Delco churches welcome new pastoral leadership
FOLCROFT » The Rev. Wende Bleam was installed as the new pastor of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on June 25. The Rev. Leslie Richard, Dean of the Delaware Conference, presided over the installation.
Dean Richard was assisted by the Rev. Carolann Hopcke of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Trumbauersville. Other pastors also in attendance were Rev. Kris Peterson, Rev. David Heckler, Rev. Linda Manson and Rev. Sandra Brown.
The installation culminated with the “laying of hands” on Pastor Wende Bleam by all in attendance. Pastor Bleam has already started her ministry at St. John’s and is anxious to continue the church’s social ministry programs and their outreach in the community.
Interim rector comes to Christ Episcopal
MEDIA » Christ Episcopal Church, 311 S. Orange St., welcomed Interim Rector Nancy James Deming during June. The Rev. Canon Deming will serve the Christ Church community while the vestry and search committee identify and call the next Rector of Christ Church. This process is expected to take approximately 15 months.
The. Rev. Deming comes to Christ Church from the Bishop’s staff, where she served the Diocese of Pennsylvania over the past three years as Canon to the Ordinary for Congregational Care and Development. In that capacity, Reverend Deming worked with many churches throughout the Diocese by bringing guidance and resources to help them face challenges and opportunities.
Before joining the Bishop’s staff, the Rev. Deming was the Vicar for ten years of St. Gabriel’s Church, a Philadelphia inner city mission parish located at Front Street and Roosevelt Boulevard.
The Rev. Deming came to ordained ministry after a first career in corporate banking. She describes her present calling with Christ Church as “working with the parish during this time of transition around mission and ministry,” while discerning “what God is calling us to be and do in this corner of the kingdom.”
The Rev. Deming lives in Wayne with her husband Philip.
Christ Episcopal Church conducts services at 8:30 and 10 a.m. from September through June. There is one 9 a.m. through the end of August, followed by light snacks and beverages on the front lawn. Free childcare is available at the summer services. All are welcomed.