The LWC Story

Living Waters Church was started in July 2000 with 15 adults led by Pastor Jody Sambrick. As a pastor for nearly 20 years, it was always his passion to see lives changed through a relationship with Jesus Christ. He dreamed of a church that would be culturally relevant in its music and message so that people who did not grow up in church could feel comfortable coming and meeting God and a loving church family.

Jody shared this vision with the leaders of the United Methodist Church, and because of that was the first one asked to fulfill Bishop Weaver's vision to plant new churches. Answering this call meant taking a step of faith because no funding was available initially. Jody, his wife, and three young children left their parsonage, benefits, and full time salary and became missionaries, depending on the support of other United Methodist Churches and the handful of adults that became the launch team.

God was faithful and within one year, over 50 churches gave the money needed to provide a full time salary for Jody and launch Living Waters Church.

Through a comprehensive outreach effort including 12,000 phone calls, mailings, newspaper ads and personal invitations, 222 people were present October 20, 2001 when the church officially launched at the Hans Herr Elementary School in Lampeter.

Since that humble beginning, Living Waters Church continues to grow, having received over two thousand visitors since launch. Various opportunities are now available for people to grow through small group experiences, seminars, and social events. Trained professional counselors are available to support people through their life change.

Because many of the people who come to Living Waters Church are experiencing God for the first time, the atmosphere is alive with a sense of anticipation and a longing to know more. People are discovering their purpose in life and living it out in the context of a loving church family.

About the Pastor

The Rev. Jody Sambrick has been an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church since 1990. He served the Gap/Atglen Charge for 7 years and the Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church for 7 years. Jody is a dynamic pastor who has led each charge to significant growth numerically and spiritually. He has a vision to see the lost come to Christ, and see the church renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Growing up in a single parent home during the 60's in inner city Philadelphia created some unique challenges for Jody. His testimony is one of overcoming. He has experienced great need as well as tremendous victory and provisions that only come from Christ.

Jody and his wife Laura have three young children. They view ministry as a team effort. Together, they have experienced the tremendous sacrifice and blessing that is involved in full time ministry.

What People are Saying:

-The Rev. Peter Weaver, former Bishop of
The Eastern PA Conference of the
United Methodist Church

- Larry D. Leister
Former Director of Congregational
Transformation EPA Conference
United Methodist Church