LEAD PASTOR: Ray Stark

484-201-7368

>> EMAIL RAY <<
 
My family moved to the Lehigh Valley in June 2004.  Previously, I began Northridge Community Church (a Church of the Nazarene) in Charlottesville, Virginia.  After serving as that churches first pastor for over 8 years, I began to sense God's call to move to Allentown, Pennsylvania, where I currently serve as the Lead Pastor. My best friend and wife, Beth, is a 3rd grade school teacher in the Northwestern Lehigh School District.  We have two wonderful sons, Justin and Jeremy, and one cat, Alesha.

BIRTHDAY:  July 4th

FAMILY MEMBERS:  Beth, Justin, and Jeremy

EDUCATION:  Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary ('91), Bachelor of Arts from Mount Vernon Nazarene University ('87), and a graduate of Greenville High School ('83).

SPIRITUAL GIFTS:  Preaching, Teaching, and Administration

INTERESTS & FAVORITES: 

    Places: Anywhere with a beach, sunny skies, and warm water

    What's on your iPod/What Your Favorite Music or Groups: Willet, Casting Crowns, ANY contemporary Christian music 

    Books: Bible, church growth, theology

    Food: Pizza, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Sushi - pretty much anything

    Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (low fat) with lots of hot fudge

    Sport Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers

    Movies: Fireproof, The Blind Side, anything with Chuck Norris in it

    Hobbies: Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jui Jitsu, golf, music, and computers

    Dislikes: Waiting in line at the bank and getting stuck behind slow drivers

    Odd Facts: I've known my wife since I was 4 years old

    Quote:  "There is no such thing as evolution.  There are only the animals that Chuck Norris allows to live."

    Life Scripture: Jesus - "I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."  Mt. 16:18b (NIV)

SECRETARY TO THE PASTORS:  Miriam Sterner

610-434-1380

>> EMAIL MIRIAM<<

I was born and lived my whole life in Allentown. I have always done some type of office work.  Worked for an advertising agency in the bookkeeping department, Allentown Hilton Hotel in Sales & Catering office, then came to the Allentown Church as secretary a short time before Pastor Ray came as Pastor.  I’ve been a member of the church for a little more than 20 years.  Since my teen years I love working with the children.

 

BIRTHDAY:  May 13

 

FAMILY MEMBERS:  Have 3 daughters & 5 grandkids & 1 in heaven.

 

EDUCATION:  Graduated William Allen High School & Allentown Business School

 

SPIRITUAL GIFTS:  mercy, caregiver, teaching

  

INTERESTS & FAVORITES:

 

Places:   Waldheim Park and Texas to visit my sister, nieces, nephew.

 

What's on your iPod/What Your Favorite Music or Groups:  I like a variety of music styles.  Inspired by Dotti Rambo                

 

Books: read Christian books, health books

 

Food:  Italian and, of course, chocolate

 

Ice Cream Flavor:  Pumpkin and Chocolate/Peanut Butter

 

Sport Teams:  Eagles

 

Movies:  Biographies, Bible characters, Romance/comedy

 

Hobbies:  Playing with the grandkids

 

Life Scripture:  Phil 4:13 & Rom 8:28.  Old favorites but in the many changes & new experiences through life I lean upon being able to do all things with Christ’s help.  Through problems I learned that all things do work out for good even though we don’t see it right away.