People are often surprised -- can't believe -- I am a minister. That's a compliment to me (it means I'm not SO stodgy!). Honored to be the pastor at Old First -- the third congregation I have served, but the first one where I can be most easily myself. Thanks for letting me be me, and your pastor.

I am a resident alien as well as a professional portrait photographer and photojournalist working with activists, artists and healers. I love exploring new-to-me spaces in Philadelphia, getting up early to watch sunrises, and taking the El. I am also a dad / husband and frustrated householder.

I'm cradle UCC, but I thought confirmation was a vaccination. Immune to further exposure, I stayed away from church for 30 years. When I moved to Philly, I discovered Old First, though I wasn't especially looking for a church. Maybe I was looking for a community, and that's what I found. We don't ask you to stop thinking here. We value your questions and doubts. My faith has grown in this varied, talented, dedicated, hospitable, funny, caring--and occasionally exasperating--congregation.

I was born and baptized into the UCC, growing up in Lancaster County, PA. I joined Old First UCC in 1986 and love it! I am not there in person very often because my work as a physical therapist and teacher takes me around the world. I work with children and adults with neurological challenges such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delay, head injury, etc. I love to garden, swim, read, bike, and hike and love the quiet and solitude of the mountains.

Although I live 45 minutes away from church in the First State (I work at the University of Delaware), the diverse, urban and forward-thinking atmosphere I found at Old First on a random visit caused me to stay. (Playing Stonewall Kickball on Sundays after service didn't hurt either!) In exchange, the church gained a vibrant, fun-loving and constantly-curious new member.