Pilgrim church installing new pastor Sunday
Special to The Record 
Publication Date: 01/13/06
The public is invited to attend the installation service of the Rev. Bonnie L. Lipton as pastor and teacher of Pilgrim Church, United Church of Christ at 4 p.m. Sunday at 5880 U.S. 1 S.
Lipton began her ministry at Pilgrim Church UCC on Oct. 1.
The local church in covenant with the Florida Conference of United Christ will install her with many members of the church, community representatives, local and state-wide clergy from various denominations participating.
Lipton is a "second career" minister, who received a social work degree from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, and a Master of Divinity degree from Bangor Theological Seminary, in Bangor, Maine. Her clinical studies included a chaplaincy internship with Eastern Maine Medical Center, and ministerial responsibilities with Hammond Street Congregational United Church of Christ, both in Bangor.
Recently, she served as a spiritual adviser to a medical mission team to Ukraine, Hungary and Serbia.
Prior to accepting a call to the ordained ministry, Lipton served in various capacities in the social service field.
She was active in numerous local, state and national organizations throughout the years and received numerous honors for her contributions.
"God was certainly in the midst of bringing me to St. Augustine, and to the local congregation of the United Church of Christ," she noted in October upon her arrival in the Nation's Oldest City.
"I believe God has empowered me, over the years of my secular service to individuals and families, with the skills that will combine with my theological training and experience, to help Pilgrim Church continue to be a growing church community where all people will feel welcome and experience the presence and the love of God. St. Augustine is one of the fastest growing areas in our country, and it is imperative that all churches and houses of worship work together to provide spiritual direction within our community to those who settle within our midst."
© The St. Augustine Record
