Our Pastor - Ed Robbins
Contact Information
PO Box 542, East Berlin, PA 17316
Home Phone: (717) 259-7397 Cell Phone (717) 350-5415
E-mail: erobbins1953@gmail.com
Education
1968-71 Boyertown Area High School, Boyertown, PA
1972-74 United Wesleyan College, Allentown, PA A.A. in education
1976-78 Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA B.A. in Bible
1981-82 Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Harrisonburg, VA No degree
2018 Trinity Seminary, Newburgh, IN M.A. in biblical studies
Employment
September 2019 - December 2022 - Pastor, Gettysburg Church of the Brethren, Gettysburg, PA
I served at first the interim pastor, then as the settled pastor of this congregation. I was able to lead them through the pandemic, guide them through the introduction of a media ministry, and see the beginning stages of an increase in attendance. I decided to retire from pastoral ministry at the end of 2022.
May, 2011 - August, 2019 - Pastor, West Shore Church of the Brethren, Enola PA.
I took this three-quarter-time position at the request of our church revitalization commission. I helped a small, struggling congregation to get through a pastoral transition and to find new hope and purpose as they seek to serve the Lord and their community.
January-May, 2011 - Interim Chaplain, Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Carlisle, PA
In this position I was responsible for meeting the spiritual and emotional needs of both the residents and staff of a 300 bed nursing facility, mostly elderly residents. While serving in this capacity, I created a database for chaplains to contact churches within our service area, served as a resource in resident evaluations, assisted families with the stress of transitioning their loved ones into full-time care, and counseled the staff around relief and stress-related issues.
February, 2002-December, 2010 - Pastor Wolgamuth Church of the Brethren, Dillsburg, PA
I served as the sole pastor of this small suburban congregation, providing the full range of pastoral care and support. Among other accomplishments during this time, I led the congregation in the development of a food ministry to the community, drew up a plan of organization for the church to help shape its future growth, led in the planning and implementation of several community outreach initiatives and also work effectively in the community ministerium and our larger district of the Church of the Brethren.
June, 1996 - November, 2000 - Pastor, Parkview Mennonite Church, Kokomo, IN
I provided the full range of pastoral care and support to this urban congregation. In addition, I served as an on-call chaplain at the local Catholic hospital, and worked within the larger district ministry as well.
February, 1991 - June 1996 - Pastor Watertown Mennonite Church, Watertown, NY
I provided the full range of pastoral care and support for this urban congregation in northern New York. In addition, I led the church through a building program, helped develop several outreach initiatives, and worked closely with the community hospital and rescue mission as an on-call chaplain.
February, 1986 - February, 1991 - Pastor, Midland Mennonite Church, Midland, MI
I served as the pastor of this family-oriented congregation, as well as working with a Christian radio ministry as on-air-talent.
January, 1982 - February, 1986 - Pastor, Crystal Springs Mennonite Church, Harper KS
This was my first church to serve as sole pastor, and we loved every moment of it.
Family
Debbie and I come from Boyertown, PA, a small town east of Reading, PA. She has a brother and sister, while I have no siblings. We wer married in June of 1974. We have a son (Matthew) and two daughers (Deanna and Kayla), and two adult grandchildren (Michelle and Kyle). Matthew, his wife Alison, and our grandchildren live near Eureka, CA. Kayla and her husband Josh live in Santa Clara, CA. Deanna lives in Phoenixville, PA.
Debbie is an experienced quilter and an avid pickleball player. I like to read, do some writing, and play around in the kitchen. We play pickleball together when possible, enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles and playing a wide variety of board games, and love going to the beach when we can.