ABOUT THE HUNTINGTOWN
CHURCH OF CHRIST
We are a biblically-based, active, diverse church community in the Chesapeake Bay region in Huntingtown, MD. We are committed to serving Jesus Christ and helping those in the community.
Thank you for taking the time to visit our website. We hope you find the information interesting and useful. We want to get to know you! Please join us at one of our services or if you have any questions, please contact us.
Sundays
Bible Study: 10:00am
Services: 11:00am
Bible Study: 10:00am
Services: 11:00am
Wednesdays
Bible Study: 7:00pm
Bible Study: 7:00pm
Call us at 410-535-5228
A Note from Brandon Ferguson, Minister
Overwhelmed by the gift of salvation we’ve found in Jesus, we have a heart for authentic worship, are passionate about the local church, and are ready to assist you in any way we can.
Please reach out to me with any questions – I’ll reach right back.
We want you to visit us at the Huntingtown Church of Christ — and we want you to feel comfortable when you’re here. We know that being unfamiliar with a place can be intimidating, so let us tell you a bit about who we are and what you can expect when you honor us with a visit.
Background
A brief description of our background may help you understand us. We are part of what has been termed the “Restoration Movement.” That is, our goal is to “restore” New Testament Christianity in our time–to determine from the Bible what the church was like in the beginning and to follow that example in our worship of God. We believe this is a worthy and reverent goal.
We want to be a Christ-centered church with a great respect for His word, the Bible. We try to be. Yet, we know our practices are colored by habit, preference, tradition or convenience. So we continue to study the Bible and make our practices as much like the early church as possible.
Now, let us walk through what you can expect at a typical worship service.
There may be some variations between the Huntingtown congregation and other churches of Christ because every church of Christ is independent and self-governed. We have selected elders, men with a strong scriptural knowledge and good reputation, who oversee the spiritual needs of the church. We believe that these men are answerable to Jesus, the head of the church. 1 Peter 5:1-4, Titus 1:5-9.
Setting
As you enter our auditorium (sanctuary) you will see rows of “pews” or chairs for seating. There are no reserved seats, so feel free to sit anywhere you choose.
Offering
At some time during the Sunday morning service a collection will usually be taken up but visitors are not expected to donate. Feel perfectly comfortable to just pass the collection plate on down the row. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.
Singing
Songs are usually projected via a projector on a screen in the front and song books can be located in a book rack in each pew.
Setting
As you enter our auditorium (sanctuary) you will see rows of “pews” or chairs for seating. There are no reserved seats, so feel free to sit anywhere you choose.
Offering
At some time during the Sunday morning service a collection will usually be taken up but visitors are not expected to donate. Feel perfectly comfortable to just pass the collection plate on down the row. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.
Singing
Songs are usually projected via a projector on a screen in the front and song books can be located in a book rack in each pew.
One of the unique things about ourselves and other churches of Christ–something you might find initially strange–is that the music is sung “a cappella.” That is, we sing without the accompaniment of musical instruments.
We want to worship according to the example set by the early churches in the New Testament. Since the early New Testament churches apparently did not use instrumental music, we believe it is best to imitate their example. You may consider us a bit narrow-minded on this point, but we believe you will respect our reason for it and our conviction. We think you will find our singing meaningful, with everyone invited to participate. 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:8, 19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12.
Prayers & Preaching
There will be prayers led during the service by our members. There may be prayers for specific needs and requests. We use prayer as a means of talking humbly to our Father in Heaven, who is the one true and living God.
Prayers & Preaching
There will be prayers led during the service by our members. There may be prayers for specific needs and requests. We use prayer as a means of talking humbly to our Father in Heaven, who is the one true and living God.
During prayers, most members bow their heads and may close their eyes, concentrating on the words of prayer. You will notice that the preacher doesn’t have a formal title. He won’t be referred to as “pastor” or “reverend.” He will be referred to as a brother or just by his name.
He won’t be wearing any ecclesiastical vestments that set him apart. The reason for this is our belief in the priesthood of all believers–that all are equal before the Lord. Matthew 23:8-12; Galatians 3:26-28; 1 Peter 2:5-9.
His sermon will likely last from 20 to 30 minutes. We think you will find it both interesting and refreshingly Bible centered.
Lord’s Supper
If you visit on a Sunday morning, the Lord’s Supper will be included in the worship service. The reason for this is our desire to follow the New Testament pattern. The first century church celebrated this observance on the first day of the week. Acts 20:7.
Lord’s Supper
If you visit on a Sunday morning, the Lord’s Supper will be included in the worship service. The reason for this is our desire to follow the New Testament pattern. The first century church celebrated this observance on the first day of the week. Acts 20:7.
