up for pony rides and got to meet some furry friends from Living Treasures.
Jenine was even more thrilled to meet dozens of families visiting Pathway Church for the first time.
“It was really cool that they could spend some time with us,” she said. “I’m excited to follow up and get them to come back.”
Let the fun continue.
Be honest, you’ve probably dreamt of doing this to Pastor John. Today, dozens of youngsters got to make your dream a reality during our annual Fun Festival. Watch John get dunked here, then head over to https://t.co/4f2gFIJD69 to read the story and view a photo gallery. pic.twitter.com/IA2fFRvw5C
— Pathway Church (@LifeAtPathway) October 5, 2019
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Honored.
Blessed.
Loved.
Filled.
That’s exactly how Pathway Church wanted the nearly 30 widows and widowers to feel following our annual luncheon in their honor on Saturday afternoon.
“The Bible says we are to take care of widows and widowers,” said Deb Duncan, who coordinated and hosted the event. “We wanted to love on them and stand in the gap with them.”
Many of the guests were driven to the event by volunteers from the church. The dining area featured elegant table cloths, candles, and fall-themed settings. Each visitor also enjoyed cards and candy made by Kathy Adams and Cindie McCoy.
Deb and her husband, Bob, opened the event with a moving welcome. Executive Pastor John Westurn prayed over all in attendance.
When it was time to dig in, dinner was served by “waiters” and “waitresses” decked out in white tops with black slacks. The servers are members of the Crossroads Sunday morning group. Misty Worst also jumped in to join them.
The menu featured chicken, parsley potatoes, green beans, rolls — and a violin serenade by Mark Bergfelt. For dessert, the Crossroads group whipped up some tantalizing treats. Following lunch, everyone moved next door for a rousing performance by In Accord.
“They did a great job,” Deb offered. “Everyone really enjoyed the music.”
Just like the rest of the afternoon.
“I think everyone had a wonderful time,” Deb continued. “We wanted our widows and widowers to know they are loved by the Pathway family. We wanted to be a blessing to them.”
She paused.
“I know it blessed my heart. It really did.”
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BASH. Night.
If you’ve been around Pathway awhile, just reading those two words, side-by-side, conjures up some pretty vivid images.
And here’s the good news: We’re about to share many of those images as middle- and high-school students from throughout Beaver County converged on the Chippewa Campus for an evening of fun, games, music, prizes, and a gospel message.
“It was awesome!” said eighth-grader Nathan Anderson of Western Beaver when asked to describe the evening.
We couldn’t agree more. Then again, don’t take our word for it. Check out the photo gallery for yourself.
Jackie Lutton, Michele Patterson, and Elisa Martin joke with Cleveland Browns fan Jay Cargnel as he places an order at the Pathway Café. September 9, 2019, marks the one-year anniversary of the Chippewa Campus coffee shop. Click on the image to scroll through more photos.
We couldn’t help but notice the colors.
A robust, dark brown with a hint of orange.
This was a coffee shop, after all. And it was the Sunday after Labor Day, so thoughts of fall — and all that comes with it — were in the air. So it wasn’t surprising that Jay Cargnel was the reluctant center of attention as he waited for his order at the Pathway Café.
“I get harassed every time I wear this jersey,” he said, laughing.
He turned around and pointed to the name stitched on the back.
“Myles Garrett.”
Yep. THAT Myles Garrett, the defensive end for the Cleveland Browns. And Jay was rocking his brown-and-orange jersey proudly — even though he was surrounded by fans of the black and gold.
“I guess they’ll serve anyone here,” cracked Jim O’Roark, who also was placing an order.
QUITE A YEAR
Jay was among the dozen or so people in line at the Pathway Café. The former Marine from East Liverpool, Ohio — and ardent Cleveland Browns fan — has been coming to the 10:45am Sunday service for just over a month. Nevertheless, he and his wife of eight years, Chelsea, already have staked out their “usual” — a large iced coffee for him and a large ice tea with peach flavor for her.
The line was long but it moved briskly as a crew of eight worked behind the counter alongside Pathway Café director Elisa Martin. Today marks the café’s one-year anniversary and Elisa couldn’t be more pleased with how the past 12 months have gone.
“I had no idea what to expect since we had never done something like this,” she admitted. “But whatever my expectations were, they’ve been surpassed.”
Elisa and her team of more than 50 volunteers serve the Pathway family each Sunday morning and Thursday night before and during church services. Despite the variety of flavored choices elegantly scrolled on the chalkboards behind her, Elisa said the top seller remains black coffee.
“It’s amazing how many people enjoy a simple cup of black coffee.”
Ryan Gouldsbarry is among them, and as he reached the front of the line, he ordered his “usual.”
While pulling out his wallet, he couldn’t help but overhear the conversation Elisa was having with a visitor.
“I know this might sound awful …,” Elisa said, her voice trailing off.
Ryan smiled and finished her sentence.
“You remember people by what they drink and not their names.”
Elisa laughed as she handed him the steaming hot cup.
