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Seminary and College Chaplain, Dave Bennett ‘88 was elected President of the Eastern District of the Moravian Church at its district synod meeting in June.
The honor of this election required that Dave conclude his position at the College and Seminary at the end of July. In mid-August he began serving as the President of the congregations and clergy of the Eastern District which consists of 54 Moravian congregations throughout Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Ontario, Canada. The position of Eastern District President, along with an executive board of elected lay and clergy, has supervisory responsibility for the congregations and clergy of the District, works with congregations in calling pastors, addressing conflict, establishing quotas, managing finances, and determining budgets for the various ministries that congregations do together. The Board and the President are concerned with all aspects of congregational life and ministry.
In commenting on being elected to the position, Bennett stated, “It was a humbling and unexpected honor to be entrusted with this leadership position. I take great comfort in knowing I will be working in partnership with such experienced and dedicated lay and clergy leaders as are found on the Eastern District Executive Board. Together with them, I look forward to working in support of the ministry efforts of the many congregations.” Upon commenting on his acceptance to this position following his job as Chaplain at the College and Seminary, Rev. Bennett stated, “I will greatly miss the campus of Moravian College and Seminary, but feel a great sense of privilege in being able to join in the work and mission of serving Christ, the many communities where our churches call home, and the global village of the worldwide Moravian Church.”
Called to serve the Moravian campus in 2002, Dave made incredible contributions as Chaplain of both College and Seminary. At the Seminary his creative worship leadership, artful preaching, problem-solving abilities, pastoral care, and good humor will be remembered by all. It is never very easy to say goodbye to staff or faculty members, but it is rewarding when alumni, faculty and staff of the Seminary are sought after for leadership roles in the larger church. With his office in Bethlehem, and a seat on the Seminary’s board of trustees, we look forward to a continued, but new, connection with Dave. |
