Middle Valley Church of God will host a Celebration of Community Ministry on Sunday, Oct. 29. This celebration will honor 60 years of community ministry which began at the current site on Nov. 1, 1946.

L.W. Ledbetter led the way to organize Middle Valley Church of God with some 17 members. One charter member, Ruth Underwood Porter, survives today with multiple memories of the early days of the church. After organizing the church, Mr. Ledbetter worked with the congregation to construct its first church at a cost of $12,000 with the first service being held on July 12, 1947.

Nineteen pastors have served the Middle Valley congregation. Senior Pastor Mitch McClure was appointed in 1997 and continues to lead the church in community ministry. Under Pastor McClure's leadership, all church facilities have been remodeled with no debt remaining. This project was accomplished with great cooperation from the congregation.

With an emphasis on community ministry, Middle Valley Church of God partners with Memorial North Park Hospital, Ganns Middle Valley School, Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire and Rescue, the Hamilton County Election Commission, and Angel Food Ministries. Various other partnerships exist that allow the church to reach many areas of the community. These include working with Legacy Funeral Services to provide a grief support group for the community, Operation Christmas Child to help needy children around the world, South Pittsburg Police Department to help with chaplaincy issues, Smoky Mountain Children's Home to assist financially, and Church of God World Missions. In addition to working with these groups, the church cooperates with Cross of Calvary Assembly of God and Middle Valley United Methodist in community worship services. Middle Valley Church of God has emphasized reaching the community.

The special service to be held on Oct. 29 will include Tennessee State Representative Bo Watson and Hamilton County Commissioner Jim Coppinger. Tennessee Church of God Administrative Bishop David Griffis will be the special speaker for the 10:30 a.m. service. The Women's Ministry of the church is providing a meal following the service in the church Family Life Center. A special commemorative gift will be presented to all in attendance that day.

The community is invited to participate in this special service. For additional information, please contact Pastor McClure at (423) 843-1539.