Faith Christian Fellowship (FCF) marked its 20th anniversary on November 1. The congregation celebrated with a special service and a festive autumn dinner afterward on Sunday, November 4. 
 Twenty years ago, 28 people met to begin what was then called New Testament Church with Rev. Jack Tucker serving as pastor. In 1988, New Testament Church's name was changed to Faith Christian Fellowship, upon the church's affiliation with FCF, International. FCF, International has a network of 1,158 churches, 16 Bible schools and 24 appointed missionaries in 42 countries around the world. The organization functions as a supportive network for independent ministers and churches.

 Pastor Tucker retired in 1991 and Associate Pastor Pete Darling became the senior pastor. Administrative Pastor Karen Mead currently organizes various ministries within the church and teaches on Wednesday evenings. 

 Pastor "Pete" preaches on practical themes for the believer. He says, "I have a heart for helping people live victoriously through the Bible which is God's guidebook for living. The church's goal is to help change this generation back to the ways of God and reconcile the world to Jesus Christ. Unity and harmony is vital to working together as a church and I emphasize the importance of having compassion and patience toward one another."

 Members say they like the practical Bible teaching at FCF.  "I've grown so much in my Christian walk since I started coming here, whether it's the teaching or through the examples shown by our leaders. I'm a different person," an Owego resident said. 

 Glenn and Kathy Williams, of Apalachin, have been members for six years since they moved from the Washington, D.C. area.  "The people were so friendly to us when we first came that we felt like we already knew everyone," said Kathy. "Several folks assisted us with moving, getting to know the area and having us over to their homes for meals. Through the years, our relationships have grown deeper." 

 The Williams participate in the church's 16-year-old nursing home ministry. Twice a month they help coordinator, Ed Thoman, conduct brief services and serve communion to residents of the Vestal Nursing Center and Riverview Manor in Owego. They also help with FCF's Sunday morning praise and worship and children's ministry. The children's ministry presents puppet skits and object lessons on basic Bible truths. 

 FCF sponsors Contemporary Christian Skate Night at Skate Estate in Vestal, which they host about five times a year. Thirty area churches attend the community-wide event that draws area youth groups.

 Church members meet on a monthly basis (first Wednesdays) in neighborhood homes called "home fellowships" throughout the New York/Pennsylvania area. These small groups foster cohesiveness within the larger body of the church.

 FCF is located on the corner of Pennsylvania Ave. and Beach Road in Apalachin. Services are Sunday at 10 am and Wednesday at 7 pm, which include children's ministries for both services and a youth group on Wednesdays. 

 To find out more about Faith Christian Fellowship or its ministries call the church at 625-2853.