My wife, Alba, and I have greatly appreciated the warm welcome of all the good folks at the Kirk.

In a way, it's like "coming home again" to the San Fernando Valley after being away for eighteen years. We are enjoying getting to know everyone, hearing your stories of faith and life and sharing in ministry together. I would like to share my story with you.

I was born in Miami, Florida in May 1945. My younger sister and brother and I moved frequentlydue to my father's occupation as a pilot for Pan Am. We loved to travel and lived in New York, England, Florida and California.

I have many fond memories of growing up in suburban London, England, where I enjoyed close English school chums as well as expatriate friends.The stories of C. S. Lewis remind me of my childhood.

When I was nine we moved back to New York. Through the influence of a gifted Presbyterian Sunday School teacher I made a commitment to Christ as Savior and Lord. This decision led to my taking confirmation classes and joining the church.

I attended secondary school in Florida where, because of a dynamic pastor who had a great impact on my life, I joined the neighborhood church. Subsequently, I became involved in leadership roles in church, school, sports and service clubs.

Feeling called to Christian ministry I moved to Michigan to attend Hope College, a liberal arts
Christian institution. Those years in the 1960's were very stimulating for me intellectually and
socially as I confronted the movements and issues of the day.

I began my seminary training in Edinburgh, Scotland where I studied the classical biblical theological foundations, and was involved with the Church of Scotland. I completed my degree at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena with a concentration of practical theology and counseling.

Five years prior to my ordination were spent overseas in study/work/travel experiences. I love variety in languages and cultures and consider myself a World Christian.

My family was struck with tragedy when my younger brother Rick died. Since all our interventions and prayers did not restore Rick to wholeness, I experienced a struggle with questions of faith. My family drew together and God sustained us. This experience has made me sensitive to people who struggle with tragedy. I affirm that in life and death we belong to God.

My first two pastoral calls were as associate pastor in large multi-staffed churches in California - Rancho Palos Verdes and Granada Hills.   The congregations consisted of talented management and professional people with a diversity of religious and vocational backgrounds.   Those eleven years provided me the opportunity to specialize in areas of youth, Christian education, evangelism, mission, stewardship and membership care.

My ministry at the San Gabriel Presbyterian Church provided excellent experience in congregational redevelopment/revitalization and prepared me for ministry overseas in international congregations.   The five subsequent years at Tokyo Union Church in Japan enabled me to hone my preaching and cross-cultural leadership skills.

Later, at The American Church in London, I was challenged to broaden the membership from predominately expatriate Americans to a church for all peoples.   Most recently, my pastoral experience at the United Community Church in Buenos Aires, Argentina further equipped me in dealing with congregations in transition.

Alba and I have three grown children and two grandchildren.   We are happily settling into our home in Granada Hills and are glad that it is an easy commute to the Kirk.

I look forward with great anticipation to what God will do in the lives of everyone in the Kirk community.   May we all be used for God's glory and be a blessing to others.

In the Joy of His Service,

Pastor Jeff

 

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