This Week in the BRN Family shares quick highlights of BRN churches and ministries throughout Pennsylvania and South Jersey loving their neighbors. Check out the latest happenings, baptisms, and accelerating Kingdom movement stories below:
BRN churches experience exciting week for baptisms across Pennsylvania/South Jersey region
From one church celebrating baptisms for the second week in a row to two BRN churches baptizing 11 individuals at their respective worship services, Sunday to Sunday (Feb. 8-15) proved to be an especially exciting time for baptisms throughout our two-state region. To honor this exciting week and these professions of faith, we decided to highlight them first in this week’s edition of This Week in the BRN Family. We hope these declarations of new life in Christ encourage you and your church to press onward for the sake of the Gospel. Praise the Lord for what He is doing in PA/SJ!
Eleven people go public with their faith in Jesus at Calvary Church Lewistown
It was an exciting Sunday on Feb. 8 at Calvary Church in Lewistown, Pa., as 11 people publicly proclaimed their faith in Jesus and were baptized!
First Baptist Church of Delaware rejoices over baptisms
On Sunday, Feb. 15, First Baptist Church of Delaware in New Castle, Delaware, celebrated new life in Christ as two individuals were baptized.
Redeeming Grace Church rejoices over baptisms for second Sunday in a row
For the second Sunday in a row, Redeeming Grace Church in Bethel Park, Pa., celebrated baptisms. On Feb. 15, the church rejoiced over the baptisms of Laurie Paul and Charlie Paul. What a blessing it is to witness the Lord changing lives!
The Fields Church in State College rejoices over student and adult baptisms
On Sunday, Feb. 8, The Fields Church in State College, Pa., was encouraged as they witnessed several people share their testimonies and be baptized. Out of the eleven individuals baptized, eight of them were college students and three community members. Praise the Lord for these baptisms!
More BRN Family News:
Men take over food prep for women’s ministry gathering at Zion Church
The Feb. 7 women’s ministry gathering at Zion Church in Clarion, Pa., was made extra special when the men of the church took over the food prep and served breakfast. With the men providing the food, ladies were able to simply come and enjoy a morning of worship, discussion, and encouragement with fellow sisters in Christ.
Faith Community Church Lakeside hosts ‘Palentines’ event for youth
Putting a unique twist on Valentine’s Day, Faith Community Church Lakeside in McMurray, Pa., hosted a “Palentines” event for their youth students on Feb. 15. The youth students gathered at the church Sunday evening to spend time with some of their favorite “pals,” and enjoy an evening of games and crafts.
Story College Church heads up north for Northeast Winter Retreat
Over the Feb. 6-8 weekend, Story College Church in Philadelphia sent a group to Northeast Winter Retreat in Frost Valley, New York. The purpose of Northeast Winter Retreat is to bring together college students from across the Northeast region for a weekend of worship, powerful messages, and lasting memories.
Hillview Church encourages couples with Valentine’s dinner and panel
Love was in the air at Hillview Church’s Valentine’s Day dinner on Sunday, Feb. 15. Couples gathered at Camp Susque in Trout Run, Pa., for an evening of cozy hospitality, a delicious meal, and encouragement from God’s Word. The event also featured a panel of guest speakers who shared personal testimonies of how God’s truth and love has impacted their lives.
BRN Director releases new novel ‘The Cancer Diaries’ to remind readers of ‘unchanging truth’
BRN Director of Church Advancement and Evangelism Larry Anderson recently hosted a book release for his latest novel, The Cancer Diaries. More than a collection of testimonies, The Cancer Diaries strives to remind readers, who may be battling cancer themselves, caring for someone who is, or searching for meaning in a season of suffering, of the unchanging truth: God is near, God is working, and God is faithful.
During the book release party, the contributors to The Cancer Diaries were recognized for their courage, their transparency, and their willingness to share deeply personal diary entries and powerful testimonies. Their faith was on full display, ministering to everyone in attendance.
Learn more about The Cancer Diaries or order your own copy here!
Ministry Milestones:
New Jersey pastor honored by township for extensive community service
Pastor Tom Dawson, senior pastor of The SOAR Church in Woodbine, New Jersey, was recently honored by the Township of Hamilton for his exceptional work in the community.
Not only has Pastor Dawson impacted his community through his ministry at The SOAR Church, but he also serves in a leadership capacity for several local organizations, including: the Newark FBI Citizens Academy, Coalition for a Safe Community, Cape May Regional Health Alliance, and many more. Congratulations, Pastor Dawson! We are grateful for the many ways the Lord uses you to bless your community!
Philadelphia pastor retires after 40+ years of faithful service at Mount Airy Baptist Church
On Saturday, Jan. 17, the Baptist Resource Network (BRN) had the opportunity to honor Pastor Willis Brown, senior pastor of Mount Airy Baptist Church in Philadelphia, at his retirement celebration. Pastor Brown’s retirement comes after 42 years of service at Mount Airy Baptist Church. Dr. Larry Anderson, BRN director of church advancement and evangelism, and Dr. Robert Fontell, BRN church advancement consultant, attended the retirement celebration and presented Pastor Brown with a plaque from the BRN to recognize his many years of faithful service to the Kingdom.
Praise the Lord for Pastor Brown’s years of faithfulness in shepherding Mount Airy Baptist Church and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus!
In Memoriam:
Patricia J. Strobel
Patricia “Patty” Strobel, wife of Pastor Bob Strobel and member of Winfield Baptist Church in Winfield, Pa., went home to be with the Lord at the age of 70 on Feb. 12, 2026. Patty faithfully served alongside her husband at many BRN churches throughout the years, blessing countless individuals and congregations with her presence and love for the Lord.
A gathering of friends and family will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Hillside Bible Church in Mifflinburg, Pa., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Corey Mitchell officiating. An additional gathering of friends and family will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, at the Evangel Community Church in New Castle, Pa., followed by a Celebration of Life service. The BRN extends our deepest sympathies to Pastor Bob Strobel and all of Patty’s loved ones. Please join us in praying for Pastor Bob, Patty’s family, and all those grieving the loss of this dear sister. Read the full obituary here.
Be a part of This Week in the BRN Family
Have exciting things happening in your church!? Let us know so we can celebrate with you and share the good news with our BRN Family. Submit stories of your church accelerating Kingdom movement, loving their neighbors or celebrating baptisms on our News Tips page. We can’t wait to hear from you!
