Mt. Airy: God Speaks Through The Members of Woodcrest

The Woodcrest United Church of Christ stands out.

It is a religious institution that has been in existence since 1940. Located in the East Mount Airy section of Philadelphia, Woodcrest shows no signs of leaving the community any time soon.

The seventy-year-old institution is a small division of the United Church of Christ, a denomination and national organization that embraces individuals from all walks of life. Along with Woodcrest, the United Church of Christ is responsible for 5,600 other ministries that exist across the country.

With a tagline which reads: “God is still speaking”, Woodcrest’s overall message is simple --- use the power of ministry and praise to reach out to the community.

“We represent Christ in the world. We are his hands, and his fleet to go out. We should be compassionate and love one another,” Patricia Sampson, Committee Member of the Outreach Program at Woodcrest said.

As long time member of the congregation, Sampson wears several hats at Woodcrest. Not only does Sampson serve on the committee of the Outreach Program, but she is also a Sunday Schoolteacher, and is involved with the church’s Youth Praise Dance team. No matter the years and the number of roles she hold at the church, Sampson feels true service begins with members actually leaving the church’s grounds to bring in local residents. God expects this much of his people, Sampson believes.

“So, we should be active in our communities, not just behind walls, or in stone buildings. But, we have to reach out--- just like Christ did.”

Group 27: Teresa Nicole Hatch