Blue Mountain Community Church, located at 25 Oak, Palmerton, celebrated its 45th anniversary on Sunday with a service and luncheon.

The theme of the occasion, as described by Pastor Jen Eckhart, is “Love and Longevity.”

Founders Rick and Nancy Collins, who established the church on Jan. 4, 1981, were celebrated.

The anniversary service began with praise music led by Pastor Jen Eckhart.

Singing with Pastor Jen to rejoice were church members Zane Himmelwright, Amy Dixon, and Lisa Snell Kern. Also highlighted was the 50th wedding anniversary of the founders, Pastor Rick and Nancy Collins, which was shared on this day.

The service included a panel with The Rev. Clifford Eckhart and his wife Jen., along with founders Rick and Nancy Collins. They spoke about marriage.

Rick Collins reflected on a significant moment. He recalled, “God spoke to me and said He wanted me to start a church in this area. I hesitated, saying, ‘No way, I’m dumb at the church.’ But eventually, I agreed, knowing that it wasn’t just about me; it was about what God wanted.”

After a catered luncheon people were invited to speak on the microphone about the effect this church had on them.

Several members of the congregation at Palmerton’s Blue Mountain Church express a profound sense of healing and spiritual connection.

Longtime members and new ones alike shared personal testimonies of transformative experiences that highlight the church’s supportive environment.

Others reflect on the challenges of their lives, including financial struggles, but convey a deep faith that God will provide in times of need. A member detailed how unexpected financial support arrived just in time for a trip to a Promise Keepers event, emphasizing a strong belief in divine intervention.

Overall, the testimonies reveal that congregants appreciate the sense of community, the guidance they receive, and the tangible support that helps them navigate their spiritual journeys. They see the church as a place where faith is actively lived out, fostering hope and connection among its members.

In response to asking about the Church, Bob Woolf responded, “This church helped me in a lot of ways,” he emotionally continued, “This church gave me a sense of family that I didn’t have a long time.”

Another congregant, Sarah Joy Nixon, said, “This is the only church that I found after I came home from the Army that made me feel welcomed. It felt like home.”

Currently, the church has about 400 members in attendance across two Sunday services at 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. Jen Eckhart noted that the earlier service is livestreamed on the church’s website, www.bmcc.cc, and their Facebook page.

As Blue Mountain Community Church celebrates its 45-year legacy, it continues to inspire and welcome individuals seeking connection, support, and spiritual growth within the community.

Fifteen years after turning over the reigns to the Eckharts, the Collins continue to serve their community, fostering a place where faith can thrive. Their story is a testament to the power of belief, resilience, and the importance of shared purpose in a marriage.

The church has seen significant growth, with nearly 1,000 attendees at their recent Christmas Eve service held at Penn’s Peak. “We’re seeing a lot of young people coming to church and getting involved, kind of solidifying their relationship with Jesus,” Jen Eckhart said.

Numerous programs are available to engage the community, including “Elevate,” a Wednesday night service for teenagers in grades 7-12, which draws about 30 attendees, and “Celebrate Recovery,” a Tuesday night service that attracts around 80 individuals seeking support for personal struggles. Pastor Jen Eckhart expressed the church’s mission, “Our mission is to help today’s generation come to know, love, and serve Jesus. We’re not looking for people to switch churches, we’re looking for people who don’t have any relationship with God, or who have never been to a church before.”

The sermons focus on biblical teachings about God’s love and the transformative relationship with Christ.

The church’s tagline is: “Blue Mountain Community Church, Welcome Home.”