Making The Switch To Bank Local:
New Life Bible Fellowship
New Life Bible Fellowship Church has been a part of the Oley Valley community since 1977. Jim MacArthur, the church’s current executive pastor, shares that their story began as a small bible study group, meeting at the Old State Barn on Old State Road. Today, New Life has grown into a vibrant church, with nearly 650 people attending two weekly worship services, and around 1,000 people considering New Life their spiritual home.
The church has always focused on being part of people’s lives by offering various ministries for children, youth, and adults. A youth pastor was one of the first staff positions they hired for, and in the late ’80s they built a gym that is still open to the public to this day. From there, people started coming and got to really know the organization and see who they are and what they are about.
Over 200 volunteers help with a variety of ministries and events. A recent example is their popular Vacation Bible School, which saw record attendance this year with over 230 kids. As Jim reflects, “It’s like a family gathering,” where volunteers work together and enjoy meals, building a sense of unity and service. Jim prides himself on the dinner that the Church provides for volunteers and their families – feeding “upwards of 350 a night.”
“One of the things that we have done and that is part of our goals,” explains Jim, “is to establish other congregations. We were established by our Fleetwood Church, and now we’ve recently helped with establishing a church out in Topton called Redeemer Bible Fellowship Church, and it has just become a part of our denomination.”
New Life’s sense of community extends beyond the church walls, particularly with the Oley Valley Community Fair. Since 1999, the church has been an active participant, with Jim himself getting involved from his early days as a community member. “One of the most exciting things for me,” he recalls, “is when families come up, and kids with little eyes peep over the counter, excited about the fair. It’s a place where people reconnect.”
Today, the church staffs the ice cream and soda stands at the fair, with over 100 volunteers pitching in. This includes many students, who learn the value of volunteerism through the experience. “It’s great to see young people embracing a culture of service.”
The Difference of Banking Local
In March, New Life Bible Fellowship Church chose to move their banking to Fleetwood Bank, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong, personal relationships in their financial transactions. Jim explained that the decision was influenced by his prior connection with Kevin, Fleetwood Bank’s VP and Relationship Manager, who is also the President of the Oley Fair. “Kevin had been a part of our lives in his previous work environment, and we knew him from the Oley Fair and more” Jim explained. “When he made the transition to Fleetwood, he presented ways the bank could better support us, and that was important, especially since we were seeing some changes at our old bank.”
What stood out most for Jim and New Life’s leadership was the sense of personal connection and attention to detail that Fleetwood Bank offered. Kevin and his team didn’t just sell them on banking products; they educated the church on potential threats, such as check fraud, and suggested services that could protect them from modern financial crimes. “That sense of, ‘these folks have my back’ — that’s important to me,” Jim shared. “You can sell me products, but what I value most is a relational connection.”
Fleetwood Bank’s Oley branch, located just two miles from Jim’s home, also added to the convenience. Jim highlighted how the personal touch extended to the staff. “When you walk into the bank, they know your name,” Jim said. “It’s those little things that make a big difference.”
When asked about the advice he would give to others considering switching banks, Jim emphasized the importance of patience and flexibility during the transition process. “There’s always a bit of a learning curve,” he said, reflecting on how adapting to new systems can be challenging at first. “But once you get past that, it’s worth it for the relationships and the peace of mind you gain.”
The decision to move their accounts to Fleetwood wasn’t just a practical one for New Life; it aligned with the church’s philosophy of fostering strong, meaningful connections — whether within their congregation, at community events like the Oley Valley Fair, or with their financial partners.
