Campmeeting 2025

Evangelists

Rev. Dr. Timothy Valentino
Evangelist, July 20–July 26

Pastor Tim is a grace-loving husband, father, grandfather, pastor, seminary professor and conference speaker. His research interests include biblical studies, homiletics, apologetics, and cultural engagement.   Tim has served in pastoral ministry since 1992. His passion is to teach and preach the Scriptures in such a way that seekers might be captivated by the gracious character of God, and disciples might be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. His calling is best summarized in the apostolic mandate: “Tell the people the full message of this new life” (Acts 5:20).

Tim has been a professor at Evangelical Seminary since 2007, teaching a variety of Bible, theology, and pastoral ministry courses. He has also taught numerous online university graduate courses and Bible Institute classes throughout the region and has written a variety of scholarly articles for theological journals.  Tim received a Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia University; a Master of Divinity degree from Evangelical Seminary; and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Southern Seminary, and he is currently working on his second doctorate in Evangelical Seminary’s Th.D. program, where he is enrolled in the Biblical Theology track. He and his wife Sonya reside in Myerstown, PA. They have a son, Andrew, and a daughter, Bethany, a son-in-law, Micah, and two grandsons, Samuel and Levi.

Rev. Richard Bradshaw
Evangelist, July 27–August 3

Pastor Rich has served as the pastor of Forty Fort United Methodist Church for the past four years and has been in pastoral ministry for over eight years within the Methodist tradition.  He received his theological training from Wesley Theological Seminary and studied at Berean School of the Bible.  In addition to his pastoral work, Richard has spent more than 21 years in the nonprofit sector, serving families of critically ill children throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.

He has been happily married for 29 years and is the proud father of five.  Richard’s faith has been deeply influenced by spiritual leaders such as Augustine, Andrew Murray, A.W. Tozer, and Dr. Charles Stanley, who inspired him to approach God’s Word with passion and to serve people with compassion.

Richard is honored to share what God has placed on his heart during these evangelistic services.  His mission is to help others come into a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ—knowing Him as Savior, Redeemer, Friend, and King—and to walk with Him in a intimate, lasting, life-giving relationship.

Music Team

Kim Varker
Service/Song Leader
July 20–26

Kim has been involved in instrumental and vocal music most of her life. She began playing the clarinet in the 5th grade and has been singing in church choirs since her early 20’s.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance.  Kim’s family has been coming to campmeeting since 1999, where she loves singing in the choir.  Now as cottageholders, Kim and family look forward to worshiping with you this year.

Josh Fritz
Service/Song Leader
July 27–August 3

Josh has been leading worship services since he was in high school. Most recently, he served as head worship pastor in Lake Havasu City, AZ.  Since returning to Benton, PA, he helps to lead worship at The Valley Church.  Josh is excited to be returning as song leader for campmeeting and is looking forward to engaging people in worshiping Jesus.

Brenda Nighbert
Pianist, Choir Director
July 20–August 3

Brenda lives in Forty Fort, Pa. and has been in show business for over 35 years and gospel music her entire life.  Brenda serves as Organist/Pianist in three churches. Throughout her career she has directed, conducted, and/or accompanied various performances at high schools, colleges, and professional theater in the region.  In addition to accompanying evening worship on piano, she will be directing the campmeeting choir.

Bible Study

Adult Bible Study
Monday–Friday
9:30–11:00

Monday–Friday 9:30–11:00
Join us in the Boarding Hall for an invigorating Adult Bible Study, Monday to Friday starting at 9:30. Dive deep into scripture, engage in meaningful discussions, and grow in faith alongside a welcoming community eager to learn. Uncover new insights, share your perspectives, and make connections that will enrich your spiritual journey. We can’t wait to explore the Word with you!

David Duty
Bible Study Leader
July 21–25

David, a cottage holder for 20 years, married into the Patterson Grove family 35 years ago. Holding master’s degrees in both theology and music, he has taught the Bible and conducted choirs for more than 30 years. He currently serves as pastor of Providence Community Church and choir director at Ulrich Intermediate School in the greater Houston area.

