Newtown Square Presbyterian Church is Transforming with Newly-Installed Minister: Reverend Dr. Jeanne Thomas

On April 24th, 2016, the Philadelphia Presbytery will install Reverend Dr. Jeanne Thomas as the Senior Pastor of Newtown Square Presbyterian Church. When Jeanne arrived in 2012, the church had an $80,000 deficit, a dwindling congregation, and only 4 children in Sunday school. Today, the Sunday school provides spiritual guidance for nearly 70 children, the congregation is growing steadily, and the church’s finances are solid.

How did Reverend Thomas do it?

Rick Weiss, Chair of Finance, offered his perspective: “Since Reverend Thomas arrived at NSPC, our members no longer just routinely "go to Church on Sunday." Rather, we all join together to celebrate the many blessings we share. Our growth and prosperity is measured by our deep fellowship and the strength that faith instills - which in large measure flows from Jeanne's tireless leadership, heartfelt compassion, and dedication to our congregation.

Reverend Thomas added, “When a congregation is open to the power of the Holy Spirit, amazing things happen. Over four years, everything at Newtown Square Presbyterian has multiplied: the Children and Adult Ministry, Church Missions, the Membership, and the contributions we are making to our community.”

What comes next in the future of Newtown Square Presbyterian Church?

“I believe our congregation is inspired by Jesus’ great commandment: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” We want to become a substantial force of service and support to our community - both within our walls, and beyond. We started several new outreach missions just this year! One was a program to feed 10,000 children through a charity called “Stop Hunger Now!” We raised thousands of dollars through multiple events, and members aged 4 through 94 came together to pack the meals in March. It was truly inspirational! Another new mission provides frozen food weekly to Chester Eastside Ministries. And we are adding a new full time Director of Children, Youth, and Mission – because children are living messages of our Lord, and are the heartbeat of our church.”

Church members and colleagues offered some viewpoints on the impact that Pastor Jeanne has had on Newtown Square Presbyterian Church:

Lynne Corle, Chairperson of Children and Youth:

Since Jeanne’s arrival, our church has been transformed from a group of individuals who worship together on Sunday mornings into a loving, multigenerational family with the common goal of becoming more faithful servants. Walk in on any given Sunday and you can feel the support and connections being made across the board…from wide-eyed toddlers, to young fathers with infants in their arms, to the senior members who are pillars of the church. All are welcomed and all are loved.

Melanie Medendorp, Member, Part-time Director of Children and Youth:

“Jeanne is magnetic – and people are drawn to her energy. There is also a tremendous amount of respect and connection with Jeanne. She’s right here on the same level with everyone else – doing whatever it takes. It’s a blessing that she is so approachable and walks along with us. She makes people want to be involved, which increases the energy of the church.”

The Rev. Ruth F. Santana-Grace, Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of Philadelphia

“At this moment in the history of the Christian Church, we are grateful for the Reverend Jeanne Thomas’ passionate and pastoral leadership. In the few years she has served NSPC, she has demonstrated what can happen when a congregation is loved and encouraged to be a witness to its community. This church offers compassion and grace to a world that is often uncaring and indifferent. "

Jim Lappen, Retired Pastor and Moderator of Session during the search for an Interim Pastor.

“The members of NSPC were extremely discouraged four years ago. But with the arrival of Jeanne Thomas, all that changed. Jeanne brought a confidence and spiritual depth that was contagious. Reverend Thomas has loved this congregation back to health, and they have loved her in return. It has been a joy to watch the transformation!”

Transformation is an operative word for Reverend Dr. Jeanne Thomas. “Along with the increased mission work outside the church, there is clear evidence of the spiritual growth of our membership, for example, a large percentage of our worshiping congregation now participates in Bible studies. As Christians, we’re always on a journey of transformation, and if we are passionate about serving Christ - and passionate about serving people - the opportunities for growth are endless.”

As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

Newtown Square Presbyterian Church is located at 3600 Goshen Road, (at the corner of 252 and Goshen Road), Newtown Square, PA. 19073 Visit our website at http://nspconline.org and our Newtown Square Presbyterian Church Facebook page. (610) 356-8063