Over the past three centuries, Conestoga Church of the Brethren (CCOB) has affected scores of lives, touched innumerable hearts and bestowed countless blessings. But the church has also received its own fair share of blessings.

As CCOB prepares to celebrate its tercentenary, the milestone has provided some of its members an opportunity to reflect on how God has worked through the historic church for the good of the community.

"This congregation has been faithful to God, and God has been faithful to this congregation," said Ruth Morgan, a member of CCOB's 300th anniversary celebration committee. "Those words are used often, but it's accurate and true. God remains faithful to this congregation."

"In the history of the United States, (300 years) is a long time," she added. "But in God's eye, it's just a blink."

"We are here to honor God," said Phoebe Oellig, another member of CCOB's 300th anniversary celebration committee. "We are thankful for our heritage. It's a heritage we can be proud of. We look forward to being a blessing to our community in the future."

Located at 114 E. Main St., Leola, CCOB has a host of activities planned for the second weekend in November to commemorate the 300th anniversary of its founding on Nov. 17, 1724.

The festivities will be kicked off on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a family fun day. The event will feature food, games, a candy scramble, music, giveaways and fun.

At 7 p.m. that evening, speaker Jeff Bach, an author, Church of the Brethren minister and director emeritus of Elizabethtown College's Young Center, will address the gathering. Bach's address will be followed by a dessert social.

Then on Sunday, Nov. 10, the anniversary will be reflected upon during a celebration service at 10:15 a.m., when former pastors and members will speak about their times at the church. A celebration lunch will be served after the service.

The events are free to attend and open to the public, but reservations for the celebratory meal are requested by calling 717-656-2493 or by searching for "Conestoga Church of the Brethren" on Facebook by Monday, Nov. 4.

"It's almost like a homecoming," said Oellig. "Some of those who worshiped here in the past are planning to come back. It'll be a time to reminisce and connect with the past. In all that we do, we want to glorify God. I think God will give us a blessing that day."

Over the two days of the celebration, several hundred people are expected to attend.

"This is not a fundraiser," said Morgan. "That is not our intention. We are celebrating. This is a birthday party. It's an anniversary celebration."

CCOB, which was started through the collaboration of seven original members five years before Lancaster County was established, is recognized as the third-oldest Brethren congregation in the country and the oldest in the county. Today, CCOB's pastor is Jere Cassel, and the church includes 75 active members.

"This is important from an historical perspective," said Morgan. "Conestoga Church of the Brethren is a mother church to many other congregations. Some parts of the congregation divided and spread out to other parts of Lancaster County, Lebanon County and Berks County."

"We are here to honor God, and we are here to serve the community," said Oellig. "There's a spiritual component and a practical component. Many of our members have served locally and internationally."