PURPOSE

Come together to worship God, to give thanks for His unending love for us shown in Jesus Christ, and to reach out to love our neighbors.

ABOUT US

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Christ centered, making Christianity a way of life, not just weekly “ticket punching”. Serve witness to the presence of God in our communities. No political agendas, nor new age redefinitions of Christianity.

Although not a large membership church, Poke Run is involved in several outreaches, community service and missionary work endeavors. Become actively involved to the extent you desire and have a voice in all church matters.

Poke Run has been a faith community since before George Washington became our first President. You are welcome to join us in our third century of Christian fellowship.

Our worship services encompass the full range of biblical readings, pastoral teaching of God’s Word, prayer, music and communion.

Children are enthusiastically welcome to worship services and Sunday school education.

LEADERSHIP

Session (Elders) – Leaders elected & ordained by the congregation to provide direction, oversight and pastoral care to the Poke Run community.

 

Deacons - Elected & ordained by the congregation to lovingly serve Poke Run members and the at-large communities.

 

Trustees - Elected by the congregation to serve as a “Board of Directors”. They lead and direct the Poke Run congregation to be good stewards of God’s gifts.

pastlor pete

PETE GOETSCHIUS

Pastor

Reverend Pete Goetschius (Pastor Pete) was ordained as a Presbyterian USA Minister in September, 2002; accepting the call to Poke Run in October that same year. Pastor Pete’s life experiences have thoroughly prepared him for the mission of teaching and leading at Poke Run.

Pete graduated from High School in Cumberland, Maryland; he enlisted in the Air Force and served his country for 7 years; 2 of them in Vietnam. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He then worked in industry, mostly with Hercules Inc. During this time, he earned a BS degree in Mathematics and felt the calling and found the opportunity to serve as a lay Pastor at two Presbyterian churches for about 11 years. Pete’s family background is rich in preaching and teaching.

Pete met his wife Karen in High School. They have two daughters, a son, and an extended family that includes grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Pastor Pete believes in strengthening his mind and body. He routinely exercises at home and as a member of Tantrum Fitness, also participating annually in the CrossFit Open. Pastor Pete is an insatiable reader, primarily religious books with an emphasis on the Holy Bible; but he also strives to be current with the world because he recognizes the importance of understanding the what’s and why’s of modern culture and the world’s response.

Poke Run is formed on the foundation that the Bible is God’s truth, and Pastor Pete emphasizes preaching Biblical messages, focusing on explaining, not changing the message in today’s language and cultural contexts.

linda headshot

LINDA MOORHEAD

Service Musician

Linda Moorhead is the 8:30 service musician. Linda, her husband Jim, and their son Michael are lifetime members of the Washington Township community.

Linda started playing music at the age of 5. She was part of a gospel band that included her younger sister, and several local friends. Linda’s dad would pack up the band, and take off to visit churches and nursing homes across Pennsylvania and West Virginia, praising God thru music. Linda plays a blended service of traditional hymns, contemporary Christian music, and a little bit of that old Southern Gospel that she grew up with.
 
Linda knows the Lord has blessed her with the gift of music and it is her lifetime goal to share that gift.
Amy Wilkinson

AMY WILKINSON

Secretary & Treasurer
Amy Wilkinson is the Poke Run Secretary and Treasurer. Amy and her husband David live in the Washington Township community. They have raised their three children at Poke Run Church; and although they are now making their own way in the world, you will see them still attending and volunteering at Poke Run.
 
Amy reports that the greatest joy of serving in the Poke Run office is being able to know and support EVERYONE Poke Run and to welcome and introduce people from the community to EVERYTHING Poke Run. Your phone calls and emails to the Poke Run office are always welcome and Amy is happy to help you however she can.