“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8, NIV)

Pastor Wayne Good
Lead Pastor

Email: pastorwayne@tcp.church

In 2005, Wayne answered the Call to fulltime ministry as pastor of the Newville First Church of God.  In the previous year’s Wayne worked in secular employment and was actively involved in various ministries at other local Churches of God.  Wayne is blessed to have Elaine, not only as his wife, but as a partner in ministry.  They both invest much of their life into the ministry of the church and to their passion for strong and healthy marriages.  Wayne and Elaine are blessed with two wonderful children Emily and Rylan, son-in-law Pastor Brian Ramsey, and two of the “greatest grandchildren” anyone could ever have!!!

Pastor Wayne and Elaine said they feel so blessed to be a part of the amazing things God is doing at The Connection Place and looking forward to many more years serving the Lord and His church.  

Kathy Hewitt

Director of Children’s Ministry

Email: kathy@tcp.church

We are delighted to have Kathy Hewitt as our Director of Children’s Ministry at Newville First Church of God. Kathy and her husband, Brian, are blessed with four children, and family has always been central to her calling.

Kathy brings a lifetime of experience and joy to children’s ministry. Since graduating from high school (the exact year will remain a mystery, she laughs), she has dedicated herself to nurturing young hearts and minds in countless ways. Her journey has included:

Children’s evangelism and camp speaking

Preschool teaching

Serving as a Children’s Pastor and, at one point, a Youth Pastor

Volunteering in special needs ministry

Managing the Blue Mountain Roller Skating Rink

Performing as a professional clown, spreading laughter to kids of all ages

And of course, raising her own four children

Kathy’s passion for children shines through everything she does. She is excited to bring her creativity, energy, and deep love for kids to the families of Newville First Church of God. Her vision is to build a ministry where every child feels loved, valued, and encouraged in their faith journey.

Niki Miller

Director of Youth Ministry

Email: niki@tcp.church

We are thrilled to welcome Niki Miller, her husband Mike, and their five sons to the Newville First Church of God family. Niki serves as our Director of Youth Ministries, and we couldn’t be more excited about the energy and vision she brings to this role.

With over 15 years of experience in youth ministry, Niki has dedicated her life to guiding young people in their faith journeys. Her vibrant personality and creative spirit are sure to inspire and energize our youth, helping them grow in both faith and community.

Niki’s passion for discipleship and her innovative approach to ministry make her a wonderful addition to our church. She is committed to creating a space where young people feel valued, encouraged, and equipped to live out their faith with confidence and joy.

We look forward to seeing how God will use Niki’s gifts to bless our youth and strengthen the future of our church family.

Pastor Dick Reese
Director Of Visitation

Email: pastordick@tcp.church

In 1985, Pastor Dick and Sharon went into ministry at Sheaffers Valley Church of God (COG) as part time pastor. In 1987, it became full time ministry with the Little Germany COG church being added. In 1990, they moved to the Mt Holly Springs COG and remained there until retirement in 2018. For the last three years at Mt Holly (2015-2018), Pastor Dick mentored Pastor Dan Murray and his wife Christiana to take over the pastoral ministry at the Mt. Holly church. Not wanting to fully retire from ministry, Pastor Dick came on staff at Newville COG as part-time Director of Visitation in May 2018. He and Sharon have been a blessing to so many people through their visitation ministry. This is what he has to say about being a part of the ministry staff at Newville.

“Being able to do visitation for Newville is a dream retirement. Attending and helping at the church, we have met so many wonderful folks through the Newville ministries and at the same time, provide visitation help for Pastor Wayne. For the love and visitation help we have been able to provide, we have received many times more blessings in return. What a joy to serve loving people. Our desire is to provide care in whatever situation and share the salvation plan when the door is opened. God is good…all the time.”

Pastor Kathryn Griffith
Women’s Care Ministry

Email: pastorkathryn@tcp.church

Kathryn grew up on a farm in the Middlesex area. She met and married her Newville native sweetheart, Andrew in Findlay, Ohio where they both graduated from college/seminary. They have two kids, Nadia and Rhys, and a sweet pup named Lucy.

Kathryn is the Director of the Women’s Care Ministry. She will provide emotional, spiritual and prayer support for ladies. Her desire is to come along side women to be an encouragement, to provide emotional support, to listen, to seek wisdom from God’s Word, and to pray with them. Her passion is to see people set free through the love and ministry of Jesus Christ.

She finds God’s encouragement in the book of Isaiah 61:1.

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound

In her spare time she enjoys a variety of needlecrafts, singing and making messes in the kitchen!

Logan Zahora

Worship Leader

Email: logan@tcp.church

We are excited to celebrate Logan Zahora as our Worship Leader at Newville First Church of God! Logan and his wife, Makayla, recently marked their first wedding anniversary on September 21, and they make their home in Shippensburg. Logan is employed at SHIPCO, while Makayla serves as a third-grade teacher at Cumberland Valley Christian School.

Logan brings a wealth of experience and passion to his ministry. He previously served as Worship Leader at Yocumtown Church of God for six years, assisted in leading worship at Messiah College, and has participated in numerous worship nights across other churches. Gifted in both guitar and keyboard, Logan has a deep desire to lead people into the presence of God through worship.

Together, Logan and Makayla share a heart for Jesus, for worship, and for ministering to youth. They are actively involved in serving at Camp YoliJwa, where they joyfully contribute in various ministry roles.

We are grateful for the energy, talent, and devotion Logan brings to our church family, and we look forward to how God will continue to use him to inspire and lead us in worship.

Mona Holtry
Administrative Assistant

Email: office@tcp.church

Mona joined the office staff in September 2020.  Mona officially retired in March 2020 after 45 years of federal/state jobs.  Her retirement was short lived.  She decided she would like to help work in the church office.  She hopes to help the congregation, groups, and various committees as they continue to reconnect and work on their outreach ministries to the community during this very different time.

God has blessed Mona and her husband Jeff, with a daughter, a son, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, 3 granddaughters, 1 grandson, 2 great-grandsons and 1 great-granddaughter. She prays that she can let her light shine and be a witness to her family and that each of them will come to know Jesus as their personal savior and have a relationship with him.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13