We assume from this that they did it on the first day of EVERY week. We know from respected historians that in the early centuries the Lord’s Supper was an every Sunday commemoration.
During this memorial service, plates containing pieces of unleavened (no yeast) bread will be passed through the congregation. To us, this symbolizes the body of Jesus offered on our behalf on the cross. Each participating person will break off a piece of the bread and eat it. 1 Corinthians 11:23-25.
Next, trays of small cups will be passed. The cups contain “fruit of the vine,” that is, grape juice. It symbolizes to us the blood of Jesus, also as offered on the cross. Each participant will drink the contents of one of the cups and then put the empty cup back in the tray. 1 Corinthians 11:23-25.
Don’t be embarrassed if you choose not to participate. Feel free to just pass the plate or tray to the person next to you.
What will be expected of You?
You are welcome to, but don’t feel that you have to participate. Just watch and listen, if that is your choice. As our honored guest, we want you to feel welcome.
You are welcome to, but don’t feel that you have to participate. Just watch and listen, if that is your choice. As our honored guest, we want you to feel welcome.
We would appreciate it if you would fill out a “visitor’s card” so we can have a record of your visit. But feel free to decline this request if you prefer.
The People
What kind of people can you expect to find here? Pretty much all kinds of people. Some work in factories. Some are civil servants. Some are engineers. Some are nurses. Some are teachers. We have secretaries, housewives, electricians and carpenters. We have college students and business owners. We have active and growing groups of youths, young adults, and married couples. There are people of all ages. You will see those a few days old to those whose life experience is grand.
What kind of people can you expect to find here? Pretty much all kinds of people. Some work in factories. Some are civil servants. Some are engineers. Some are nurses. Some are teachers. We have secretaries, housewives, electricians and carpenters. We have college students and business owners. We have active and growing groups of youths, young adults, and married couples. There are people of all ages. You will see those a few days old to those whose life experience is grand.
Many of the ladies get together during the week to study the Bible. Many of us meet on Wednesday nights, just to recharge our spiritual batteries and meet with friends.
You will find happy folks… and grouchy ones. Friendly people… and sometimes unfriendly people. Loving people…and cantankerous people. People who are learning…and people who already “know everything.”
We’re a diverse group, coming from various backgrounds and at different stages of knowledge and spiritual growth.
We don’t know it all — not even close. We don’t do everything right, but we try. We were not brought together by any illusion of perfection or righteousness. We were brought together by our recognition that we are all sinners in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus. Mark 2:17; Romans 5:6-9; Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:7.
That’s the reason we can worship together, stick together, help each other and with God’s help accomplish some things that make a difference in our lives and in our community.
You may not have to look very far to find our faults and failures. However, you will find that we love Jesus and love the Bible — God’s Word to guide us.
Adapted from “What You Can Expect When You Visit the Church of Christ” by Joe Barnett.
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Pete Peterson
Elder
Pete Peterson graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and from the Air Force Institute of Technology with a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. He is currently retired after 45 years of combined active duty and civilian
work for the United States government. Pete has been married for over 54 years and has 2 children and 4 grandchildren. He currently lives in Owings, Maryland where he is an elder in the Huntingtown Church of Christ and teaches an adult bible class. Pete has many interests including gardening, woodworking, pen-making, and traveling – especially cruising. He has always had a love for storytelling. When his children were small, Pete would create bedtime stories for them. He loves to take ordinary events about his family, embellish them and turn them into great stories full of warmth and humor.
work for the United States government. Pete has been married for over 54 years and has 2 children and 4 grandchildren. He currently lives in Owings, Maryland where he is an elder in the Huntingtown Church of Christ and teaches an adult bible class. Pete has many interests including gardening, woodworking, pen-making, and traveling – especially cruising. He has always had a love for storytelling. When his children were small, Pete would create bedtime stories for them. He loves to take ordinary events about his family, embellish them and turn them into great stories full of warmth and humor.
Jeremy Stampfly
Elder
Jeremy Stampfly was born and raised in Michigan, where he met his wife Edith in high school. Two years later they were married in 1990. Following high school, he spent six years in the Marine Corps as a Radar Repairman. After leaving the Marines they moved to Maryland with their oldest daughter Tracy. Once moving to Maryland, they started attending the Huntingtown Church of Christ where he has served as a teacher, deacon and now an elder. In Maryland, they added two additional children to their family (Emily and Abigail) and one grandchild. Jeremy graduated from the College of Southern Maryland with an Associate’s Degree in General Engineering, Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and Johns Hopkins University with a Master’s Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He currently lives in Lusby, Maryland and is employed by the Navy. Jeremy has many interests including spending time with family and friends, reading (encouraged by my mother) and traveling. Jeremy is striving to seek the Lord daily through bible study and putting into practice what he has learned in his study. He is dedicated to helping others mature in the Lord by encouraging study of the Scriptures and building relationships.
