Pilgrim Church welcomes newpastor, the Rev. Bonnie L. Lipton

Special to The Record

Publication Date: 10/14/05

Pilgrim Church, United Church of Christ (UCC), has welcomed a new minister, the Rev. Bonnie L. Lipton, who began her service with the congregation on Oct. 1.

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 advisor 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, including development director for a non-profit organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities, the executive director for a Big Brothers and Sisters program, and the executive director of a YWCA.

She was active in numerous local, state and national organizations throughout the years; county manager for Special Olympics, board of directors for the United Way, cardiopulmonary resusciation instructor for The Red Cross, member of Kiwanis, a Stephen Minister, and local president/state officer/national committee member of the Business and Professional Women's organization.

Lipton was named "The Professional of the Year" while working with the Association for Retarded Citizens of Crawford County, Pa., and received state recognition for the state's "Most Innovative Program" and "Outstanding Community Awareness Program." In addition, she was honored by the Pennsylvania Business and Professional Women's organization by being named the "Outstanding Young Career Woman" and received numerous other honors for her contributions.Lipton shares her excitement of being called to serve the United Church of Christ in St. Augustine; "God was certainly in the midst of bringing me to St. Augustine, and to the local congregation of the United Church of Christ.

"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 fasting 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."

All are welcome to the worship service at Pilgrim Church, United Church of Christ, located at 5880 U.S. 1 S., beginning at 10 a.m. Sundays.

© The St. Augustine Record
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Last Updated 11/09/2005 11:12

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