New Life Community Church Pastors Paul and Trudy Jewell will hold their final service on Sunday, April 30 at 10:30 a.m. in Riverbank. They will be retiring to spend time with family and embark on a new journey.
“We have completed the work that God has called us to do,” said Trudy. “We have preached the Word faithfully in season and out of season. After serving 16 years in Riverbank, it is time for another pastoral team to carry on the work of Jesus Christ in Riverbank.”
The couple began co-pastoring in Riverbank in August 2007 at the New Life Church located at the time on Stanislaus Street. They relocated in 2015 to 6443 Estelle Avenue after the Nazarene denomination purchased the new location. After they completed a course through the Church of Nazarene, the couple was ordained on the same day in 2013.
“We are retiring also because we desire to spend more time with our children and grandchildren,” expressed Trudy. “We would also like to travel and see family and friends who live in other areas of the country.”
Although they do not have any plans set in stone, Trudy shared that they have been invited to present a marriage retreat for a Nazarene church in their district and may partner with the Nazarene church for missions.
“We will continue to do the work of an evangelist,” added Trudy. “Which is what our ordination calls us to do. We will continue to share the Good News about what Jesus has done for us as the opportunity presents itself.”
Trudy noted that the church has been in existence since 1940 and it will continue providing the community services in Riverbank with an interim pastor until the local board and district leadership find a permanent pastor or pastoral team.
She said, “It will continue to be a place where people can worship and hear holiness preaching in a loving and friendly environment.”
They serve a congregation of about 40 to 45 and at their recent Easter service, there were over 100 people in attendance. Trudy explained that the membership has increased since they began pastoring in Riverbank with regular attendees and new guests each week.
“We will miss the people at New Life who have become our dear friends over the years,” remarked Trudy. “We will miss preaching, praying with people, baptizing new believers in the faith and times of fellowship and worship. We will miss teaching the Word of God to hungry hearts and leading people to the Lord. Although, we will always be open to the Lord’s leading in our daily life.”
There are several highlights that the couple shared of their time pastoring in Riverbank like Vacation Bible School, backpack giveaways, Christmas caroling for the seniors during senior brunch at the city’s Community Center, participating in the Christmas parade, and toy giveaways.
“We have enjoyed our time in Riverbank and have made many friends in the community,” stated Trudy. “We share many memories in service to our community. We want to say “Thank you” to the people of Riverbank for allowing us to be a part of this community. It is our hope that those that we have loved and ministered to will continue to grow in their faith and faithfulness to God and His church on earth.”
