GET TO KNOW OUR PASTOR
Reverend Dr. Nancy W. Holt

I had the joy of coming to First Presbyterian Church in July of 2002—and what a caring and loving family I found myself in!  I LOVE being here—my special passions are visiting and getting to know folks, leading worship so that everyone experiences the warmth of our family and MOST ESPECIALLY feels God’s presence; and my favorite passion—helping folks to know how deeply and dearly God loves each one of us!

 I came to First Presbyterian, having been an interim pastor for over ten years; and having served as an associate pastor (for mission and Christian Education) for 8 years prior to that.  I have a master’s degree in Social Work from Temple University; a master’s degree in divinity from Eastern Seminary; a master’s degree in theology from Princeton Seminary; and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Pittsburgh Seminary.  (I love going to school and learning new things!!)    

I am the VERY proud grandmother of Jonathan Ryan Holt (born September 11, 2005)—please ask to see his picture!! His mom and dad are Kim and Kevin; he has an Uncle Scott and an Aunt Cathy; and an Uncle Chad.  (All this goes to say I have three wonderful sons and two incredible daughters-in-law!)  I also have three grand-dogs and two-grand-cats; as well as four cats of my very own (Boaz;  Samson, Ezekiel, and Sarah—do you know each of those Bible characters??!).

I try to ALWAYS be available—my door is always open and am glad to discuss anything at any time!  

Letter From The Pastor:   April, 2008

Dearest, dearest family, 

The poet Wendell Berry writes, “Practice Resurrection!”  Sometimes that’s easy—like now!!  I love spring!  I love seeing the flowers come back to life; I love the warm weather, I love being able to shed my coat!  And although I know that technically spring began last month, April is when I think of the beginning of spring.   

It was very easy for me to practice resurrection last week when my beautiful new granddaughter was born—Maya arrived on March 24 weighing 7 pounds and 2 ounces—beautiful and perfect in every way!! 

It was easy for me to practice resurrection last week as I gathered around the dinner table with Joe’s wonderful two daughters, their husbands, and his four grandchildren and with my all my children to celebrate birthdays and being together and new life for our families—becoming family!

But sometimes practicing resurrection is not so easy, is it?  Many of us have been through some incredibly hard times in the last years and months….illness, unemployment, financial difficulties, relationship problems…..those are the times that it’s hard to remember that the resurrection is coming….but that the crucifixion must occur first in order to get there!

Perhaps those are also the times we need to remember the old saying, “April showers bring May flowers.”  It’s true, isn’t it?  Sometimes we have to have some difficulties to get to the appreciation of the beauty.  Could we have truly appreciated and been thankful for Easter without Good Friday?  Could the beautiful flowers have sprouted without the rain? 

Yes indeed—let’s practice resurrection….but let’s remember to do it in the hard and painful times as well as the good times—knowing that in God’s mercy and love and grace—the resurrection will surely come!

Keep praying!

In Christ,