Homecoming Sunday will be celebrated at Honey Brook United Methodist Church (UMC), 4510 Horseshoe Pike (Route 322), Honey Brook, on Oct. 15 during the 10:45 a.m. worship service. All present and past attendees of the church, as well as community members, are welcome to attend.

The service, which is the culminating event of the church's bicentennial celebration, will include music performed by an alumni choir along with a special address by the Rev. Jennifer Freymoyer, the district superintendent of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Also included will be a recognition of long-term members. "We have a number of (congregation members) who have been attending the church for over 60 years," said the Rev. Ray Voran, pastor. "The longest has been (attending the church) for over 70 years. She is 98 years old."

Lunch will follow the service, and a pamphlet providing a brief history of the church will be available for all attendees to take home. The book was created by the church's historical committee.

According to http://www.honeybrookmethodist.org, the current church building, located at the corner of Maple Street and Route 322 in Honey Brook, was built in 1843. Prior to that, the church worshipped in a building several blocks away on Chestnut Street after being originally planted through the efforts of a Methodist circuit rider. At that time, the church was known as Honey Brook Methodist Episcopal Church before it became a member of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church.

"We are very happy to have been able to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel and to serve the community of Honey Brook since 1823," Voran stated.

The church began the celebration of its bicentennial with a Peach Festival held this past summer. On Harmony Day, Sept. 16, a historical display was on exhibit at the church, which also offered yard sales, free snacks, a kids' art show, face painting and a performance by guitarist Paul Columbo. On Sept. 24, there was an afternoon of special music featuring selections on the church's pipe organ and piano along with congregational hymns and additional special music.

The church holds a traditional Sunday worship service at 10:15 a.m. Services are also livestreamed on Facebook. Sunday school for people of all ages is held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. A Bible study is held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 2:30 p.m. Since Voran also serves as the pastor of New Holland UMC, the churches frequently partner for activities such as combined worship services.

For additional information about the church, visit the previously mentioned website or search for "Honey Brook UMC" on Facebook.