[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 85 (Monday, June 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   THANKING REVEREND DONALD C. NOLDER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 24, 2002

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Reverend Donald C. 
Nolder for his contributions to the community and congratulate him for 
receiving commendation from the Mayor and Town Council of the Borough 
of Chambersburg for his dedication and service to the community. 
Reverend Nolder was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania and after graduating 
from Lycoming College, he attended the seminary at Drew University. 
Once he completed his education, be was ordained as a minister in the 
United Methodist Church. Reverend Nolder was appointed the pastor at 
the First United Methodist Church in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania in July 
of 1992. Almost ten years later, he continues to serve his congregation 
and community faithfully and diligently.
  Like so many spiritual leaders in communities around the country, 
Reverend Nolder has known the value of Faith-Based Community Action 
Programs long before they became a topic of national debate. President 
George W. Bush is also a great supporter of faith-based programs and 
has praised their effectiveness because he knows how beneficial they 
can be to people in all regions of the country. In his own community, 
Reverend Nolder has been instrumental in establishing programs that 
make a marked improvement in the lives of community residents and 
provide an atmosphere that allows for their spiritual and personal 
growth. Some examples of these programs are: Summer Neighborhood 
Ministry for Children, English as a Second Language program, Thursday 
Evening Community Supper and Service, and a Support Group for Young Men 
with Addictive Behavior.
  I believe it is important that we allow the faith-based institutions 
in this country to become more involved in helping heal our communities 
from the damage caused by drugs, violence, and other social ills. Help 
should not only be available to the congregation, but the entire 
community, regardless of religious, cultural, or other differences. 
Reverend Nolder is an excellent example of doing just that--after a 
tragic fire he welcomed the St. Paul's United Methodist Church into his 
own, and for the past seven years he opened his doors to a Hispanic 
congregation. He welcomed both congregations with open arms and 
provided whatever help the church could. By ignoring cultural or 
religious lines of division, he increased access to help for people 
outside his immediate congregation and welcomed the addition of new 
friends.
  I would like to commend Reverend Donald C. Nolder again for his 
contributions, congratulate him on his successful programs, and thank 
him for his service at the First United Methodist Church in 
Chambersburg. I hope that he enjoys his retirement and I encourage him 
to continue his involvement in community activities.

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