So Send I You: New Joy Fellowship Welcomes Pastor Melvyn Hayden, III
On Sabbath, August 8, 2026, New Joy Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD, celebrated the installation of Pastor Melvyn Hayden, III. The installation was conducted by Dr. Marcus E. Harris, Washington Metro Area Ministry Leader for the Allegheny East Conference, on behalf of Conference leadership.
During the ceremony, Pastor Hayden pledged to faithfully fulfill his pastoral responsibilities through prayer, study, servant leadership, and the preaching of the gospel. The congregation also stood together and committed to support their new pastor through prayer, love, loyalty, and cooperation. Joined by his family, Pastor Hayden was surrounded by church elders and ministry leaders as Dr. Harris prayed for a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit, asking God to grant him courage, wisdom, vision, and strength for the ministry ahead.
The occasion held special meaning for Pastor Hayden, who reflected on God’s providence in bringing him back to an area connected to the beginning of his ministry. Approximately 35 years earlier, he participated in a tent crusade in Frederick, Maryland. He described returning to serve in the same area as “a miracle of God’s grace” and an opportunity to continue work God began many years ago.
Following the installation, Pastor Hayden delivered his sermon, “So Send I You,” based on John 20:19–23. He challenged the congregation to consider whether New Joy Fellowship might be part of God’s plan for reaching Hagerstown with the gospel. He reminded members that every believer is called not only to receive the gospel, but to share it in their homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities.
Pastor Hayden emphasized that believers are sent with the Gospel, the Power of the Holy Spirit, and Spiritual gifts, which he described as their spiritual “GPS.” The installation marked the beginning of a new chapter for New Joy Fellowship, centered on a shared commitment between pastor and congregation to serve Christ and reach the Hagerstown community together.
Health Fair (Flyer attached)
Please continue in the newsletter until the event occurs. Please share this event on your social media platforms.
Title: New Joy Fellowship Community Health Fair
New Joy Fellowship will host a free community health fair on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event will feature free health screenings, wellness education, giveaways, and family activities designed to promote health and strengthen the community.
Submitted by: Sharae Simmonds
