Sep 8, 2017 3 min read

First Christian Church – Disciples of Christ in Marianna will hold homecoming events Sept. 17 for Dr. Cletus Hull, the church’s former pastor.

The worship service will begin at 10:30 a.m., with Hull as guest minister.

Hull began his ministry at the church 30 years ago. He served the parish from 1987-92 and was ordained at the church on Nov. 5, 1989. His years serving the church will be highlighted during the service.

After the worship service, a dinner will be served in the social hall. A special booklet documenting his 30 years in the ministry will be available.

Hull is senior pastor at Trinity United Christian Church in Lower Burrell, where he has served since 2003, and is a part-time chaplain at Pennsylvania state hospitals.

A native of New Oxford, Hull graduated from Oral Roberts University and Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry in Ambridge.

While in seminary at Trinity, Hull was serving as chaplain of the Springmaid Beach Campground in Myrtle Beach, S.C., when he was approached by First Christian Church in Marianna, which licensed him as a minister.

“I recall learning two aspects of the ministry in the two years I was licensed,” Hull wrote in the booklet. “The first was that the ministry is not a one-person show. It’s a team effort. That’s why we are a family and congregational church. We are in it together. Christ calls each of us to a ministry in his body.

“… Second, after two years of preaching sermons, visiting parishioners, youth ministry, funerals, weddings, etc., I was challenged to draw close to the Lord for guildance and grace. Without knowing these two basics, I could have never made it through the last 20 years. There are many folks I met along the way who prayed for me and held up my arms.”

One of Hull’s first efforts in the ministry was establishing a youth program at First Christian Church. Through the years, the youth ministry developed in many ways. Hull was involved in church camp, music ministry, Bible studies, retreats and mission trips.

In 1992, Hull became the minister of church growth at First Christian Church in Washington, where he formed evangelistic teams to reach out to visitors, guests and the unchurched in the community.

Hull also began “The Campus Ministry Program” at California University of Pennsylvania, a television program that included interviews from students on campus, Bible studies and discussions of timely topics. He served as Cal U.’s campus minister from 1989-1996.

Those who plan to attend the homecoming event are asked to RSVP by mail to the church at P.O. Box 503, Marianna, PA 15345-0503, or by email at fretoga@atlanticbb.net. Include names of the individuals who plan to attend. Deadline to RSVP is Monday.