People's Community Church Berea OH
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Who we are
People's Community Church is in Berea Ohio approximately 25 miles southwest of Cleveland Ohio. It has a membership of approximately 200 members and friends. It maintains membership in the International Council of Community Churches. It works cooperatively with the local churches as well as with nonprofit organizations in Berea and Cleveland.
Mission Statement: People's Community Church (PCC) equips and inspires its members to demonstrate the love of Christ through lives of sacrifice, service, fellowship, and the pursuit of an intimate relationship with Christ.
Motto: One Church, One Family, One Community
Mission Statement: People's Community Church (PCC) equips and inspires its members to demonstrate the love of Christ through lives of sacrifice, service, fellowship, and the pursuit of an intimate relationship with Christ.
Motto: One Church, One Family, One Community
Street Address
631 N Rocky River Dr
Berea,
OH
44017-1642
United States
Phone: 440-234-0609
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Church Pastor
Rev. Charles (CJ) Harkness
Pastor
631 N Rocky River Dr
Berea,
OH
44017-1642
United States
Phone: 440-234-0609
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Denomination
Community Church
Affiliations
Church Website
People's Community Church on Social Media
Facebook Video: 8/13/2023 Rev. Wanda Coleman
Leadership
Leader Name:
Rev. Charles (CJ) Harkness
Leader Position:
Pastor
Formal Title:
Leader Address:
Phone:
Fax:
Leader Email:
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Leader Bio:
In October of 2018 Rev. Charles (CJ) Harkness began serving as Pastor of People's Community Church in Berea, Ohio. He accepted this call after over 20 years of service as an associate minister at Mt. Zion Church of Oakwood Village under the leadership of Pastor Larry L. Macon, Sr. and Co-Pastor's Larry Macon, Jr. and Daniel Macon. Having accepted Christ at an early age and his call to ministry as a college student, Pastor Harkness has served in many aspects of church operation including preaching, Christian education, singing, ushering and security. He is humbled and excited about the call to lead a church as Pastor.
In addition to his life in ministry, CJ also serves as the Chief Diversity Officer and Title IX Coordinator at Baldwin Wallace University. Stationed in the Office of the President, CJ provides senior leadership as a member of the President's Cabinet. He previously served Ashland University for nearly 13 years in capacities including Director of Institutional Diversity, Director of Multicultural Student Services and Director of Student Conduct. These roles allowed him to gain a wealth of experience in meeting the needs of ethnic minority and at risk students. Currently, he is charged with oversight of the University's diversity initiatives as set forth in the University's Strategic Plan. CJ also promotes dialog and gauges the pulse of the campus community as they relate to issues of diversity and inclusion through his leadership of BW's Center for Inclusion.
Rev. Harkness earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio. He also holds a Master of Arts in Practical Theology from Ashland Theological Seminary. In addition to his experience at Mt. Zion, Ashland and Baldwin Wallace, CJ has served people through his work as a consultant, program manager and presenter for a number of organizations and programs. CJ has also taught courses and presented in high schools, colleges and several Ohio prisons. A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., CJ has a passion for helping others reach their potential.
He strives to achieve this through diligent advocacy, candid advising and provocative programming.
Above all, he wants you to know that "God Loves you; A'int a Thang You Can Do About It!"
In addition to his life in ministry, CJ also serves as the Chief Diversity Officer and Title IX Coordinator at Baldwin Wallace University. Stationed in the Office of the President, CJ provides senior leadership as a member of the President's Cabinet. He previously served Ashland University for nearly 13 years in capacities including Director of Institutional Diversity, Director of Multicultural Student Services and Director of Student Conduct. These roles allowed him to gain a wealth of experience in meeting the needs of ethnic minority and at risk students. Currently, he is charged with oversight of the University's diversity initiatives as set forth in the University's Strategic Plan. CJ also promotes dialog and gauges the pulse of the campus community as they relate to issues of diversity and inclusion through his leadership of BW's Center for Inclusion.
Rev. Harkness earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio. He also holds a Master of Arts in Practical Theology from Ashland Theological Seminary. In addition to his experience at Mt. Zion, Ashland and Baldwin Wallace, CJ has served people through his work as a consultant, program manager and presenter for a number of organizations and programs. CJ has also taught courses and presented in high schools, colleges and several Ohio prisons. A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., CJ has a passion for helping others reach their potential.
He strives to achieve this through diligent advocacy, candid advising and provocative programming.
Above all, he wants you to know that "God Loves you; A'int a Thang You Can Do About It!"
Rev. Charles (CJ) Harkness on Social Media:
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Administration
Admin Name:
Rose Cansler
Admin Position:
Administrative Assistant
Admin Address:
Phone:
Fax:
Admin Email:
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Mailing Address
628 Wesley Drive
Berea, Ohio
44017
Berea, Ohio
44017
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People's Community Church Service Times
Sunday Services
Adult Sunday School: 9:00 AM via Zoom
Worship Service: 10:30 AM Live in the Sanctuary and online via Facebook and Youtube
It's been more than a year since the last service times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm service times.
