IN THIS ISSUE: OCTORARA STUDENTS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS page 3
Octorara /townlively
APRIL 22, 2020
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXX • NO 12
Doe Run Names Transitional Student Pastor By Francine Fulton
While most newly appointed pastors spend the first few weeks getting to know members of the congregation during Sunday services and get-acquainted events, Gabrielle “Gabby” Kennedy has started her new position at Doe Run Presbyterian Church during a time when the church doors are temporarily closed. During Sunday services on March 8, the congregation welcomed Kennedy as the transitional student pastor. The Rev. Dr. Erin Cox-Holmes, Donegal’s executive presbyter, preached and then blessed Kennedy’s appointment. The church was closed to the public one week later. “My main duties would be creating and leading the worship services for Sunday morning and providing pastoral care to the congregation visiting shut-ins who can’t come to church and being present if they are in crisis, whether it be illness or when a loved one dies,” said Kennedy. “A lot of that (pastoral care) is going on - but now over the phone and through email.” Kennedy, who was born and raised in northcentral Pennsylvania, graduated from Lancaster Theological Seminary in 2017, receiving a Master of Divinity degree. Kennedy succeeds the Rev. Annalie Kornegay, who was dividing her time between Doe Run and Unionville Presbyterian Church.
Kornegay has been the pastor of the congregation since 2012. “The long-term pastor left about a year ago, and they had (Kornegay as) a transitional pastor,” Kennedy explained. “So far, it’s been a really good fit for the church and myself.” Doe Run is Kennedy’s first traditional pastorate. “I am not ordained, so I can’t perform sacraments or baptize people or administer Communion,” said Kennedy, explaining why her title includes the words “student pastor.” “I can’t moderate the session meetings, but Pastor Annalie is monitoring the meetings with me there.” Kennedy went to seminary with the intention of becoming a Unitarian Universalist minister but decided to leave that denomination. “I switched denominations, so I am at the beginning of the ordination process and hope to be done in two years’ time,” she stated. “It’s a rigorous process. I have to take Greek and Hebrew and (study) Presbyterian Polity.” Since the church building is closed, Kennedy has been holding online services in conjunction with Unionville Presbyterian Church. “Doe Run (has a) coffee hour, and we do that on Zoom,” said Kennedy. “I am doing the same job, but all from home. It’s an unprecedented experience. I believe the crisis will bond us because we are going through this strange time together.” Kennedy is looking forward to when congregation members can return to attending church in the building. “It’s definitely a family
Transitional student pastor Gabrielle Kennedy (right) was recently appointed to Doe Run Presbyterian Church by Donegal executive presbyter the Rev. Dr. Erin Cox-Holmes.
See Doe Run pg 2
Support For Single Moms Available
Clergy Plays A Part In Health And Wellness
OCC
In December last year, Melanie Underhill, a four-year veteran of single parenting, announced that she had created Single Moms, a support group for single mothers. The group started out meeting in person once a month at First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg, 101 S. Decatur St., Strasburg, but with the sudden changes to everyday life recently, meetings have been augmented. “I am holding our single moms support group online now every Friday on Zoom,” Underhill said. “The response … has been incredible. We are meant for community, and the moms are finding support and validation sharing their stories and struggles with those who understand fully. It’s also wonderful to see friendships form and the sharing of child care, resources and information.” The formation of Single Moms could not have come at a more crucial time, Underhill noted. “In these uncertain times, single parents may feel more isolated and alone than ever,” Underhill explained. “Fear of losing their job or income may plague their thoughts, and limited food, basic necessities, child care, and emotional support may
Melanie Underhill
See Single Moms pg 4
Not just in your mailbox...
By Marcella Peyre-Ferry
The Rev. Dr. Linwood Smith, pastor of Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Atglen, earned his Doctor of Ministry from Lancaster Theological Seminary last May. The topic of his thesis, “The Role of Clergy in Promoting Health and Wellness,” is always relevant, but it is particularly important at the present time. Smith’s research started three years ago. The results were based on findings in the West Mainline and Philadelphia districts of the Philadelphia Annual Conference of the AME Church. “This research can be used for all denominations,” Smith said. He discovered the biggest health issues facing those congregations were cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. For the clergy, recognizing the health issues among members and encouraging them to take steps to improve their overall wellness are a part of caring for their flock. “The proactive approach would be to take a sermon a month to talk about
The Rev. Dr. Linwood Smith
See Clergy pg 7
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