Our Pastor
Reflections from Pastor Loring on his life and ministry:
Pastor Loring majored in biology at Eastern University, reflecting his life-long appreciation of nature, and taught high school for two years in Erie, PA following graduation in 1978. But God kept calling and he enrolled in Eastern Baptist (now Palmer) Theological Seminary, Wynnewood, PA, to reconcile his faith with his scientific background. During his junior year, he met Kim and they were married the following year. After graduating in 1983, he became associate pastor of West Shore Baptist Church in Camp Hill, PA in the Harrisburg area. Their two daughters, Kelly and Heather were born there. Kelly, now 24, works in a local daycare center and Heather, 22, is now studying at Palmer Seminary; both live in Wayne, PA. Here are some reflections from Pastor John:
On the Church's Mission
Generally speaking, the main line Christian churches of America are not faring very well. They are perceived by many in our society as being fossilized, ingrown, and ineffective. As Baptists we carry a label that has a noble history. Yet today the Baptist label is used by many diverse groups whose core beliefs and practices are quite different from our own. Yet in the mind of the public we are all lumped together. It is imperative that we define ourselves and show the community that we are a vibrant, caring church community that loves God and serves the world.
On Community Involvement:
Wherever we have lived I have tried to find ways to become involved with the greater community. In Camp Hill, that led me to the yoke fellowship meetings that were held with inmates at the Camp Hill state prison. In Willow Grove, I was involved with a crisis prevention group that worked with three local police departments, then with the Community Policing Department in Abington. In Point Pleasant, I became the official photographer for the local volunteer Fire Company.
All of these experiences have exposed me to different people and different experiences of life. I believe that they have helped me to be more understanding and sympathetic.
On Worship
We often think of worship as something that takes place as we open our hearts to God through praise, confession, thanksgiving and service. It depends less upon the details of the worship service than it does upon the preparation of the heart.
On Christian Education
There is great value in Christian Education not only from the standpoint of knowing and understanding the teachings of Jesus and the will of God, but also from the perspective of knowing the other believers of our church so we can support one another, and bear one another's burdens.
On Pastoral Care
While it is the responsibility of the pastor to provide care and spiritual support during times of crisis, this should not prevent others from taking part in this important ministry.
Ministerial Experience
- 2003 - 2010 - Pastor, Point Pleasant Baptist Church, Point Pleasant, PA
- 1993 - 2003 - Pastor, Willow Grove Baptist Church, Willow Grove, PA
- 1983 - 1993 - Associate Pastor, West Shore Baptist Church, Camp Hill, PA
- 1981 - 1983 -- Seminary Intern, Central Baptist Church, Woodbury, NJ
Formal Education
- MDIV - 1983 Eastern Baptist (now Palmer) Theological Seminary
- BS - 1978 - Eastern University
Sermons
Date |
Title |
Audio |
|---|---|---|
June 19, 2011 |
This Is My Father's World - Rev. Richard G. Harris |
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June 12, 2011 |
It's Pentecost Sunday! |
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June 05, 2011 |
Wait and Pray |
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May 29, 2011 |
Speaking of Faith |
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May 15, 2011 |
The Good Shepherd |
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May 01, 2011 |
300th Anniversary Sunday - Changing and Unchanging |
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April 24, 2011 |
Did It Really Happen? |
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April 17, 2011 |
Who Is Your King? |
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April 10, 2011 |
Love Your Enemies |
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April 03, 2011 |
Grateful or Grumbling? |
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March 27, 2011 |
Sermon of March 27th |
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March 20, 2011 |
The Trinity |
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March 13, 2011 |
Paradise Lost |
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March 06, 2011 |
Encountering God |
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January 02, 2011 |
Jan 2nd Sermon |
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November 21, 2010 |
Giving Thanks in Difficult Times |
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November 14, 2010 |
The Deception of Wealth |
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November 07, 2010 |
Throwing Stones |
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October 31, 2010 |
Happy All-Hallows Eve |
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October 24, 2010 |
Two Prayers at the Temple |
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October 10, 2010 |
Finding the Joy |
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October 03, 2010 |
Great is Thy Faithfulness |