Let me take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am Pastor John Harpold. Most call me Pastor Jack. In fact many don’t know my given name is John. And that’s the way I like it.

My wife Doris and I were married for 53 years at the time of her death nearly 2 and ½ years ago. Doris fought a long battle with cancer, actually two battles – the first was 21 years ago and the last started 6 years ago. She was an example of faith which was an inspiration to many. She remained upbeat no matter what she encountered. And the Lord blessed her faith.

I have three sons, four foster sons, (we were the first COBYS foster parents in 1980), four granddaughters, six step grandchildren, ten foster grandchildren and five foster great grandchildren.

Family is very important to me and we have family gatherings as often as possible.

Concerning my ministry, I was called to the ministry from the Frederick Church of the Brethren in Frederick, Md. in 1972 and assumed my first pastorate in Thurmont, MD September 1, 1972.

The Apostle Paul said in 1 Cor. 9:16, “For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel.” As the Apostle Paul I feel compelled to preach the gospel.

Paul said in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation…” Jesus told his disciples to go into the world and make disciples. That is the first purpose of preaching the gospel – making disciples. But He also told the disciples to teach them to observe all that He had commanded them.

In Ephesians 4, Paul wrote “He (Jesus) gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry. That implies that we are in this work together, each taking our role seriously in the body of Christ. And I will do all I can to encourage you in your ministry. Together we can continue to build the Kingdom, with the Holy Spirit being our guide and source of spiritual power.

I will seek to be an effective pastor with you. I will visit the people, I will counsel the troubled, I will minister with the sick and all who may have special needs. I invite you to join with me in ministry to one another.

I want you to feel free to call on me. I will generally have office hours Tuesday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon. There will be exceptions for meetings and seminars which I already have scheduled.

I look forward with great anticipation to our ministry together.

May the Lord be a blessing to and through each one.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Jack