College Hill Mennonite Church (“CHMC”) was founded in the early 1920s by missionaries Charles and Anna Byer from Lancaster Mennonite Conference. They were later joined by Helen and Norman Gochnauer.
CHMC was one of three churches the missionaries planted in Tampa, Florida. The mission was to provide care for the neighborhood’s drastically underserved community. Thus, CHMC has a rich history of community outreach and activism; generating vacation bible schools, and programs like “Let’s Talk College” and the weekly Food Pantry.
In the early days, CHMC held service under the large oak tree that remains on church grounds today. On December 7, 1956, under the leadership of Rev. Alvin Weaver, CHMC held it’s first “in building” service at 3506 Machado Street, Tampa, Florida.
During the 80s, and led by Pastor John Moore, CHMC shifted focus toward building a solid foundation and community of believers. That vision continued when, in 1985, Pastor Roy Williams became pastor. Pastor Williams served CHMC and the Tampa Community for thirty-eight (38) years. “The Perfecting of Saints for Ministry” was embedded in his vision for CHMC and exemplified throughout his years of service.
Today, College Hill Mennonite Church is led by his daughter, Pastor Sherilee J. Samuel. Under Pastor Sheri’s leadership, CHMC continues to strive toward the goal of loving others, serving others, and pointing them to Jesus – all while being “Rooted and Grounded in the Love of Christ.”
Our Vision:
Being Rooted and Grounded in the Love of Christ for the Perfecting of Saints for Ministry
What We Believe
How To Learn More About God:
The best place to learn about God is by reading the Bible, which is also called “the Word”. In the beginning there was the Word [the Word already existed; the Word refers to Christ, God’s revelation of himself]. The Word was with [in the presence of; in intimate relationship with] God [the Father], and the Word was [fully] God. (John 1:1 / Expanded Bible).
The Bible is separated into the New Testament and the Old Testament. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right. (2nd Timothy 3:16 /Expanded Bible). But for many people, the New Testament is the easiest place to start learning and understanding about the nature of God and about His son, Jesus.
About Salvation:
All of us have sinned. (Romans 3:23). But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us [you]. (Romans 5:8 / New International Version)
And there’s nothing that can separate us from that love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31-39 / New Living Translation) If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, God is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness. (1st John 1:9 / Amplified Bible).
Therefore, “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe with your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9).
About Christian Life:
Jesus, while on Earth gave us two commandments, and declared that all other commandments hang on these – that is, “[y]ou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” And the second was “you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-40, NKJV). Therefore, Jesus called us to love God and to love each other as we love ourselves. Our lives should exemplify that love. This means that we should serve our community; we should strive to encourage and uplift those around us, and steward well, those who have been entrusted to our care.
Moreover, the Christian life is set apart. God calls His followers to be “in the world, but not of the world,” (John 17: 11, 14,-15); that is, we are to influence and encourage the world around us, but not to succumb to the ways and ideas of the world. We are to walk in God’s purpose for our lives and love others. Romans 12:2 shows us that we live in the will of God when we renew our minds to think like Him to accept His will for our lives.
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References:
Janis D. Froelich, Tim Bugansky, The Mennonites of College Hill, Tampa Tribune, June 4, 1998.
Mosaic Mennonite Conference, https://mosaicmennonites.org/2020/10/27/congregational-profile-college-hill-mennonite-church/ (last visited April 6, 2023).
