About EPC of Milford

History

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Milford began as a Sunday School and Bible study outreach to logging families in the newly-settled town of Milford, holding its first formal service of Worship several years later on September 25, 1825 as a congregation of the United Presbyterian Church of America (now the Evangelical Presbyterian Church). Almost two centuries later, the congregation continues to be at the heart of Christ’s ministry to Milford’s children, teens, and area families with a vital Sunday School, active Youth ministry, and a variety of opportunities for young adults, parents, and seniors all to become more like Christ, serve Christ, and even suffer for Christ’s sake (if need be) as we seek the Kingdom of Heaven together. Let this be our invitation to you to join us in living life to the full, as we follow Jesus proclaiming the Kingdom of God.  

    What We Believe

We believe the Bible – the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments – to be uniquely and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme and final authority on all matters about which it speaks.

We believe in one God Who has revealed Himself in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God Holy Spirit.

We believe God the Son became fully-human through His miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and His virgin birth. True God became true man united in the Person of Christ Jesus of Nazareth forever. Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. After three days, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended to Heaven, where He now prays for us.

We believe God the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ and applies Christ’s saving death to our hearts. He convicts us of sin and draws us to Jesus. Indwelling our hearts, He gives us new life, instructs and guides us into all truth, and empowers us with gifts for service.

We believe our salvation is wholly dependent upon the work of God’s free grace. God welcomes us into intimate friendship with Himself and those who put their faith in Christ, declaring them righteous and innocent of sin, and making them children of God and heirs of eternal life.

Some of Our Leadership

Pastor Ben Willis – Pastor Ben was working in the new house construction business, doing old house renovation on the side, when the Lord called him to shepherd His people. He has led and served First Presbyterian Church – now Evangelical Presbyterian Church – since graduating from seminary in 1996. Pastor Ben and his wife, Amy, were married in 1990, and all three of their children – Noah, Eden, and Caleb – were born here in Milford. PB (as he’s sometimes called) enjoys superheroes, letter-boxing, and being a part of Jesus making people new.

Music Leader Celeste Aldridge – “I always say to people that it was in God’s mercy that He gave me my late start in music and singing, and gave me the privilege to lead worship at EPC. There have been so many blessings in serving the Lord in this capacity, growt,h and protection associated with my ministry. I started out as a vocalist in a Celtic and Bluegrass music duo and then joined the EPC Music Team in 2008, becoming Team leader in 2014.”

Elder Roger Casey – Roger graduated from St. Martin’s College of Art in London, and worked as a commercial artist before entering Theological Seminary with his wife, Carol. He has pastored churches on both sides of the Atlantic, and has spent considerable time doing missionary work in Southern India. Roger’s last pastorate in Manhattan was for 18 years. He retired from full time ministry in July, 2012. Roger serves as a guest preacher and teacher at Ocean Grove Camp Meeting in New Jersey, and periodically ministers by invitation. Roger oversees the Worship & Prayer ministries here at EPC.

Elder Stacey Chelak – Stacey has lived in the Milford area since 1964. She and her husband, Greg, have been married since 1988 and have three adult sons. During her youth, Stacey attended Brownie meetings and even a half year of kindergarten here at the Presbyterian Church, but it was not until March, 2011 that the Lord led her to Worship here. Since then, Stacey has served as a Deacon, Greeter and Levite, and has served in the White Gifts, Grounds & Gardens, and Light in the Darkness ministries. Stacey has been a lawyer since 1989. She enjoys reading and studying the Bible, worshiping God, spending as much time as possible with her husband, sons and pets, Christian fellowship, and reading historical non-fiction, particularly early American history. With Bob (below), Stacey oversees EPC’s Business & Communication’s ministries.

Elder Bob Conklin – Born and raised in New Jersey, Bob and his wife, Nancy, have lived in Greeley, Pennsylvania, since 1990. Bob is a semi-retired truck driver with one son, Branden, and teenage twin granddaughters, Alora and Alayna. A lifelong Christian, Bob’s walk with God has become significantly closer since joining EPC in 2008. In addition to his Elder responsibilities, Bob serves on Community Care’s Advisory Board, is a Levite, Fellowship Hour host, and Offering Counter. Bob is also an integral part of EPCs Flea Market and Craft Fair planning committees. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with family. Along with Stacey (above), Bob oversees our Business & Communication’s ministries.

Elder Sue Ann Jacobs – Sue Ann and her husband, Doug, joined Evangelical Presbyterian Church in 1981. Sue Ann has served as an Elder, Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Children’s Choir Leader, VBS Teacher, and on many teams and committees. Their three children have been born into this congregation, baptized, and confirmed here. This is truly their family’s church. Sue Ann enjoys coaching Special Olympic sports, traveling, cooking, and just hanging out with her family. She feels that the Lord has truly blessed them and they have so much to be thankful for. Sue Ann is the Clerk of the Session of Elders.