Faith in Motion | Eastminster Presbyterian Church

CHURCH INFORMATION

Eastminster Presbyterian Church is part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Presbytery of Lake Erie.

OUR MISSION

Celebrating, sharing and connecting God’s love with our community.

OUR HISTORY

In 1894, we started as a Mission School to serve the eastern part of Erie. The growth drove the creation of Eastminster Presbyterian Church on May 23, 1907. We dedicated a new sanctuary on Lighthouse Street on February 10, 1918 and called it "The Lighthouse Church." Following World War II, the church membership grew to such an extent that we built a new church building in early 1960 and in 1965 erected a Christian Education wing. That is where we continue to worship, learn, and spend fellowship time together now.

OUR VISION

To be a vibrant, welcoming church that demonstrates caring and the love of Christ in our communities.

Matthew 10:40 says, "Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me."
John 21:16 says. "Again Jesus said, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?' He answered, 'Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Take care of my sheep.'"
Ephesians 4:2 says, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
John 3:34 says "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

OUR VALUES

Faithful
By the grace of God, growing our Christian faith based on prayer and biblical truth.

Accepting
Welcoming all with compassion, believing deeply in their goodness.

Relational
Fostering gracious, warm-hearted relationships within our community.

Engaged
From worship to fellowship, from service to mission, acting in generosity.

Diligent
Collaborating with steadfast teamwork to bring God’s love to the world.

OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH

As Christians:

We believe and trust in God the Father whose infinite love created the world good and makes everyone equal in His image to live in community together.
We believe and trust in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, the Word made flesh, our Lord and Redeemer, who came into the world to proclaim God’s good news of redemption, to break the chains of sin, and to deliver us from death to life eternal.
We believe and trust in God’s spirit, the Holy Spirit, who lives within us, guiding and inspiring us in faith in God and Christ, in witness to others, and love for all persons.
We believe and trust in the Church, founded and still headed by Jesus Christ, the communion of saints from every time and place, the forgiveness of sins, the second coming of Christ, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting in the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

As Presbyterians,
We also believe in …

The sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, salvation by grace through faith, and the priesthood of all believers.
The Sacraments of Baptism, for those of any age, and of the Lord’s Supper, for all who come in faith to the Remembrance Table.
The Presbyterian Constitution, including creeds and confessions from the Book of Confessions, and polity from the Book of Order, including its form of government, directory for worship, and rules of discipline.

As the congregation of Eastminster:
We believe in …

Glorifying God through meaningful worship - scripture, prayer, sermon, and music.
Strengthening and growing the mind, body, and soul of those seeking to align their life with Christ.
Providing moral and spiritual instruction that allows Christ to be formed in all people.
Demonstrating the love, compassion, and hospitality of Christ through ministry and service.
Connecting with each other in fellowship and creating a community that inspires, informs, and encourages one another.

With all believers, we are joyful that nothing in life nor in death can separate us from the love of God, in Christ Jesus our Lord. We welcome you to ‘Come and Follow’ Jesus with us!

Our Ministry Team

Henry J Rafferty CP - Pastor

Our Pastor is Henry J. Rafferty. Pastor Rafferty was born in Erie and was raised in Union City, Pa located in southern Erie County. His family was from the Wesleyville and Harborcreek areas and he returned to the eastern side of Erie in 2004. Henry has been in the Landscape and Nursery industry his whole life and is a horticulturist and consultant for his family’s nursery. Henry has been a member of Eastminster since 2006 and was ordained as an Elder in 2007. As an Elder, Henry had served on the Christian education and Worship Committees as well as filling the pulpit when needed. Henry has taught children and adults in Sunday School and led weekly adult Bible Studies. After attending Dubuque Theological Seminary, he was ordained as Pastor to Eastminster by the Lake Erie Presbytery in September of 2020.

Pastor Henry and his wife Barbara have two grown children. They spend their time gardening and love enjoying the simple life together whether at home, with family and friends, or on short trips. Teaching Scripture, proclaiming God’s Word, and bringing people together to experience the wonders and love of the Holy Trinity are his mission in ministry. Pastor Henry welcomes all who want to know and share the Christian experience, whether you are a life-long church goer or have never entered God’s house, you are most welcome. As the old saying goes, ‘the Church is not a museum for saints, but a hospital for sinners.’ Let us all come to be cleansed by the blood of Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, and forgiven, healed, and loved by our Heavenly Father.