Elizabethtown townlively.com
JUNE 4, 2025
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXVI • NO 17
Celebrating 250 Years of Faith and Community BY CAT SHANNON
Before the Revolutionary War, when the United States had not yet formed, a small church began in Elizabethtown. The earliest members met in homes, and the first deed was delivered to the church in 1775. Now, 250 years later, Rissers Mennonite Church will mark its milestone anniversar y with a celebration on Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and 15. “God has been faithful in sustaining the church all these years, and we celebrate His goodness,”
said Arlene Heistand, a member of the celebration planning committee. “Families have come and gone over the years, but the congregation is still here, vibrant and alive, and continues to love and serve God.” The celebration will take place at the church, 8360 Elizabethtown Road, Elizabethtown. The weekend will kick off with a bus tour of local historical sites, with stories and facts along the way presented by Lloyd M. Weiler, director of Muddy Run Library, a Mennonite research library and archives located in Ephrata. See 250 Years pg 3
Participants in the dog fashion show at a previous year’s Strawberry Social
Get Ready for a Berry Fun Time BY CAT SHANNON
“The Strawberry Social has grown to be one of E-town’s biggest local events.” invited to spend an afternoon at E-town’s beautiful park enjoying a community picnic.” The festivities will include live entertainment, food trucks, a maker’s market, free bounce
houses for kids to explore, free activities and games, prizes, a dog fashion show and lots more. A Strawberry Princess will be crowned, and a variety of games will be available for a nominal charge, with the proceeds benefiting local organizations and a prize guaranteed for all players. Ross Productions will serve as DJ. A pie and cupcake eating contest sponsored by Myers Advantage Realty will also be part of the celebration. A dditional activ ities w ill include face painting by donation, free strawberry ice cream by Figments in Sprinkles, a free strawberry candy buffet by the Candy Unicornium, free chocolate-covered strawberries from Mars Wrigley and Masonic Village
A Bridge Connecting People to Jesus BY CAT SHANNON
People looking for fellowship and opportunities to grow in faith are invited to check out The Bridge Church, now open at 149 Race St., Bainbridge. “Our tagline is ‘Meet Me at The Bridge,’” said Jim Bush, who serves as pastor with his wife, Michelle. “With our move to Bainbridge, we wanted to affirm our commitment to reaching the community. Just like Jesus is the bridge between man and
God, we want to be the bridge between our community and Jesus.” The Bridge Church may be new, but it has a strong foundation. “We were a church plant of Activ8 Lancaster Church, now Legacy Church,” said Jim, who noted that the local branch was originally called Activ8 Etown Church. “We are a part of the In the Light Fellowship, which started in Lancaster and now has nearly 30 churches throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey,
See Berry pg 4
See Bridge pg 2
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“I
f you’re looking for smalltown vibes and activities in a big-fair environment with a balance of lots to do in a chill and laid-back setting, this event is a must-do,” said Tony Gibble of LIV-Etown, describing the organization’s Strawberry Social. “This year it’s on Father’s Day, and it will be the perfect way to spend a day with Dad or spend a day in remembrance.” The fifth annual Strawberry Social: A Picnic in the Park will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, at Elizabethtown Borough Community Park, located at 201 S. Mount Joy St. “The Strawberry Social has grown to be one of E-town’s
biggest local events,” said Clint Gibble of LIV-Etown. “It’s a free community event where our guests are encouraged to wear as much red and strawberry-themed clothes as they can and are
A service at Rissers Mennonite Church
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