“All I have time for is love and grace.” This prominent sign in Connie’s office expresses the heart of her ministry. Connie loves Jesus. She loves his people. She loves God’s Word. She seeks to live in the overflow of the Holy Spirit. It is her privilege and honor to come alongside the members and friends of VPC in times of rejoicing, heartache, and everything in between. It is, indeed, holy ground, to be a pastor.
Connie is a Pennsylvania gal through and though, and a near “cradle” Presbyterian. She unabashedly followed Christ at Harvard Divinity School. She relished the stimulation of learning, the cross-pollination from other area seminaries, and studying alongside students pursuing dual degrees in other disciplines.
Pretty much everything about ministry compels her! She has served 6 congregations, worked with 14 lead pastors, and served in a wide range of pastoral roles. She is grateful to serve VPC in the “sweet spot” of a shepherding pastor both in direct ministry, and in partnering with many gifted members who lead with her in the areas of CARE and FELLOWSHIP.
Her colleagues tease her that she is both “thorough and earnest.” She is also playful and light-hearted. She is the oldest installed pastor on staff, and she’s been ordained the longest, but her energy level will tell you otherwise. You will find her outside walking at a brisk clip, sometimes with a hand in the air as she is praising God with the newest worship song that was just released or singing aloud the words to a hymn written centuries ago. She also loves to read, journal, play piano, watch birds, and clear her calendar to be with family and friends which may or may not include spontaneous dance parties.
Her beloved husband of 31 years and frequent partner in ordained ministry, David, died in July 2019. Her older daughter and son-in-law, and baby girl live locally and worship at VPC. Her younger daughter lives out of state. To the praise of God, her parents, ordained elders in our denomination, are both still this side of heaven. God is good.
