New Genesis
Singles Ministry
P. O. Box 622, Carlisle, PA 17013
Messageline 717-243-7117
Carlisle Sentinel
Religion Section Feature Article
Reaching Out to Singles in Cumberland County
By Tabitha Goodling, Sentinel Correspondent, November 4, 2008
Last updated: Thursday, December 4, 2008 6:02 PM EST
This time of year is filled with images of happy families consisting of mom and dad and the kids.
This is not the case for everyone, however, and often the loneliest of people get neglected at the happiest time of year.
New Genesis Singles Ministry, based in Carlisle, has been providing fellowship for singles in the area since 1993, and the holidays are no exception.
Marty Line of Carlisle is a divorcee who started the program 15 years ago along with the help of seven area pastors. What began as a handful of single individuals looking for friendship has blossomed into an ongoing ministry that has coordinators for events and participation and financial support from various churches.
The group’s press release explains, “We welcome people of all faiths or those with no faith. Any person who is a single adult, never married, separated, divorced, widowed or a single parent is welcome to participate in New Genesis activities.”
This is the time of year when singles need that time with other individuals, Line shared.
“It is difficult sometimes when you are left alone because your children are with the other spouse. Your Christmas has changed because you don’t get to spend time with the in-laws and other family members like previously. You have more alone time. Memories of family Christmas resurface,” she said.
No one has to be alone, Line shared, and no one is left abandoned or neglected with New Genesis. The goal behind the various activities is to make everyone feel they are no longer alone.
“We go out of our way to extend friendships and we care what the other person is going through,” Line said. “Being divorced myself, I experienced the struggles people go through and it is difficult. You feel like a ‘fish out of water.’ You don’t feel like you belong anywhere. Having a safe environment with others in similar situations makes it much easier to cope with your situation.”
Many people, Line said, are worried at first they may not make friends. This sometimes keeps a few singles from attending outings. Line said it is about making the effort to want friendship and to step out in faith.
“Making friends involves risks because all of us fear rejection and hurt. However, not to risk means building a wall around yourself which can lead to a lonely life. Many friendships have developed in New Genesis and we all share the same bond of being single.”
Line admitted she started the group to bond Christian men and women for the purpose of friendship and fellowship. She noted that all people, regardless of their personal spiritual beliefs, are welcome. There are no Bible studies, but prayer is offered at the start of most events. Faith, though, is not forgotten in the process.
It is faith that has helped Line through the difficult circumstances surrounding the single life.
“You can survive anything when you have faith and walk with God. He is there to meet your every need. He is with you in times of joy and times of sorrow. And it is through those difficult times that we draw closer to him.”
The continued growth of New Genesis has sparked interest outside of the Carlisle area, and various individuals of all ages, races and backgrounds have been taking part in the activities.
The group hopes to respond to the holiday season with a gift of friendship to those who otherwise feel they do not have anyone.
“New Genesis will be around a long time because I am not going anywhere,” Line said. “It blesses me to see others having friends to call and spend time with.”
For more information and a full schedule of upcoming events, visit www.newgenesissingles.org.
