Community Corner
Husband, Wife New Pastors At Presbyterian Church
The Revs. Liz Johnson Blythe and Reverend Scott Blythe share more than just a last name and the pulpit.
Morris Plains, "the Community of Caring" can now call The "the church of sharing."
The church will have two pastors who share the pulpit, the congregation, and the pastoral workload. They also manage to share a cup of coffee in the morning, a grocery list and and a set of car keys.
That's because they also share the covenant of marriage. The Rev. Scott Blythe and the Rev. Liz Johnson-Blythe are husband and wife.
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“We feel lucky," the Rev. Scott Blythe told those gathered at an installation for the new pastors in the church's Westminster Hall Sept. 18. "We are happy to be part of such a warm community."
The pair shared one more thing with their congregation—their anniversary, which took place the same day.
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Church members and friends were treated to food and light refreshments at a reception, and had the opportunity to meet the new co-pastors. The Rev. Scott Blythe was all smiles as he shook hands and thanked the attendees with his much-complemented on Scottish brogue.
Mayor Frank Druetzler, Council President Sue McCluskey, Councilmen George Coogan and Jason Karr, and Councilwoman Laurie Fu were all on hand to represent Morris Plains' governing body and enjoy the upbeat ceremony with the rest of the congregation.
The installation was presided over by the Rev. Jen Van Zandt of Newton and featured pastors from all over Morris County—and further. The Rev. Roger Scott Powers of Baltimore was present to give his old friends, and those who had gathered, a few words of encouragement.
During the service, the Revs. Sue Trigger and Mitch Trigger of Rockaway said it’s not always easy to share a household and a pulpit—the Triggers, another husband-and-wife pair know firsthand. The Rev. Mitch Trigger asked that the Blythes remember it’s a shared ministry. He said they should emphasize good communication with one another, and be mindful of how the congregation communicates with each of them as individuals.
The Rev. Sue Trigger predicted, based on her own experience, "some people in the church are going to like one of them more than the other." But that's OK, she said, and she advised the pastors not to take offense.
"We feel so welcomed," the Rev. Liz Johnson-Blythe said. "Today was just another example of the kindness of the Morris Plains community."
