Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • October 23, 2013 Area Calvary Lutheran welcomes Pastor Jenny McLellan Pastor Jenny McLellan, affectionately called “Pastor Jenny,” is now leading the flock at Calvary Lutheran Church in Allendale with a renewed vigor and zest for life and spirituality. This summer, McLellan arrived in Allendale from Min- nesota with her husband Peter, a Ph.D. student at Drew University in Madison. The two were welcomed with open arms by the church and the community. McLellan is a native of Colorado and a recent gradu- ate of Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She is enjoying her new hometown and meeting new people while sharing her passion for her faith. Whether she is in church, at the grocery store, or cheering for the members of her congregation on the soccer field, Pastor Jenny has already made an impact. “I am so happy to be a part of this church and this won- derful community,” said McLellan. “The church’s mission statement says Calvary is welcoming congregation which believes in Jesus Christ and serves the community. We are joyfully called to share Jesus’ love through worship, edu- cation, outreach, and fellowship in the name of God. I am honored to have been called to be a part of this all.” Selected for her new post directly out of seminary, the 26-year-old McLellan made a perfect match on all counts with the congregation of Calvary Lutheran Church. The church, which serves members from throughout northern New Jersey, went through a year-long screen process to find the right match. Coming to the New York area was an exciting oppor- tunity for McLellan, whose husband recently entered the Ph.D. program in New Testament studies at Drew Univer- sity. “Coming from the Midwest, I really thought some people would be fast-paced and unfriendly, but what I have experienced here over the last few months has been incred- ibly great,” she said. “I can’t believe there is so much food here and how East Coast people are so passionate about their favorite pizza or bagel store,” she added with a smile. When asked about her favorite local discovery, McLel- lan beamed with excitement about the renowned Celery Farm Natural Area in Allendale. “It is an absolute gem, a sanctuary of nature,” she said. “It is a great example of respect for nature.” Her connection with nature has long been a part of her life. She explains how she received her calling at an early age and how it was solidified through many, many years of working at church camps throughout her youth. McLellan earned her degree at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas and her husband went to Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Both studied further at Luther Seminary. She received her master of divinity at Luther. She explained that it is somewhat rare to be selected for a church straight out of seminary, but Calvary was a perfect for her. She was officially ordained last month as a minister in the Evan- gelical Lutheran Church of America. Her own family and many members of her new family from Calvary were on hand to experience the celebration. “I’ve been known for breaking and dismantling expec- tations,” she explained. “I’m young, I’m a woman, and I have funky hair, but I am approachable, I have credentials, Mahwah residents Richard and Jean Karpowich congratulate Pastor Jenny McLellan on her new post at Calvary Lutheran Church in Allendale. The Karpowich’s are 20 year residents of Mahwah and brand new members of Calvary Lutheran. and I am a pastor. Christ is my passion and I share that with others.” McLellan is also passionate about sharing. Her sermons bring the messages of her faith through stories and she is committed to learning about others through their own sto- ries of life. “Calvary is a place where we all come together to tell God’s story. We share our stories and know that everyone has a place here and all are welcome,” she said. “So please stop by anytime and share with us.” Calvary Lutheran Church is located at 165 West Cres- cent Avenue. For more information, call (201) 327-4786 or e-mail calvarylutheran@verizon.net.