Dear People of St. James, Limerick, PA!

One of my favorite songs is “’Tis a Gift to be Simple.” Being invited to be your supply pastor while Pastor Rachael is on maternity leave feels like one of those “turning, turning ‘til we come ‘round right” experiences that appear along the way when we are open to them. I can think of no better time to “supply” than this one… watching and waiting with a young pastor for the new life that she carries. I count it as a privilege to be with a congregation who is looking forward, not only with their pastor, but within themselves, to ways of being church in the 21st Century.

It was good to be with you in worship on February 10th and I am eager to begin with you on March 17th. As some of you know, I am a graduate of Spring Ford (’66), Kutztown State (’70), and Andover Newtown Theological School (1999). My ministry path has been a long one…from active lay person in First Church of Christ, Congregational (Glastonbury, CT), to a few courses at Hartford Seminary, to a CE position in a mid-sized congregation, to seminary and a 25-hour per week position as Parish Visitor in our home church (very large). I was among the generation of students who commuted for long years while juggling family and working. Now, I am glad to say, we are seeing more young people in our theological schools.

I grew up in Oaks and my husband in Phoenixville. We moved to CT in 1973 and worked for The Travelers (Bruce still does). We have a son and a daughter who live in Baltimore and Lake George, NY, respectively. My first church was in Tolland, CT where I served as an associate for three years. Since then, I have been kept busy as an intentional interim/transitional pastor, often as an associate, but also as the pastor with St. Paul’s, Kutztown in 2003-2004. Currently, I enjoy supplying for sabbatical and medical leaves. I also have a growing practice as a spiritual companion/director. My preparation for that was completed in a program with Oasis Ministries which is based in Camp Hill (see http://www.oasismin.org). I also serve on their Board of Directors and will be somewhat occupied with them during the two months I am with you.

While in PA, I will be staying with a pastor-friend in Orwigsburg. Occasionally I will stay with family or friends closer to Limerick. My cell phone will be on to take emergency calls. I hope to be keeping a few “office hours” on most, but not all, Thursdays. Please feel free to email me at revsaja@att.net to introduce yourselves, ask questions, and/or to share your thoughts and prayers. I pray we will be blessings to each other in our brief time together through Holy week and the Easter season!

With faith, hope, and love,
Sara Jane Munshower