Stephanie Bradshaw
Bible Study Leader
July 28–August 1

Stephanie Bradshaw is a dedicated teacher at Abington Christian Academy with over a 2 decades of experience in education. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Music, she brings creativity, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose to the classroom. Stephanie is passionate about sharing the love and light of Christ with a world in need of hope. Whether teaching, ministering, or making music, Stephanie’s heart beats for Jesus and His calling on her life.

Diane Pritchard Clayton
In Memoriam
May 20, 1943 – May 30, 2025

Youth Programs

Come join us for an unforgettable experience with our Senior and Junior Youth programs, Monday–Friday during Campmeeting! Starting at 9:30 each day, we have an action-packed schedule filled with games, exciting biblical learning and adventure. Don’t for get about afternoon fun and the legendary Night Games that are waiting for you!

Get ready for two weeks of fun, friendship, and adventures that will be remembered for a lifetime! Our Junior Youth team is for rising 7th, 8th and 9th graders, and our Senior Youth team is for rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders and includes several offsite activities.

Erich and Andrea Thomas
Senior and Junior Youth Leaders

Erich and Andrea return to lead our Senior and Junior Youth Programs, this year as cottage holders!  Erich is currently the Pastor at Bowman’s Creek Free Methodist Church in Tunkhannock, PA. Andrea studied at Liberty University in Christian Ministry and is currently serving in Children’s Ministry at Bowmans Creek FMC.

Morgan Gonyer
Senior Youth Assistant Leader

A lifelong attendee of Patterson Grove, Morgan Gonyer is a youth program alum and current cottage-holder. She brings both a deep love for the Grove and a fresh perspective to her new role. After serving in recent years as a VBS volunteer, Morgan looks forward to engaging with the youth and blending meaningful traditions with new experiences.

Zach Grouser
Junior Youth Assistant Leader

Zach began his ministry at Jacobstown Baptist Church as a junior youth pastor and was a VBS teacher at the Grove last year. He participates in numerous community outreach programs with his church and is active with bible studies and choir. As a former VBS and youth-group participant at the Grove, who is now a cottage holder, he is excited to work with the youth group in keeping our time-honored traditions alive.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School
Senior and Junior Youth Leaders

Patterson Grove offers a wonderful vacation bible school each summer during campmeeting. For both weeks of campmeeting, from 9:15 to 11:30AM each day, Monday through Friday, we have a fun and engaging program for children from ages 4 through 12.

Don’t miss the ‘Epic Australian Adventure’!
Learn More…

Jennifer Smith
Vacation Bible School Director

‘Miss Jen’ is excited for her twelfth year as VBS Director, 23rd year as a cottageholder, and second year as a Trustee for Patterson Grove. Jen keeps busy teaching second grade for the Union Springs Central School District and is active in her school and home community. She and Ralph will celebrate 39 years of marriage in November.

Kami Harvey
Vacation Bible School Assistant Director

Kami is excited for her second year as VBS assistant! She has been coming to Patterson Grove all her life, taking part in VBS as a child as well as the other youth programs at Patterson Grove.  Kami keeps busy running a small business, being a mom to Haysley who is 2 years old, and spending time with her family.

Young Adults

A new pilot program for coordinating young adults and recent grads. More information coming soon.

Sunday Worship Services

Sunday, July 20

10:30 Worship Service
• John Shypulefski

Sunday, July 27

10:30 Memorial Service
• Deb Harvey

2:00 Contemporary Service
• Worship Team

Sunday, August 3

10:30 Worship Service
• Mike Deckman

Pastor John Shypulefski
Pastor Debbie Harvey
Pastor Mike Deckman

Sunday School

July 20 • July 27 • August 3

Rob Barron
Adult Sunday School
9:00 – Memorial Cottage
Debbie Harvey
Youth Sunday School
9:00 – Snack Shop
Nora Ansari
Children Sunday School
9:00 Sunday School Room