Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

Janet Ness

When One Year Becomes 31 Years

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Charlie Ness once joked that he would not take on any more interim pastorates.  The two churches he served in this manner became long-term ministries, most recently at Perkiomenville (PA) Mennonite Church.  In 1990, Charlie, with his wife, Janet, accepted a one-year call to be the interim pastor.  They stayed 31 years.  At the end of 2020, Charlie “retired” from ministry, formally ending his time as a staff pastor at Perkiomenville (“Perk”). 

During their 31 years, Charlie and Janet had a front row seat to God’s work in growing the congregation.  In that time, the church physically moved locations, from a property on Deep Creek Road to the main road in Perkiomenville, Gravel Pike (Highway 29).  The move accommodated the church’s growth as established members welcomed new families into the congregation.  They also worked with people who came from broken backgrounds, introducing them to healing and hope in Christ.  

Charlie and Janet have seen many changes in ministry and worship styles in their time. But many would agree that the constant amidst those changes are Charlie’s heart for evangelism and Janet’s gift of hospitality.  Many Perk members benefited from Janet’s home-cooked meals, whether at their table or delivered to their homes.  The once-a-month “JOY lunch” is a staple gathering for the seniors, where Janet and her team prepare a meal, and Charlie coordinates a theme or speaker.

Charlie’s influence extends beyond the church.  He helped form Liberty Ministries to help men released from jail find a new start.  This ministry came about from Charlie’s visits to Graterford prison to lead Bible studies.  Charlie has also been a member and president of the Upper Perkiomen Ministerial Association, serving as an advocate and coordinator for mission work.  He is also the driving force for Men’s Encounter, a weekend program where men are challenged to deepen their walk with God and choose God’s ways of living.

Charlie and Janet Ness enter the celebration of their 31 years of ministry at Perkiomenville Mennonite Church. Photos by Mike Spinelli and Melanie Baker.
An Open House to celebrate Charlie and Janet Ness at Butter Valley Golf Port on April 11, 2021. Photos by Mike Spinelli and Melanie Baker.
Janet & Charlie Ness with missionaries, Bob and Bonnie Stevenson, of Mexico City. Photos by Mike Spinelli and Melanie Baker.

To honor Charlie and Janet Ness for their years of ministry and God’s faithfulness through them, Perkiomenville congregation hosted an open house on the afternoon of April 11, 2021. Earlier that day, Missionary Bob Stevenson preached at a celebratory worship service.  Stevenson was one of many men Charlie influenced through the prison ministry.  Stevenson now oversees a network of churches and church plants in and around Mexico City.

Charlie and Janet’s ministry is not truly ending.  Charlie serves as an interim associate pastor at Towamencin (PA) Mennonite Church.  Charlie will also continue his work with Men’s Encounter.  Perkiomenville Mennonite Church has established a fund to enable Charlie to continue to do the ministry God calls him to do.  

But Charlie is very clear on one thing: his interim work will not lead to another long-term pastorate.

Hospitality & COVID-19

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by Charles Ness & Lauren Ness, Perkiomenville (PA) congregation

While COVID-19 restrictions are challenging and severely limit worship services and fellowship, they also provide interesting opportunities.  How does one use their gift of hospitality to serve others while practicing social distancing?  

Perkiomenville (PA) Mennonite Church struggled with this dilemma.  The church hosts a monthly luncheon for older adults called “JOY” (Just Older Youth).  A home-cooked meal is served, followed by a program of music, a speaker, and fellowship. It is attended by members of the church and the surrounding community.

The April JOY gathering was cancelled due to COVID-19.  Janet Ness thoroughly enjoys making the food and knows that the members of JOY look forward to the meal.  Therefore, she decided to make the meal and deliver it to the church members who typically attend JOY events.  With the assistance of Tonya Ayars, Dawn Noel, and Pastor Mike Spinelli, over 50 meals were made and delivered.  The meals were received with much joy and appreciation.  

In May, meals were again prepared.  This time people wanted to come by the church building and pick it up.  There was much rejoicing as they came by in their cars and were given their meals.

Older members of Perkiomenville Mennonite Church drive up to receive their JOY meal in May & June. Photo provided by Charlie Ness

In June, Janet wanted to also include meals for those regular JOY attenders who were not church members.  As a result, 57 people came by the church to get their meals.  

This act of kindness during a time of restricted mobility blessed both the recipients as well as those making the meals.  Because of restrictions, most older adults were not going out and could not go to restaurants to eat.  This homemade meal was a welcome treat.  As they came through the car line, there were many expressions of gratitude and many said they were very happy to see others again.  

Another creative opportunity for sharing during the pandemic occurred cross culturally, with our sisters in Christ in Mexico. The Perkiomenville congregation supports the ministry of Bob and Bonnie Stevenson, pastors of the Promised Land Church in Monte Maria, Mexico. One of their mission churches is located in the village of Jilotzingo, about 4 hours northeast of Mexico City.  The farmers of that area grow coffee and many kinds of fruit. 

In May, Bonnie Stevenson contacted Charlie Ness. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the Mexican farmers in Jilotzingo were having difficulty selling their blueberry crop.  Bonnie asked if we might be able to make a video to teach the Mexican women ways to preserve the blueberries, such as blueberry jam. 

(R-L) Kaitlin Freed, Rita Hoover, and Janet Ness prepare blueberry jam for their YouTube video. Photo provided by Charlie Ness

Rita Hoover, Janet Ness, and Kaitlin Freed created a video, offering instruction on how to make blueberry jam and how to can blueberries using a hot water bath.  This was uploaded to a YouTube channel for the women in Mexico to access. 

The women in Mexico responded with excitement and gratitude, for not only the instruction, but for the evidence of God’s care and provision. The result was a cross-cultural ministry experience between women teaching other women how to make jam and provide for their families. The jams were then sold in the city, providing income for the women and their families.