New Beginnings Sanctuary of Praise Church of God in Christ in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Holds Open-Door Worship

New Beginnings Sanctuary of Praise, a Church of God in Christ congregation at 7282 Woodland Ave., describes its worship services as vibrant and lively, according to its members. The Rev. Joseph A. Conner Sr. serves as pastor, and members say he gives the congregation close, personal attention. The church’s mission statement describes it as “a community of faith built on God and His Word,” devoted to prayer, driven to helping people understand what a life in Christ is about, determined to be a dynamic force in the community, and dedicated to the enrichment of the whole person through worship, instruction, fellowship and evangelism.

The congregation was formed by the combination of two churches, Good Samaritan Evangelistic Church of God in Christ and New Dimensions Church of God in Christ. Audrey Moody, a member for 32 years, recalled that New Dimensions needed a building and that the two congregations merged shortly before the death of Good Samaritan’s former pastor. The pastor then renamed both congregations New Beginnings Sanctuary of Praise. Moody said the church was founded in 1986. According to the church’s written history, Good Samaritan’s pastor, the late Elder Edward L. Smith Sr., began a Bible study in 1985 with only three members.

The church grew significantly and moved several times to accommodate its membership. It first relocated to 57th and Christian streets and later to 317 N. 52nd Street, near Haverford Avenue. “We are a growing church with growing people,” Moody said. “They are wonderful people. People from all walks of life who come together.”

Conner described the church as a working congregation that focuses on the development of its members and the wider community. He was recently elected president of the Hampton University Minister’s Conference. He said he encourages young people in their education, reviews the report cards of every grade school student in the church, and sends small stipends to those attending college. The church also sponsors a health fair each year that offers health screenings and resources for the community, and it provides supplies to residents of a nearby shelter, caring for neighbors in need (Matthew 25:35).

Conner said the congregation is cross-generational and predominantly African-American, with members ranging from infants to high school age. He described the church’s open-door policy: there are no requirements to attend Sunday morning worship and no dress requirements. “We invite all, come as you are and be a part of our worship, be a part of our mid-week Bible studies and be a part of our ministries that reach internally and externally,” he said. Conner added, “We focus on the development of the whole person.”

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