Our History continued

1993-1994: Youth Minister Drew Dyson had the desire for a praise service in the spring of 1993 but lacked the proper tools and support until Pastor Charles Root approached he and the newly arrived student minister, Ronald Sager about beginning a morning contemporary service in the Spring/Summer of 1994. Doug Dyson (another student minister) began as worship leader with some pre-recorded music. By week/service #2, Stephen Mugglin "signed on" as accompanist to better formulate what songs and arrangements would be tackled by the new "team" formulating. George Robson IV (like Mugglin) had previously had to refuse Drew Dyson's invitations because of time commitment concerns, but when more musicians were involved the workload was viewed as a shared task (though this was often only in theory). 

Summer of 1999: The first St. Paul's Pavilion Praise Service is held at the Ocean Grove Boardwalk Pavilion. Average Sunday attendance this first summer was 127.

2005: A large screen was installed in the sanctuary to aid in worship & to better present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to an increasingly multimedia and visually stimulated world.

2006-2008: The board of Trustees under the leadership of Norman Harris embarked on the monumental task of repairing a well worn building after 30 years since the last major building project. Much was accomplished with much still to be done as the ministry of the church once again outgrows the space of the building. We know that if it is God's will He will provide what is needed as we continue to be "All at it and always at it."  

Summer of 2008: The tenth year of "Pavilion Praise @ 9" had an average attendance of 537 people with one Sunday having 727 in attendance. Every week there were people accepting Christ as their Savior. God has blessed this service with much growth as we stay faithful to Him in reaching out in love to all who walk, jog, or ride their bikes on the boardwalk.

And so the story continues, and you are invited to be a part of our story, whether it's for a minute, an hour, a day, a Summer, or a lifetime. Come and learn who Jesus is and how He can change your life, come grow closer to Jesus with us, and come join us in bringing Jesus to others.  So if you are in the Ocean Grove area stop by the Boardwalk Pavilion Sunday's at 9AM during the summer or at 80 Embury Avenue the rest of the year. 

Click here for information on St. Paul's UMC Historic Stained Glass Windows

Click here for an archive of Pastors that have served St. Paul's UMC