On July 1, Manuel Paz Cruz began serving as the pastor for both Boehm's Church in Willow Street and Colemanville United Methodist Church in Conestoga. As a pastor who has served the United Methodist Church for more than three decades, Cruz plans to use his years of experience to revitalize each church's ministries and to unite both congregations.

In 1990, Cruz was drawn to the ministry while working at a church in the Philippines, his home country. He attended Union Theological Seminary there and led local churches for more than 10 years before deciding to move to the United States. Cruz attended Drew University in New Jersey for advanced theological studies, and he spent the last 11 years simultaneously leading two churches in New Jersey.

Once again serving as a pastor for two separate churches, Cruz said he has received a warm welcome from congregants of Boehm's and Colemanville alike. "I am really blessed to be serving two wonderful congregations," Cruz added. "They have both been very welcoming and full of inspiration, and (church members) have shared with me that they are ready to grow the church."

Although Boehm's and Colemanville now have a common bond through Cruz, each church possesses its own unique characteristics. Colemanville has a larger congregation that remains highly active, and Boehm's offers a more intimate setting to worship on its church grounds, which include the original historic chapel that was built in 1791. Cruz currently leads the worship service at each church every Sunday, but he plans to hold joint services in the future for holidays and special events. "The two churches are now like sister churches, and they are committed to helping each other," Cruz said.

Despite Cruz's new role being in an area that he has never served in before, he said his priorities remain the same. Cruz plans to promote church growth through inspiring worship services and making new disciples, and he hopes to grow the small group ministries and community outreach efforts in both churches. Since becoming the pastor at Boehm's, Cruz has started to revive activities such as Bible studies, Sunday school and regular prayer meetings.

Boehm's Church will hold a fall festival on Saturday, Oct. 14, at its campus, located at 13 W. Boehms Road, Willow Street. The festival will incorporate the historic chapel, and it will feature multiple vendors, refreshments, live music and family activities. Cruz will operate a prayer booth during the festival.

For more information, call the Boehm's Church office at 717-464-4885.