Please contact the church to confirm Service Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
Adult Sunday School: 9:00 AM via Zoom
Worship Service: 10:30 AM Live in the Sanctuary and online via Facebook and Youtube
It's been more than a year since the last service times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm service times.
Please contact the church to confirm Service Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
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Sunday School / Children and Youth Activities
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Local outreach & community activities
Food Pantry
In response to an increased number of local families struggling to get by in a tough economy, the People's Community Church Food Pantry was created by the Church so that the world may see that we, as Christians, do care and are willing to become involved when others need help in living testimony to the fact that God, through Christ, is active in the world, to the end that His light may shine ever brighter in our community.
How We Started
In the Fall of 2012, the PCC Food Pantry qualified as a Member Agency of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
One in six Ohioans struggles to put food on the table. We work together to ensure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to have access to the nutrious nutritious food they need.
What We Provide
Assistance available through the People's Community Church Pantry includes lots of fresh produce, meat, non-perishable food items, personal products and other needed items, regardless of race, color or creed.
The Food Pantry is open the third Saturday of every month from 9:30 am to 12:00 noon.
The food pantry is located at:
628 Wesley Dr. Berea, Ohio 44017
If you are in need of food we look forward to seeing you!
In response to an increased number of local families struggling to get by in a tough economy, the People's Community Church Food Pantry was created by the Church so that the world may see that we, as Christians, do care and are willing to become involved when others need help in living testimony to the fact that God, through Christ, is active in the world, to the end that His light may shine ever brighter in our community.
How We Started
In the Fall of 2012, the PCC Food Pantry qualified as a Member Agency of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
One in six Ohioans struggles to put food on the table. We work together to ensure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to have access to the nutrious nutritious food they need.
What We Provide
Assistance available through the People's Community Church Pantry includes lots of fresh produce, meat, non-perishable food items, personal products and other needed items, regardless of race, color or creed.
The Food Pantry is open the third Saturday of every month from 9:30 am to 12:00 noon.
The food pantry is located at:
628 Wesley Dr. Berea, Ohio 44017
If you are in need of food we look forward to seeing you!
Other activities & ministries
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Prayers and Hymns
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People's Community Church Berea Photos
People's Community Church - Berea, Ohio
2016 Christmas Program at People's Community Church
50th Anniversary
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People's Community Church History
CHURCH HISTORY - 1973 - 2017
On February 17, 1973, Pastor Hezekiah Ford and members Carolyn Ford, Booker, and Juanita Collins, Trummie and Ilona Hudson, Leo and Wilma Norris, and Dwight and Winifred West established non-denominational People's Community Church in Berea. The first service was held on March 11, 1973 at the Baldwin Wallace College McKelvey Hall.
People's Community Church was incorporated in 1973. The first Baptism was held on June 3, 1973 for Cheryl L. Sutherland using the pool at Brook Park Community Church. The first Blessings were given to Sirron and Sirree Norris on April 15, 1973. Mrs. Delia Mae Simpson was named the first Mother of the Church in 1973. From February 3, 1974, to August 1989, the Church held its services at the Baldwin Wallace College Lindsay-Crossman Chapel. On March 30, 1975, Rev. Hezekiah Ford resigned after accepting employment in Detroit, Michigan.
On June 29, 1975, the Church unanimously voted to call Reverend Leroy McCreary as its second Pastor. He was installed on August 31, 1975, and has led the Church in its growth and involvement in the community. Rev. Patrick Hunt was installed as Associate Pastor on November 9, 1980. In 1981, People's Community Church joined the International Council of Community Churches(ICCC). Pastor McCreary served as its President from August 2007 to July 2009.
In 1986, an academic scholarship in memory of Leon R. Dozier II was established. In 1988, a Deacon Board was installed. In August 1989, People's Community Church moved to its new home here at 631 North Rocky River Drive. In 1996, the Church purchased an Administrative and Educational Annex.
In 2000, Sister Laura Dozier was named the second Mother of the Church. In March 2000, to continue its outreach to the community, the Church saw a need for an African American Library. Deacon Clyde Albergottie and Sister Marvelle Wilson quickly took on this challenge. They collected hundreds of books, and after sorting through them they placed them in what is now known as the PCC African American Library located upstairs at 628 Wesley Drive, at the Church's Administrative Annex.
The Church has been involved in several significant outreach efforts, including aid to missionaries serving in Haiti and Africa. In addition, with the recommendation by Rev. McCreary the Church approved the establishment of the North End Foundation of Berea which provides summer jobs to Berea youth, an annual science camp for Berea students in grades one through six, a free high-speed Internet service and other community-related programs.
In July 2003, the congregation constructed a new sanctuary. The first service was conducted just a few weeks prior to the dedication that included ICCC conferees here in town for their annual conference. On March 14, 2010 the Reverand Leroy and Elain McCreary Youth Outreach Center at 634 Wesley Drive was dedicated.
