Pastor Sam F. Chamelin, of Lineboro, announced the formation of a new ministry in Carroll County with a mission of making agrarian disciples to serve rural communities.
The Keep & Till evolved as an idea Chamelin had to combine Christian worship and discipleship with agricultural ways to help people come together for a greater good. And although it's in its infancy, with no formal worship or gathering space, Chamelin and his team of supporters are hopeful that with time The Keep & Till will have a place to call home — a vision that includes a barn, acreage to farm and spaces to hold many community events, including worship.
"We want to develop Christians who understand a much larger story of God's goodness — God as creator, God incarnate through Jesus Christ, and God who is going to save all things," Chamelin said in a news release. "Because the land has always been a commitment of rural communities, we believe that this perspective is a unique contribution to the global Church in a world that is talking about food security, the ecological crisis, and community degradation. ... It's not just about food, but food production is a way that we tangibly experience the goodness of God. It's one of the primary ways we do discipleship."
Chamelin grew up in Carroll County and is the son and grandson of dairy farmers. He was previously pastor at Lazarus United Church of Christ in Lineboro and currently sustainability coordinator at Gettysburg Seminary. Chamelin founded The Keep & Till with friend Wayne Davidson, Chamelin's wife Jennie and brother-in-law Travis Lippy. Many others have stepped up to support the ministry in various ways.
"We've been so encouraged by the team that has come together," Chamelin said. "It's one thing for a pastor to have an idea. But when good people start supporting you, it's amazing. Wayne has brought his unique take on health and wellness, along with his organizational leadership, and that has been a critical component. Jennie has written two book releases for international authors, and she understands family ministry and small groups. Travis brings his passion and expertise for agriculture and rural life."
Chamelin said the name, The Keep & Till, reflects the second command of God to Adam and Eve in the Bible, only the words are reversed. "Genesis 2, verse 15 says, 'The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it.' We liked that but thought if we took the name 'till & keep' it would sound as if we till the land and keep the harvest for ourselves, so we reversed the order of these two words. 'Keep' to us represents a safe place, a place to store good things and from which we can share good things with others. 'Till' reflects the work we as Christians are called to do."
The Keep & Till's Christmas worship service will be held on the fourth Sunday in Advent, Dec. 18 with a potluck dinner at 5 p.m. and worship at 6 p.m., at 202 Warfieldsburg Road in Westminster. The public is invited with warm attire recommended.
Thirty-nine people attended the first Meet & Greet event, which was held on Nov. 29 in Hampstead. The second meet-and-greet event will be held at Maggie's Restaurant in Westminster on Tuesday, Dec. 6; the third at Dutch Corner Restaurant in Manchester on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Each is free and begins at 6 p.m. Visit thekeepandtill.org, call 717-309-7680, or visit them on Facebook.
