New Pastor at First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville will welcome a new pastor beginning this month. The Rev. Jonathan A. Warren has been called to serve as the solo pastor of the church.

A cradle Presbyterian, Warren was baptized, confirmed and ordained at Knox Presbyterian Church in Naperville, Ill. Warren earned his Bachelor of Arts in religious studies and philosophy from Monmouth College and served as a Young Adult Volunteer, through PC(USA), for one year in Kenya. Upon return from his mission work in Africa, Warren attended Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary where he met his wife, the Rev. Siobhan Warren. The Warrens will bring to our community two daughters: Hannah, age 7, and Lydia, age 5.

Rev. Warren writes, “Our first introduction to Jacksonville showed us what a wonderful place it is to live. I can see ahead of us a wonderful and Spirit-led journey. Most of all, I am thrilled about what God has in store for First Presbyterian Church.”

Warren has served as an associate pastor for churches in Albuquerque, N.M., and Cody, Wyo. Most recently, his ministry at Powell Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tenn., has led him to think creatively as an initiator of a ministry team designed to reach out to folks, particularly young adults, who would not normally participate in organized religion. Following the New Worshipping Community Model shared by the PC(USA), Warren’s “Geek Ministry,” as it is called, has been successful in establishing fresh ways to reach people for Jesus Christ through intentional team-based ministry.

Warren will lead worship at First Presbyterian Church for the first time at 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 24, 2016. A community-wide picnic in Duncan Park will follow the service at noon. All are invited.

Founded in 1827, First Presbyterian Church has been housed on the corner of West College and Westminster in Jacksonville since 1899. Today the church provides a vibrant community of reformed faith and intentional outreach through a number of unique ministries. For more information, please contact First Presbyterian Church at 217-245-.4189 or at www.firstpresjax.org.

-Tim Chipman

Coordinator of Youth Ministry at First Presbyterian 217-883-9095, tim.chipman@mail.ic.edu

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