Monday, October 30, 2017

October was Pastor Appreciation Month


We asked how and why you appreciate your pastor... 

Our Pastor is Gordon “Gordie” Trimer. He is pastor at both Mines and Royer United Methodist Churches in Williamsburg. Pastor Gordie is the most caring and loving pastor. When any one of his congregation is in need, he is the first one to respond. He truly cares about us. His sermons are down-to-earth and are often about his own experiences that we can relate to. He has our two congregations working together to help out our little town of Williamsburg. A month ago he and his wife, Karen, took a mission team from our churches to Rosebud, South Dakota, to help out the Tree of Life at the Rosebud Reservation. They have also spread the Word of God and their love to people in Costa Rica, along with members of our congregation. We all love him and enjoy his sense of humor. He is a perfect fit for our congregations. We truly appreciate his service. — Patty H.

Let me tell you about our pastor here at Shiremanstown UMC. He has been at this appointment for six years and has been very attentive to the needs of our congregation. His passion is designing and implementing meaningful worship experiences. He seeks opportunities to share the love of Christ with others and is so welcoming to our community members. He doesn’t stop there, though! He is currently unpacking a Discipleship Pathway for our church family that promotes intentional growth and a disciple’s movement from “milk to meat.” You can expect a sermon that is scripturally sound with contemporary application. When not at the church, you may find Pastor Logan Garth Swanger and his wife, Pai, playing with their grandson, Oliver, and their little dog, Sally. Thank you for all you do for our church. — Ken B.

Kerr Addition United Methodist Church would like to acknowledge our appreciation for Pastor Mark Brower in leading us, guiding us, and teaching us to be disciples for Jesus Christ, and for all the other acts of kindness he does. Thank you and God bless. — Joyce M.

My pastor, Steve Cowfer, is a very talented musician, actor, awesome father to his two children, and loving husband to his wife, Eimy. He has been with us a year now, and already he has stepped into shoes he did not think he would have to fill, such as pianist for Sunday services (on more than one occasion and for more than Sunday services), mediator between parties, aided in several members’ moving days, and playing in the bell choir and singing in the sanctuary choir. He manages all this while still driving his children to York for school every day, helping with homework, cooking meals, and managing a two-point charge. We are very blessed to have him with us and believe he can bring positive things to the church and the Kingdom of God. Thank you, Steve, for all you do and will do for your congregations. — Lori H.

Our shepherd placed in the Rouzerville Charge (Wesley Chapel/Rouzerville UMCs) of the York District, is Pastor Joshua Wargo. I appreciate his laser focus on the gospel message and the absolute authority of Scripture. Christian faith [is] a hard journey in today’s world. Pastor Josh’s leadership helps us remember [to] live out and share our call to make disciples for the transformation of the world. Thanking God for you. — Missy M.

Thank you to Pastor Bob Rice for his service and devotion to our small country church - Stone United Methodist Church, Berwick. — Sharon G.

We love Pastor Scott because of his love for Christ, how he teaches us to be more like Christ, to love one another, to forgive, and to reach out to others. He leads by example. — St. Paul’s UMC, Scranton.

Just wanted to say how much I appreciate Pastor Ken Kitzmiller at Bucks Valley UMC. After many years of browsing for a new church home I was drawn to a quiet little church in the woods. There I met a friendly and inviting congregation led by Pastor Ken. That first meeting was at the home of an elderly parishioner who could not make it to church. We rode a school bus to her house and set up our lawn chairs in her driveway. It was an enlightening service. A church congregation and Pastor that would go the extra mile to fulfill “Love thy neighbor”. We sang by guitar accompaniment, we touched each other’s hearts, and we were fed by a sermon of service and love for our fellow man. Thanks be to God that love, kindness, hope, and charity are encouraged by Pastor Ken. Sincerely thankful — Joan C.