In April 2009, People's Community Church joined the Berea community in an awards ceremony in which the Berea Chamber of Commerce and the City of Berea chose Rev. McCreary as its outstanding citizen and presented him its Grindstone Award.
On Sunday, November 27, 2011, the first and only color electronic sign in the City of Berea was dedicated at People's Community Church.
In 2012, People's Community Church met the requirements to qualify as an authorized member agency of the Greater Cleveland Foodbank in Berea.
The year of 2013 was an exciting year for People's Community Church and the members.
The Church celebrated its 40th Anniversary. Members and friends, gathered at the LaCentre Conference and Banquet Facility in Westlake OH with the theme of Helping Outside Our Walls. The Keynote Speaker was Reverend Michael Livingston, the National Public Policy Director, and Director of the District of Columbia Office for Interfaith Worker Justice.
October 3, 2015 was an important day in the life and ministry of the church. Members, friends, citizens, and elected officials gathered at the Crowne Plaza Ballroom in Middleburg Heights to celebrate Pastor McCreary's 40th anniversary. Heeding the call and Keeping the Faith (Isaiah 6:8) was the theme and it included Dr. Julian M. Earls, former Director of the Glenn Research Center as the keynote speaker.
Through the Grace of God, People's Community Church has established itself as an important part of the Christian community and the North End of Berea, and the Church looks forward to many more years of Christian service.
On February 17, 1973, Pastor Hezekiah Ford and members Carolyn Ford, Booker, and Juanita Collins, Trummie and Ilona Hudson, Leo and Wilma Norris, and Dwight and Winifred West established non-denominational People's Community Church in Berea. The first service was held on March 11, 1973 at the Baldwin Wallace College McKelvey Hall.
People's Community Church was incorporated in 1973. The first Baptism was held on June 3, 1973 for Cheryl L. Sutherland using the pool at Brook Park Community Church. The first Blessings were given to Sirron and Sirree Norris on April 15, 1973. Mrs. Delia Mae Simpson was named the first Mother of the Church in 1973. From February 3, 1974, to August 1989, the Church held its services at the Baldwin Wallace College Lindsay-Crossman Chapel. On March 30, 1975, Rev. Hezekiah Ford resigned after accepting employment in Detroit, Michigan.
On June 29, 1975, the Church unanimously voted to call Reverend Leroy McCreary as its second Pastor. He was installed on August 31, 1975, and has led the Church in its growth and involvement in the community. Rev. Patrick Hunt was installed as Associate Pastor on November 9, 1980. In 1981, People's Community Church joined the International Council of Community Churches(ICCC). Pastor McCreary served as its President from August 2007 to July 2009.
In 2000, Sister Laura Dozier was named the second Mother of the Church. In March 2000, to continue its outreach to the community, the Church saw a need for an African American Library. Deacon Clyde Albergottie and Sister Marvelle Wilson quickly took on this challenge. They collected hundreds of books, and after sorting through them they placed them in what is now known as the PCC African American Library located upstairs at 628 Wesley Drive, at the Church's Administrative Annex.
The Church has been involved in several significant outreach efforts, including aid to missionaries serving in Haiti and Africa. In addition, with the recommendation by Rev. McCreary the Church approved the establishment of the North End Foundation of Berea which provides summer jobs to Berea youth, an annual science camp for Berea students in grades one through six, a free high-speed Internet service and other community-related programs.
In April 2009, People's Community Church joined the Berea community in an awards ceremony in which the Berea Chamber of Commerce and the City of Berea chose Rev. McCreary as its outstanding citizen and presented him its Grindstone Award.
On Sunday, November 27, 2011, the first and only color electronic sign in the City of Berea was dedicated at People's Community Church.
In 2012, People's Community Church met the requirements to qualify as an authorized member agency of the Greater Cleveland Foodbank in Berea.
The year of 2013 was an exciting year for People's Community Church and the members.
The Church celebrated its 40th Anniversary. Members and friends, gathered at the LaCentre Conference and Banquet Facility in Westlake OH with the theme of Helping Outside Our Walls. The Keynote Speaker was Reverend Michael Livingston, the National Public Policy Director, and Director of the District of Columbia Office for Interfaith Worker Justice.
Through the Grace of God, People's Community Church has established itself as an important part of the Christian community and the North End of Berea, and the Church looks forward to many more years of Christian service.
People's Community Church Historical Photos
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I want to know Thee
Father, I want to know Thee, but my coward heart fears to give up its toys. I cannot part with them without inward bleeding, and I do not try to hide from Thee the terror of the parting. I come trembling, but I do come. Please root from my heart all those things which I have cherished so long and which have become a very part of my living self, so that Thou mayest enter and dwell there without a rival. Then shalt Thou make the place of Thy feet glorious. Then shall my heart have no need of the sun to shine in it, for Thyself wilt be the light of it, and there shall be no night there. In Jesus Name, Amen.
People's Community Church listing was last updated on the 20th of August, 2023
