FoxChaseIndex

Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase

7902 Oxford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111

Phone (215) 745-2844
Fax (215) 745-2205

Staff

Pastor	Rev. Meg Mann
Secretary	Jane Bogatiuk
Organist	Nancy Schmidt
Lead Teacher	Eleanor Kerwick
Teacher's Aide	Alyce Shelton
Teacher's Aide	Rita Dagostino

Pastor - Rev. Meg Mann

It has been said, more than once, that I'm a "genetic Presbyterian." My grandparents spent almost fifty years as missionaries in Korea, where my mother was born. My father was a Presbyterian minister in Ambler, where I spent all of my growing-up years. My brother (known better to you as Clayton Ames) is the pastor at Arch St. Presbyterian downtown. I married my husband Drew between his first and second years at Pittsburgh Seminary and have moved with him as he followed God's call from Endicott, NY, to Flourtown, PA, then Arlington, VA. My road into the ministry has taken longer and is perhaps more varied than the rest of my family tree, but it began with deep Presbyterian roots. After graduating from Westminster College in western Pennsylvania, I taught for 17 years in various elementary schools in the Pittsburgh area, then in Endicott, then in the Philadelphia area. My short-term hiatus from classroom teaching turned into a new branch of my life as I began to work in the church - first as Administrative Assistant at Grace Presbyterian in nearby Jenkintown, then as Church Administrator and Director of the Washington Seminar Center for Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC. It was there that I began to pay attention to the stirrings of a sense of call to the ministry and enrolled in Wesley Theological Seminary, a Methodist seminary situated next to American University. I began my studies at Wesley for geographic convenience, with every intention of transferring to a Presbyterian school. I continued there because I realized that I had the Presbyterian part mastered, but found the exposure to so many varied denominations and perspectives to be an invaluable piece of my education. I graduated from Wesley in May and have been listening to the Spirit's rustling in the leaves for the direction my life is to take. My husband and I are both voracious readers, pretty good cooks (he much better than I!) and enjoy movies - both current and classic. I enjoy doing calligraphy and water colors, especially with scriptures or hymns. I love blending colors and seeing them bring words alive in a new way. One thing we both enjoy is watching the sunsets from the front dock of our cottage in Maine, over the waters of a small lake in the western mountains near the New Hampshire border. My daughter Ryan has spent at least some of every August of her life there, as I have since I was four. Since Ryan graduated from Roanoke College and began working three years ago at the Presbyterian Children's Village in Rosemont, it is one of the places where we've been able to spend quality time as a family. My roots are indeed Presbyterian, but there are also deeply grounded here, in the Delaware Valley. I spent all of my childhood until I was married in Ambler, then returned to live in Flourtown from 1981-1991. The immediate surroundings may be a little different, but I am looking forward to coming home. Lately, I've been hearing the last line of Isaac Watts' hymn clearly in my mind, "No more a stranger, or a guest, but like a child at home."

Church Secretary - Jane Bogatiuk

Jane Bogatiuk is our church secretary. She responded to an advertisement more than 21 years ago, and has been part of our church family ever since. She has earned the love and respect of the congregation for her strong dedication to her job; as one of our members says, "She takes her job seriously." Her many responsibilities include preparing worship bulletins and monthly newsletters, coordinating mailings to members and visitors, responding to phone inquiries, maintaining records, and in general keeping us all organized.

Organist - Nancy Schmidt

Nancy Schmidt has been part of our church since she came with her family in the 1950's. She has been our organist and choir director for nearly 25 years, and brings with her an amazing level of talent and dedication Her responsibilities include playing for worship services, weddings and funerals, directing an all-volunteer choir, and accompanying soloists. When asked what she likes best about Memorial Presbyterian Church, she replies, "the love and caring of the people."

Lead Teacher - Eleanor Kerwick

Eleanor Kerwick is the lead teacher of our Nursery School. She began teaching here in September of 2001. Two of her daughters have been students at the Nursery School, and her oldest daughter assists with child care during Sunday morning worship, and so her whole family is a much appreciated part of the life of the church. She says that the most rewarding part of her job is meeting and working with families from the neighborhood. When asked what makes our church special, she told us, "I have always felt welcome and a part of the community that is Memorial Presbyterian Church."

Teacher's Aide - Alyce Shelton

Alyce Shelton has been a Teacher's Aide for the Nursery School since its beginning 23 years ago, and a member of our congregation for more than 30 years. She says that she likes her job very much, because she enjoys working with children, a fact she clearly demonstrates by volunteering as a Sunday School teacher as well. She adds, "Our church is a special church with a warm and friendly atmosphere."

Teacher's Aide - Rita Dagostino

Rita Dagostino is also a Teacher's Aide for the Nursery School. She was invited to apply for the position by her friend and neighbor, Alyce Shelton, 22 years ago. She tells us that she loves children, and has enjoyed every year of her service to neighborhood children. Her message to visitors: "I find the members of this church to be very loving and caring people."

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