"Teaching elders (also called ministers of the Word and Sacrament) shall in all things be committed to teaching the faith and equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Eph.4:12). They may serve in a variety of ministries, as authorized by the presbytery. When they serve as preachers and teachers of the Word, they shall preach and teach the faith of the church, so that the people are shaped by the pattern of the gospel and strengthened for witness and service. When they serve at font and table, they shall interpret the mysteries of grace and lift the people’s vision toward the hope of God’s new creation. When they serve as pastors, they shall support the people in the disciplines of the faith amid the struggles of daily life. When they serve as presbyters, they shall participate in the responsibilities of governance, seeking always to discern the mind of Christ and to build up Christ’s body through devotion, debate, and decision." Book of Order (G-2.0501)

 

Pastor Vern has served at First United Presbyterian Church since August of 2001.

He received his Masters of Divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Lousiville KY in 1992 and his Doctor of Ministry from Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster PA in 2008. 

 

Pastor Vern grew up in MA and served 8 years in the United States Air Force.

He is married to Elisabeth who he met while stationed in England.

He has two adult children, Allison and Peter.

 

You can e-mail Pastor Vern by using the form below.