I have had the great pleasure of doing the work of God at St. James since 2022. I was raised in a Catholic family but left the church at age 13. For the next 25 years, I was all but unchurched, until 2001 when I felt my older son, Nick, who was in kindergarten, was ready to go to church. I wanted my kids to have a religious education and to be able to make up their own minds. Enter the UCC. I joined the United Church of Christ at Valley Forge in 2001.
By 2012, with the help of God and my pastor, my journey as a follower of Christ began in earnest. I learned a lot about the Bible and also gained some spiritual practices (or ways of helping me get closer to God.) The most important for me has been prayer and listening for God – talking to God for a short time and then taking time in silence to listen to God. This practice has led to many wonderful changes in my life, and a lot of healing.
By 2015 I was called by God to go to Lancaster Theological Seminary. After an amazing process filled with growth and challenges, I graduated with my Master of Divinity degree in 2020. By 2022, I was called to St. James, and it has been very challenging, but very amazing. I just love this welcoming, kind, lovely congregation and I am blessed to be called by them. I feel called to share my life and experience, the Bible and spiritual practices with this congregation, in the hopes that they too, will experience healing and learn to follow Jesus even more closely.
I am active in the wider UCC community, currently serving on the planning team for the new Keystone Conference meetings for 2026. I am also proud to be serving on the first ever, new for 2025 LGBTQIA commission for Montgomery County.
I am divorced, and my son, Nick, and his brother, Ben, are fully launched. I am a dog mom to Allie, and we live in Royersford. I am passionate about social justice issues, and I enjoy country line dancing, music, theater, movies, walking, eating out and being with friends.
Please contact me at pastor@stjames-ucc.org if you have any questions for me. We hope to see you at St. James in the very near future!
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Donna Pinto – Music Director/Organist
music@stjames-ucc.org
I have been Choir Director and Organist at St. James UCC for nearly 10 years. It has become my second church family, as everyone is friendly, welcoming, and supportive. I enjoy sharing my music to aid people in worshiping God.
I received both Bachelor and Master of Music degrees as a piano major from Temple University. After graduation, I taught piano at Settlement Music School for many years. I later obtained a Master’s in Computer Science and worked as a software engineer for nearly two decades.
Born and raised in northeast Philadelphia, currently I live in Limerick with Mark, my husband of 25 years, a wonderful tenor soloist, who has contributed greatly to St. James’ music program over the years. Mark has generously pitched in during the pandemic when the church family was unable to meet in person and the choir has been on hiatus.
We both enjoy singing in choirs, bowling, golf (miniature and regular), getting together with our friends, and traveling to scenic and interesting destinations. I am also an avid amateur photographer. At home I enjoy gardening, Sudoku puzzles, counted-cross stitch, Facebook and creating databases for my music and other household items that need organizing.
Rich Fiedler, Consistory President
A longtime member and leader at St. James, Rich serves as President of the Consistory, investing time and knowledge in overseeing the fiduciary and spiritual responsibilities and governance of the church.
St. James United Church of Christ 
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