By way of introduction, let me share with you this quote that I carry with me every day.
“The purpose in life is to listen…to yourself, to your neighbor, to your world and to your God. And then, when the time comes to act to act in as helpful and creative way as you can.”
- The Rev. Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood
I carry that quote with me as a reminder not just of what is important to me, but what I think a church should be in the world today.
A place to listen…to yourself, to others, to your neighbors and to God.
A place to ask important questions.
A place to reflect on the direction and purpose of your life.
A place through which you can make a difference.
As you look through our website or read our sermons or newsletters I invite your comments, reflections and questions. Please (and I mean it!) feel free to email me or to give me call (914.234.3672).
Besides the work I do here at the church, a part of my responsibility as pastor is to be involved in the communities around us. In the past I have been a member of the Board of Education of the Bedford Central School District. Currently, I am on the Board of Directors of Bridges to Community, the international service learning organization through which we take groups on work/service trips to Nicaragua. I am also on the Board of Directors of the Emergency Shelter Partnership, an organization that Bedford Presbyterian Church helped to start six years ago to provide hospitality, food and shelter during the coldest 6 months of the year to those in need around us. And, along with other staff and adults from BPC, I provide leadership for our two high school service/learning trips each year.
I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and went to college in Ohio at The College of Wooster. Following college my wife, Shodie, and I moved to Oregon, Illinois to work at a Presbyterian camp and conference center. From there we moved to suburban Chicago where I took a position that focused on youth ministry at Community Presbyterian Church in Clarendon Hills, IL. In that congregation I learned much about working with young people, and how much I enjoyed it. That congregation also encouraged me to consider the ministry and made it possible for me to go to seminary. In 1984, I received my Masters of Divinity degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. In 1989 Shodie and I, now with our two young sons, moved to Bedford, NY so I could take the position of pastor here at Bedford Presbyterian Church where I continue to serve.
I would like to invite you to experience Bedford Presbyterian Church for yourself. Whether you join us for one of our worship services, an adult education program, or a program we offer for children and youth. YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME HERE! And, if you have questions about God, about faith, about what you believe or what you don't believe I would be more than happy to talk with you. I tell adults that after 30+ years of working with young people you can't ask me a question that they haven't already asked me. I look forward to meeting you!
