St. Mary's Community Church stands on East Laura Street in Plant City, Florida, where Pastors Timothy and Pamela Knighten lead a network of ministries that reach into the surrounding community. The church has built its identity around five distinct ministry groups and a steady rhythm of outreach that serves families throughout the area, with a particular heart for low-income households and children in need.
Five Ministries Under One Roof
The church organizes its life around five ministries, each given a distinct identity and a clear purpose.
The Brotherhood Ministry brings the men of St. Mary's together for fellowship and service. The men's group partners with the women's Queens Ministry for major events, including the annual Tea, where the two groups join forces for an afternoon of shared hospitality and tradition.
The SMCC Queens Ministry (also called the Sisterhood Ministry) is the women's arm of the church. The Queens host the annual Tea each spring, an elegant afternoon of food and table decor, with each table sponsored and decorated by a member of St. Mary's. The Queens describe the gathering as an afternoon of community spirit, delicious traditions, and a wide selection of food. Funds raised at the Tea flow back to the church, the youth, and the surrounding community, allowing the Queens to extend their reach year-round through additional acts of generosity.
The SMCC Warriors Youth Ministry is the church's next generation. Young members help lead major observances, including the Black History Program in February and the Easter Program, where they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Warriors also take part in the Christmas Program, helping to deliver gifts to children in low-income households and giving the next generation a hands-on role in the church's outreach mission.
A Music Ministry supports the church's worship life, providing music for regular services and the special programs held throughout the year, from the Christmas Program to the Black History observance.
The Outreach Ministry connects the congregation to Plant City beyond the church walls, organizing giveaways and partnering with other community groups to meet tangible needs in the wider Plant City area.
Reaching Out Across Plant City
Outreach is part of the church's identity. Each year, St. Mary's Community Church joins the Plant City Empty Bowls fundraiser, a community event held at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum that the church has joined every year since the event was first held there. The Empty Bowls event raises awareness and resources for those facing food insecurity in the area. The church also partners with Evangelist Virginia Helper and Sanctuary for joint Community Outreach Services that bring additional resources and hands to the work, expanding the church's reach beyond what it could do alone.
The church runs recurring Back to School Giveaways that hand out free backpacks and school supplies, free clothing and shoes, free haircuts, and free food and drink to families preparing for the school year. A Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway provides families with a turkey or ham and the fixings for a full holiday meal. At Christmas, the church identifies low-income families and supplies every child in the household with the gifts they have requested, easing seasonal financial strain on parents and bringing seasonal joy to children throughout Plant City. The church describes this program as one that empowers families and enhances seasonal well-being for children.
Programs That Mark the Year
Beyond regular worship, St. Mary's Community Church observes several annual programs that have become traditions, weaving together faith, culture, and service.
In February, the youth lead a Black History Program that celebrates Black History Month and the contributions of Black Americans. In April, the Queens and Brotherhood come together for the annual Tea, a community spirit gathering marked by elegant table decor and a wide selection of food, with proceeds directed back to ministry and mission. The Easter Program in spring focuses on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the Christmas Program in December pairs worship with the church's gift-giving outreach to families in need.
Music, Leadership, and Online Connection
Pastor Timothy Knighten preaches and oversees the life of the church alongside his wife, Pastor Pamela Knighten. Together they share announcements, recaps of recent events, and reflections on the ministries at work. Sonny Traylor, a regular contributor, shares news of outreach efforts and helps communicate upcoming giveaways to the community.
Services are broadcast on Facebook Live for members who cannot attend in person, and a YouTube channel carries recordings of recent services for later viewing. The Music Ministry prepares music for regular worship and the special programs held throughout the year, lending continuity between the church's weekly gatherings and its seasonal celebrations.
Giving and Staying in Touch
St. Mary's Community Church makes giving simple. Contributions can be made through PayPal or through Cash App at $SMCCPASTOR. The church keeps an active feed of news and a regularly updated events calendar so that members and visitors can keep up with what is coming up next. Followers can also keep in touch through the church's Facebook presence at facebook.com/stmarysccpc.
The church meets at 907 E. Laura Street in Plant City. The mailing address is PO Box 3415, Plant City, FL 33563.