The Rev. Paul E. Grabill, the lead pastor at State College Assembly of God for 20 years, died Thursday after an extended fight with cancer, the church announced Friday.
Grabill was 56. He had been dealing with cancer for seven years. The disease started in his jaw and spread to other parts of his body over the past couple years, said Michael Madeira, secretary of the church Board of Elders.
But Grabill remained active as pastor, appearing in the pulpit most recently on July 31, Madeira said.
‘It was his desire to speak to the congregation again, to encourage them,’ Madeira said. ‘What was most important to Paul Grabill — as great as he was in his relationships with people and wanting to serve — was people’s relationship with Jesus Christ.’
That drive, Madeira said, propelled Grabill in his will to appear before the congregation one more time last month.
In a public announcement, the church noted that it will host an ‘extended period of worship to celebrate Pastor Grabill’s life and ministry on Sunday morning.’
The Sunday service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday at the church, 2201 University Drive.
Among the largest Christian congregations in the State College area, the Assembly of God will deeply miss Grabill, it wrote Friday.
‘While we deeply miss him, but only for a time, we rejoice in his being in the presence of the Lord, never to suffer again,’ the church announcement reads.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced. (Editor’s note/update, posted at 8:43 a.m. Saturday: Memorial arrangements have now been announced.) Grabill and his wife, Arline, decided earlier that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to the State College Assembly of God Missions and Building Funds.
In addition to his wife, Grabill is survived by two sons, Robert and Ryan; a daughter-in-law, Ireida, and other family members.
‘Pastor Grabill crossed the finish line victoriously, surrounded by his family,’ the church wrote in its announcement. ‘He left an indelible mark of strong faith, abiding love, and leadership excellence on our hearts and lives.’
Additional information will be posted on StateCollege.com as it’s available.
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