“Exactly.”
TALENTED BARISTAS
Elisa and her team deserve a little grace in that area since thousands of customers have visited the café since it opened on September 9, 2018. She estimated more than 4,000 cups of coffee have been sold. And that’s not counting all the other drinks the café offers.
She credits her “wonderful” baristas for the continued surge in sales.
The roster includes:
•Janet Chalmers
•Jason Young
•Rachel Westurn
•Nicole Marrs
•Sam Van Nest
•Jackie Lutton
•And Elisa.
Lexie McGee, a senior at Blackhawk High, is now in training to become one.
“We have so many different drinks to make, so we always have two baristas on duty,” Elisa pointed out.
She mentioned that her volunteers don’t accept tips. Instead, there’s a “pay-it-forward” jar on the counter.
“If we see a new family visiting or someone digging for change, we’ll use that fund to purchase their order.”
She has been blown away by the generosity of Pathway attenders. She explained that some people have bought a cup of coffee and paid with a $20 bill. They’ve told Elisa to bless other customers with the remaining money.
“We’ve even had some people pay for a family’s dinners on a Thursday. That’s so cool. It’s been super fun to see.”
A BRIGHT FUTURE
While coffee and the café’s delightful scones are the staples on Sunday mornings, dinners are a big hit before the Thursday evening service. Families no longer have to rush home from school and sports activities to down a quick bite before attending the service. They can now drive straight to the church and enjoy a relaxing meal in the café.
“We had our biggest Thursday night yet over Labor Day Weekend,” Elisa said, beaming. “More than 100 dinners were sold. That evening’s entrée was served by the Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe, which rotates along with four other businesses owned by Pathway attenders.
As successful as the first year has been, Jackie predicts an even brighter future. And she knows a little something about the business. Jackie managed coffee shops at the Pittsburgh International Airport for 13 years.
“We’re excited for what’s ahead,” she noted. “We going to get even busier this Thursday.”
Jackie was referring to the upcoming convergence of Awana, Ignite, Crosstown and Unlimited on Thursday nights.
Elisa also believes two fall-themed drinks will make customers very happy — caramel apple cider and a homemade pumpkin spice latté, “made with real pumpkins and maple syrup.”
The latter drink is a robust, dark brown with a hint of orange.
Perhaps a little more appealing than a jersey from the team in Cleveland.
And certainly a lot more tasteful.
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“The only time my prayers are never answered is on a golf course.” — Billy Graham
…
That’s a pretty funny quote. But even if it’s true, it didn’t stop dozens of men and women from enjoying Pathway’s annual Golf Outing on Saturday morning. The air was cool. The sun was shining. The food was delicious. And the golf was … well, a lot of fun, if not always up to par.
…
Most important, all proceeds from the outing benefit Pathway’s Student Ministries. Thanks to everyone who made it such a wonderful event! We can’t wait to play again next year!
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Sweltering …
Sticky …
Gloomy …
Glorious.
Yes, absolutely glorious.
Despite the stifling heat, the ominous clouds and traces of thunder rolling in from the west on Sunday afternoon, seven candidates publicly proclaimed their faith in Jesus Christ during Pathway’s annual baptism celebration at Darlington Lake. And as they did, it was as if a marvelous light shone through the oncoming darkness.
“Who was encouraged by what they heard today?” Pastor Jeff asked those who gathered for the celebration. “We heard some awesome sermons, didn’t we?”
For sure.
From those who grew up in the church.
From those who followed a different path.
From those who battled drug addiction.
From those who dealt with a difficult home life.
Though their stories were vastly different, there was a common theme: At some point in their lives, they all came to accept God’s free gift of grace.
And on Sunday, they wanted everyone to hear that great news. Here are excerpts from their stories:
***
Carson Drake
“Last year, my wife accepted Christ and I saw a big change in her life. My brother, Eric, has been praying for me to be saved for more than 30 years. On February 28, it happened. God was there all along for me. I just had to say yes to his grace.”
***
Liza Drake
“I am here today only by the grace of God through faith. My parents provided a Christian foundation for me, but what I needed was a relationship with Christ. I feel it in my heart that I’m not alone. I now live in the presence of God.”
***
Kelsie Martin
“I believe that God loves me no matter what — on my good days and on my bad days. I have come to believe with all my heart that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.”
***
Lexie McGee
“Before Christ, I felt helpless and broken. I was having a tough time at home. I have found peace and discovered that God has a greater plan for me than I could ever have for myself.”
***
Kyle Stark
“I hung out with the wrong crowd and I found myself going down the wrong road. Eventually, I got caught up in a big drug habit. When I checked into rehab, I not only found help for my drug problem, but I discovered my Lord and Savior. That’s why I’m taking this step to renew my walk with Christ.”
***
Grayson Stroupe
“I want people to know that I love God and He’s my Savior.”
***
Susan Weido
“I am thankful that God is faithful and never gave up on me. I was recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and I am trusting Him through the good times and the challenging times. God is now the priority of my life. I trust His plan for my life.”