Walter McKain
Elder
Walt McKain was born and raised in Parkersburg, West Virginia. After high school graduation, he attended West Virginia University receiving his Bachelors Degree in Park Management. Walt met his wife Connie while working at Holly River State Park in West Virginia. After working for 17 years as Assistant and then Park Superintendent of the Pleasants County Parks, they moved to Calvert County where Walt worked as Parks Supervisor for the County. He retired in 1996 after 43 years in the profession.
While living in St. Marys, WV, Walt and Connie worked with the Dewey Avenue Church of Christ where they both were active in teaching. It was here in 1979 that Walt received his 2 nd (and most important) Birth Certificate. He then began his service to Christ and His church by leading public prayer, teaching teen Bible classes, and preparing the church bulletin. After moving to Calvert County, the family continued to work and serve the Lord at the Huntingtown Church of Christ.
Walt and Connie have been married for 46 years and have 3 daughters, 5 grandsons, and finally a granddaughter in 2024. While at Huntingtown Walt has preached, lead singing, taught adult and teen classes, and served as both a Deacon and Elder. For the last 3 years, Walt has been working with the Mission Project in El Salvador with Brother Brandon, a major stepping out of his personal comfort zone. He looks forward to continuing his growth in the Lord and helping others receive the same goal.
While living in St. Marys, WV, Walt and Connie worked with the Dewey Avenue Church of Christ where they both were active in teaching. It was here in 1979 that Walt received his 2 nd (and most important) Birth Certificate. He then began his service to Christ and His church by leading public prayer, teaching teen Bible classes, and preparing the church bulletin. After moving to Calvert County, the family continued to work and serve the Lord at the Huntingtown Church of Christ.
Walt and Connie have been married for 46 years and have 3 daughters, 5 grandsons, and finally a granddaughter in 2024. While at Huntingtown Walt has preached, lead singing, taught adult and teen classes, and served as both a Deacon and Elder. For the last 3 years, Walt has been working with the Mission Project in El Salvador with Brother Brandon, a major stepping out of his personal comfort zone. He looks forward to continuing his growth in the Lord and helping others receive the same goal.
Justin Tims
Elder
Justin Tims was born in Fort Worth, Texas, but moved to Arkansas as a teenager. It was there that he met his wife of 23 years, Robin, at a local grocery store. Together, they have built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. They are blessed with four wonderful children—Dylan, who serves in the U.S. Air Force; Daniel, also serving in the Air Force; Emily, a high school senior; and Elizabeth, also a high school senior. They are also proud grandparents to their six-year-old grandson, Liam.
Justin’s journey into ministry began with his passion for service and a heart for helping others. As an aircraft policy manager stationed at the Air National Guard Readiness Center (ANGRC) at Joint Base Andrews, Justin has cultivated leadership skills and a deep sense of commitment, which he carries into his role as an elder at the Huntingtown Church of Christ.
In addition to his role as an elder, Justin is dedicated to guiding others in their faith and ensuring that every member of the congregation feels valued and supported.
Outside of ministry, Justin enjoys spending time with his family, working on cars, and exploring God’s creation. His prayer is that everyone feels the love of Christ through the work of the Huntingtown Church of Christ.
Brandon Ferguson
Evangelist/Elder
Brandon Ferguson was born and raised in Texas, where he met his wife, Angela, his lifelong partner in faith and ministry. Together, they are blessed with three children: Christian, Adeline, and Ava.
In June 2013, during their first mission trip to the Philippines, Brandon and Angela felt called to dedicate their lives to ministry. After two years of prayerful planning, they were accepted into the Brown Trail School of Preaching, where they completed an intensive two-year study of God’s Word.
The Fergusons began their ministry journey serving alongside the Highland Church of Christ in Fort Worth, TX as the Family Minister. In August 2019, Brandon accepted the role of Preaching Minister at the Huntingtown Church of Christ in Huntingtown, MD, where they have been faithfully serving ever since.
Brandon and Angela have a deep passion for mission work, traveling annually to various mission fields, including El Salvador and India. Brandon also serves as the Regional Coordinator for schools of preaching in India through the World Bible Institute.
Outside of ministry, Brandon enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, exploring technology, cars, and music. Above all, Brandon and his family care deeply about people and their spiritual well-being. They look forward to meeting you and sharing the love of Christ.
“We love YOUR soul, and we would be honored to connect with you!” – Brandon Ferguson