 |
| Left to right — front row: Pastor Christine Mastin and Kelly Kocher-Ross. Second row: Pastor Brian Sandell, Rev. Ryan Gephart, Dottie Hararas, and Rev. David Shultz. Third row: Pastor Calvin Miller and Tony Crocamo. Back row: Dr. Dilip Abayasekara, Rev. Lori Steffensen and Rev. Larry Leland Jr. |
On December 6, 2017, six pastors and a lay leader completed the eighth Preaching with Power program offered by Dr. Dilip Abayasekara and his associate, Tony Crocamo. The graduation luncheon program was held at the site of the fall PwP, Christ UMC in Selinsgrove, with Lewisburg District Superintendent Rev. Larry Leland Jr. and State College District Superintendent Lori Steffensen present.
This rigorous 36-hour program takes preachers through the theory and practice of preparing, constructing, and delivering sermons. PwP’s key tenets are that it is grounded in biblical theology, led by the Holy Spirit, offers spiritual sustenance to the congregation, and is based on solid sermon construction, organization, and delivery.
The 2017 PwP graduates are: Rev. Ryan Gephart (Christ UMC, Selinsgrove, Lewisburg District), Dorothy (Dottie) Hararas (First UMC, Mt. Union, Altoona District), Kelly Kocher-Ross (Bethel UMC, Catawissa, Lewisburg District), Pastor Christine Mastin (White Deer Charge, Lewisburg District), Pastor Calvin Miller (Greater Buffalo Run Valley UMC, State College District), Pastor Brian Sandell (Second Avenue Altoona, Altoona District), and Rev. David Shultz (Port Trevorton Charge, Lewisburg District).
A video message from Bishop Jeremiah Park was well-received, and so was an address by District Supervisor Rev. Larry Leland Jr. Each of the graduates gave a five- to seven-minute sermon prior to receiving certificates of completion and CEU certificates. Commenting on the quality of the participants, Dr. Dilip Abayasekara said, “The conference should be very proud of each of the participants who went through the program. They are committed to their call and applied themselves diligently to their vital task – to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.” Shawn Gilgore, Director of Communications Ministry, was present to take photos.
