Joe Rosa found dead by apparent suicide

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The body of former pastor and church-planter Joe Rosa was found in a wooded-area in Union County, Pa., on April 1. Police officers say his death was a result of self-hanging, or suicide.

Rosa, who was pastor of Congregacion Menonita Shalom, New Columbia, Pa., left his home last May, and police searches failed to locate him. Last June, police charged him with indecent assault, alleging he molested boys between 2005 and 2009.

According to the Standard Journal of Milton, the body was found about one mile from Rosa's home.

Congregacion Menonita Shalom, a church plant of Community Mennonite Fellowship, Milton, Pa., is part of Lancaster (Pa.) Mennonite Conference.

On April 6, pastor of Community Mennonite Fellowship David Martino said a memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. on April 17 at Revival Tabernacle Church in Watsontown, Pa. The service will include music in Spanish and English, a video of Rosa's life and more.

"We're looking for it to it be a healing event for the family," Martino said. "It's just a shock to people who knew Joe and were mentored by him. We want to give a balanced picture of what Joe's done in our community."

Details: A community memorial service to honor the life and ministry of Joe Rosa will be held on April 17 at Revival Tabernacle Church, 960 Susquehanna Trail; Watsontown, PA; 17777, from 1-3:00 p.m. The service is being hosted by Community Mennonite Fellowship (Milton), Congregacion Menonita Shalom (New Columbia), Nueva Cancion (Sunbury) and Revival Tabernacle.  Revival Tabernacle is located 1 mile north of Interstate 80, immediately off the Watsontown-Mcewensville exit, Exit 1, of Interstate 180. A time for refreshments, fellowship and greeting the family will follow the memorial service.   

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