Pastor's Corner

Greetings from the northern most frontier of our annual conference:

   By the time you read this I hope to be moving in to Elmer as your new pastor. Some of you have already figured out that I am not coming as a foreigner to South Jersey. Though I currently live in Milford, Pa, my wife, Barb and I have lived in Camden, Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland Counties. We have served in churches in Rosenhayn, Bridgeton, Port Norris, Buckshutem, Penns Grove, Auburn and Gloucester City. 

   Barb and I will be moving into the parsonage with two children, two dogs, and a cat.  Danielle is our 19 year old daughter who will be looking for a job and considering a community college or trade school to attend.  J. J. (aka James) is 12 years old, likes to play soccer, basketball, and baseball and is involved in Boy Scouts. You will probably never see our cat, but the dogs, Cede and Kate, are big, friendly and hard to miss. They love to be petted and sit in laps. Please know that though Kate is lovable she also likes to chase running people, bicycles and anything you throw. She is also intolerant of people arguing and will gently intercede if she thinks a fight is brewing.

   Our new conference transition process and the fact that we were one of the first appointments has given me a chance to meet some of your leadership and get some ideas of what is ahead for us as we minister together. At Annual Conference, Joan Harz and I both received certificates defining 8 expectations of this appointment.  I expect to refer to some of these points as we get to know each other. 

   Two areas which have defined my former ministries are giving leadership to congregational healing and strong community outreach. I have seen some of Alan Darby’s community presence and concerns, and know this will continue as part of who I am.

   I have also heard a number of concerns for healing and peace in the church community.  This is a more complicated issue that involves far more study and well thought out action. Not only have I been studying issues around community peace and reconciliation, but a team of people is being developed to address such issues throughout our annual conference. It is my hope that we will grow together as a community of shalom. Shalom is a Hebrew word used for peace, and means so much more. It carries a sense of completion or fullness and involves justice and meeting the needs of all people. It involves confrontation and not avoidance.  This will be one of our most pressing issues and one I feel most reflects the true meaning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

   I eagerly await doing ministry with you and pray that we may grow into that community of God’s wholeness as we serve together for the glory of God.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Dave Repenning