"Pastor Rich" arrived to serve the FPC church family and its mission in August of 2004. He grew up in both Summit, NJ and Northeast Philadelphia, PA.
He discerned his calling to ministry through his experiences at Camp Johnsonburg. Following a degree in Sociology from William Paterson University, he earned a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1997. Pastor Rich also spent two years training as a certificate in Spiritual Director through Oasis Ministries(www.oasismin.org).
He greatly enjoys the myriad of ministry --
preaching andleading worship,
going on church mission trips to rehabilitate homes in Appalachia (www.asphome.org),
serving as Trustee and promoting camp ministry at Camp Johnsonburg (www.campjburg.org),
visioning with leadership about how historic congregations can remain vital relevant in contemporary culture
He advocates honest, non-judgmental conversation about God, faith, and following in the footsteps of Jesus. He thinks less about what Jesus WOULD do and more about what Jesus WILL do!
His hobbies include singing and songwriting (see below), digital photography and poetry (http://wordwindows.blog.com), being phanatcial about the Philadelphia Phillies, watching movies and reading both historic fiction and psychological thrillers.
His favorite book of the Bible is Hebrews. The passage of Scripture that most inspires him is Mark 5:1-20.
He considers himself a contemplative progressive evangelical ... and he's always very happy to explain how on earth these three "labels" fit together. Just ask :-)
Above all, he cherishes spending as much quality time as possible with his loving family.
