Religion
- Last Updated on Friday, 19 July 2013 03:56
By J.R. Brower
When she preached on Sunday, May 19, Tara Fanton didn’t look tired at all. Her sermon was called “Filled With the Holy Spirit”, and she looked as refreshed as could be. She told the congregation at Peters Creek United Presbyterian Church PCUSA in Venetia that she should be tired, because she had stayed up late the night before completing her final term paper.
When she preached on Sunday, May 19, Tara Fanton didn’t look tired at all. Her sermon was called “Filled With the Holy Spirit”, and she looked as refreshed as could be. She told the congregation at Peters Creek United Presbyterian Church PCUSA in Venetia that she should be tired, because she had stayed up late the night before completing her final term paper.
Student Pastor Tara Fanton graduated from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary on May 31.
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Pastor Fanton said “The paper is one of seven this year she had to complete for her studies at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.” Since last October, she has served as the official pastor of the small congregation that still worships in the old Venetia School (Venetia Community Center, 800 Venetia Road), until their property case is settled by state commonwealth court.
The youthful student, originally from Mercer, PA, is probably one of the youngest to have served as pastor of Peters Creek U.P. Church, whose presence in Peters Township dates back to the late 1700s. She said that she is just a student pastor, but the congregation thinks of her as an ordained pastor, because she is quite professional in her duties, gives very thoughtful and inspiring sermons and has a wonderful personality coupled with a great sense of humor.
Tara graduated from seminary on May 31 after attending the prestigious institute of higher learning part-time for the past five years in what is traditionally a three-year program. She received her bachelor’s degree from Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA.
The youthful student, originally from Mercer, PA, is probably one of the youngest to have served as pastor of Peters Creek U.P. Church, whose presence in Peters Township dates back to the late 1700s. She said that she is just a student pastor, but the congregation thinks of her as an ordained pastor, because she is quite professional in her duties, gives very thoughtful and inspiring sermons and has a wonderful personality coupled with a great sense of humor.
Tara graduated from seminary on May 31 after attending the prestigious institute of higher learning part-time for the past five years in what is traditionally a three-year program. She received her bachelor’s degree from Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA.
One of her mentors who extended congratulations at her graduation was professor, Rev. Dr. Andrew Purvis. Rev. Purvis filled in for her in late April as guest pastor, and the congregation was quite pleased with the uplifting sermon delivered by the famous Scottish theologian, who travels worldwide and is Professor of Reformed Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Tara and her husband, Rev. Wray Fanton, live in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh. Rev. Wray has been ordained in the Baptist Church for about a year and is currently between two pastoral possibilities, one here in Pittsburgh and the other in Chautauqua, NY. Should he accept the one in New York State, the couple would obviously have to move.
In the meantime, Pastor Tara Fanton reflects back on her recent graduation and the possibility that she might become the fully ordained minister of Peters Creek U.P. Church. The congregation certainly hopes so. When asked what is it like ministering the small group, she said, “It’s an opportunity to work with a congregation that allows me to make mistakes, learn and walk along with the grace of God to serve.”
Pastor Fanton is proud of Peters Creek U.P. Church’s community service, as well. In collaboration with Thomas Presbyterian Church, the Food and Friends free meal program serves hot dinners twice a month to anyone in need of them. (See UFM’s things-to-do listings in this issue.) Elder Louise Carmichael reported that 132 people were served at Food and Friends by 20 volunteers on Thursday, May 16.
To celebrate Pastor Fenton’s graduation, the congregation met after the regular service on Sunday June 2 at King’s Restaurant in North Strabane at 11:00 a.m.
(Note: Since this story was written, Pastor Fanton has informed the congregation that her husband, Wray, has accepted a position as minister of a Baptist church in Chatauqua, NY. The couple will be moving there later this summer.)
Tara and her husband, Rev. Wray Fanton, live in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh. Rev. Wray has been ordained in the Baptist Church for about a year and is currently between two pastoral possibilities, one here in Pittsburgh and the other in Chautauqua, NY. Should he accept the one in New York State, the couple would obviously have to move.
In the meantime, Pastor Tara Fanton reflects back on her recent graduation and the possibility that she might become the fully ordained minister of Peters Creek U.P. Church. The congregation certainly hopes so. When asked what is it like ministering the small group, she said, “It’s an opportunity to work with a congregation that allows me to make mistakes, learn and walk along with the grace of God to serve.”
Pastor Fanton is proud of Peters Creek U.P. Church’s community service, as well. In collaboration with Thomas Presbyterian Church, the Food and Friends free meal program serves hot dinners twice a month to anyone in need of them. (See UFM’s things-to-do listings in this issue.) Elder Louise Carmichael reported that 132 people were served at Food and Friends by 20 volunteers on Thursday, May 16.
To celebrate Pastor Fenton’s graduation, the congregation met after the regular service on Sunday June 2 at King’s Restaurant in North Strabane at 11:00 a.m.
(Note: Since this story was written, Pastor Fanton has informed the congregation that her husband, Wray, has accepted a position as minister of a Baptist church in Chatauqua, NY. The couple will be moving there later this summer.)
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