“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1) The Lord truly is my shepherd and He has worked hard to get me where I am today. He has had to use his rod and staff on me more than once!

I live in Wesleyville with my wife, Kristin.  We have a blended family of 6 adult children, my 2 (Amanda and Jacquie), her 3 (Steven, Caitlin, and Gerry), and 1 (Anthony) that moved in for a while and just chose to stay. We have 13 grandchildren: Owen, Ellie, Audriana, Andrew, Karley, Bryndis, Marlene, Walter, Cindy, Gabby, Gabriel, Rebekah, and Lydia. I am also “Daddy” to a number of furry creatures, mostly rescues.

I was born and raised in Erie and Harborcreek, PA, I am the fourth of five children, with two older brothers, an older sister, and a younger brother. My parents divorced when I was young. I lived with my mother but looked forward to fishing with my father on weekends. I was personally responsible for a lot of my mother’s grey hair. I spent a lot of time hunting and fishing with friends. I attended Harborcreek High School and participated in track, cross country, chorus, and a few school musicals. I graduated in 1977.

I worked for 33 ½ years as custodial/maintenance at Harborcreek School District. Whether it was setting up for a track meet, cleaning up after a band competition, or just keeping the classrooms clean for the teachers and students, I worked hard at what I did. When I was not at the School District, I was working with contractors, giving me experience to fix/build many things, as long as I don’t have to use a wrench! I decided that I would go back to school as an adult and considered teaching.

After a lot of mistakes, I returned to college at Edinboro University as an adult. I started majoring in secondary science but actually graduated with a BA in psychology. I completed all the class work and a six week field experience program at Warren State Hospital for my MA in clinical psychology. My thesis work was on PTSD but I was unable to complete my MA before Edinboro closed the program. My education led to some positions in drug and alcohol rehab programs. I didn’t get the MA but I got the education that I use regularly as a parent, grandparent, and pastor.

My faith journey actually started at Faith Lutheran when I was in Boy Scouts. The troop was sponsored by the church. I chose to become baptized. Pastor Wertz actually thought I would make a good minister and I laughed. I guess he has the last laugh as I sit here thinking about my parishioners at New Hope Presbyterian. I ran away from my faith for a while until a friend asked me to attend Lawrence Park Methodist. I worked as a custodian at the church for a while and really got to know the pastors. They redirected me and I started lay speaking courses with the Methodist church. I led a few youth mission trips. I eventually met my friend and now wife, Kristin. Kristin and I were married in July 2002. We are truly a ministry team.

Kristin and I started attending Belle Valley Presbyterian in 2002 after an Easter sunrise service. We found that there were a lot of people that we knew. I started working on the classes for the CRE (Certified Ruling Elder) program at Dubuque Theological Seminary. I completed the classes and was on the pulpit supply list, serving at a variety of churches in Erie, Crawford, and Venango counties. In 2021, I started serving occasionally at New Hope Presbyterian. In Dec 2021, I was offered a six month part-time interim pastor position. In May 2022, I was commissioned as an interim pastor for New Hope. I look forward to the experiences we will have together. I hope to inspire the congregation to share God’s love in this hurting world.

When I am not preaching, I enjoy spending time with my wife and family. Kristin and I take the dogs for walks or explore interesting new places. I like camping and hiking. I love to read. My favorite authors are Clive Cussler, Dean Kuntz, and Stephen King. I can be found hunting or fishing when I get the rare opportunities.

Church Secretary