Welcome to Otterbein United Methodist Church

549 N. Queen Street, Martinsburg, WV 25404

304-263-0342 

Rev. Dr. Patricia Sebring, Pastor


March 15, 2020

 

 

 

Church Closure Through April 1 due to Coronavirus Pandemic

 

With the declaration of a national emergency and closure of all schools in our state, we are keenly aware of the impact of the coronavirus.   To protect the health of as many as possible, we are cancelling all events as of Monday, March 16 at least through April 1 and closing the church.

No in person meetings of our committees, inside or outside groups, or classes will take place during this temporary closure.  We can use modern telecommunications and media to stay in touch including teleconferencing and on-line meetings.

In lieu of in-person worship, you can call in on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. for an abbreviated audio only worship experience in which I will include scripture, sermon, and prayer.  To access this worship service from any phone dial (712) 775-7031 and then enter the access code 552610279. 

All employees who can work from home will do so as we plan for Holy Week and Easter (provided the status of the virus has mitigated so that we can gather safely to celebrate those occasions).  While we are working from home, we will be checking our e-mails regularly.  Our Church Administrator, Donna Hall, will be checking the telephone answering machine several times a day Monday through Friday.  You can always reach me, your pastor on my cell phone at 1-443-510-3308.  Note that for Sylvia and John who cannot work from home, we intend to pay them for their normal hours through this period.

Please remember that during this temporary closure, not only our payroll, but most of our utilities and other expenses do continue.  Mailing your offering or sending your gift through electronic banking will ensure that our church is able to continue its ministry amidst and after this crisis. 

Let us pray for our world and the end of the pandemic and may we all do our part to reduce the potential for spreading this disease by practicing social distancing and exercising due caution.

If you have any questions, please contact me on my cell phone, 443-510-3308.

Blessings for safety and health of you and yours,

 

 

Pastor Patricia


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Sunday Morning Schedule:

Sunday School at 9:30a.m.

B. L. E. N. D. Worship Service at 11:00a.m.



We are very concerned about safety, and during weekdays will follow the lead of the Berkeley County Schools regarding delays and closures.
On weekends, please check the church answering machine or Facebook to determine if weather has induced schedule changes or closures.



   
 


Come Worship with Us




 

                                               Check o
ut the Women's Ministry tab for the 2020 schedule.




  




    Otterbein United Methodist Church in Martinsburg dates from 1867 when the United Brethren Society built "Otterbein Chapel" which is located on Pennsylvania Avenue at the northeast corner of the church parking lot. This building is now the Martinsburg Apostolic Church. In 1946, the church became known as Martinsburg First Evangelical United Brethren Church. In 1968, with the merger of the Evangelical United Brethren and the Methodist Church, the name was changed to Otterbein United Methodist Church.

     The present Otterbein building was completed in 1912, and is a brick, Roman Gothic design. A bell tower extends from the southwest corner of the building and contains an 1835 pound church bell which is rung each Sunday morning. The educational building was built in 1951.

    Otterbein's sanctuary holds about 550 people on two levels. Originally, the balconies were used for Sunday School classes, the pastor's study was to the right of the pulpit, and other classes were located in a large basement. The sanctuary was renovated in 1980 and a small chapel was created behind the east wall. Other improvements were made in 1989.

    The stained glass windows were created by the Pittsburgh Art Glass Co. and are original to the 1912 building. The rose window over the pulpit was a gift of the Ladies Aid Society of the church. The west balcony window of the Good Shepherd was a gift of the Sewing Circle. The south balcony window of the Blessing Savior was given by the Young People's Christian Endeavor Society.

     Otterbein's Organ was originally crafted by the Moller Organ Co. of Hagerstown, MD in 1922. It was rebuilt in 1980 and upgraded from 9 to 13 ranks. There are a total of 812 pipes, ranging in size from 5/8" to 16'. The two manual consoles control three divisions - Great Organ, Swell Organ, and Pedal Organ - with 13 adjustable combination pistons and a full complement of couplers.

     Otterbein's congregation comes from throughout the Berkeley-Jefferson County area and is a mix of young families and long-time members. We are an active, friendly congregation with many programs for all ages.

              


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