Our Interim Season:

After 8 years of ministry Revs. Harold and Mary Grace Shenk have retired from ministry at Hebron Church.  Hebron is currently being served by Omer E. King, Intentional Interim Pastor.  During the interim our congregation is reconsidering our identity, mission and vision.  This is an exciting time of exploration, learning and change.  We anticipate having a new pastor installed by early in 2008 and look forward to years of fruitful service to our members, friends and community.

About Omer

After 30+ years of pastoral service to congregations, most of that time in Eastern Pennsylvania, my life in ministry took a turn.  At the nudging of one of my church leaders I accepted an interim assignment to serve a congregation in up-state PA for a period of eight months.  It was such a delightful experience that I sensed a desire to continue serving congregations in transition.  After a wonderful experience in my first interim I realized I needed further training for this specialized ministry.  After a lengthy search I found the Interim Ministry Network, Baltimore, Md and enrolled in several intensive learning experiences.  I am currently in my fourth interim and am finding great enjoyment in meeting congregations, listening to their needs, applying a variety of tools and skills to serve the congregation in transition.  My plan is to continue serving congregations in this ministry until retirement.

Native to the beautiful Kisacoquillas Valley, Belleville, PA my first education came as part of a family of six children who worked together to provide for ourselves and others on the family farm.  Later, I attended Messiah College, Grantham, PA, Hobe Sound Bible College, Hobe Sound, FL, and am a graduate of Palmer Theologicaly Seminary, M. Div. (formerly Easter Baptist).  However, no education is ever complete.  Life as been a learning process of acedemic inquiry, practical application and the ever rich, always challenging life experience.  My life has been enormously enriched by the congregations I have served and the people who have come along side to encourage, nurture and often teach me things they didn't know they were teaching. 

Marty and I have celebrated 40 years of marriage and have two sons.  Nathan lives nearby and has been a big part of my education.  He has taught me so much about how difficult life can be for people with developmental (dis)abilities.  For many years I have not been a particularly good student but presistence has its rewards.  Nathan suffers as a person with an Asberger's Syndrome diagnosis.  As difficult as the challenge has been, I think I am finally learning to treasure him, the lessons he has taught me and the special relationship with have.  Our other Son, Jeff, lives in Lancaster, PA  with his lovely wife, Laura and our precious bundle of joy - Xander.  Jeff owns JeffKing Web Design Studio and JeffKing Productions.  You can learn more about his services at JeffKing.com.  Jeff has also contributed greatly to my education with his unique ability of observation and interpretation, critical thinking and profound sense of what is just.  When he left home I lost a significant reference point for understanding his generation.  During the most difficult years of learning Marty was there to mediate and intervene.  She has sacrificed greatly her interests and pursuits.  She has been the rock in our family and was always there when I was pursuing education or pastoral service. 

For all these years from the time I was a teen my life has been about the attempt to love God and serve people.  I'd like to walk a mile with you if you would allow me the pleasure to see a slice of life from your window.  You too can be part of my continuing education. 

Be hopeful, take courage, practice generosity, love all!  A rich full life -- and heaven -- wait for you.

They call me Omer, PK, Pastor King - and sometimes other things too.  (Please don't call me Reverend - it just doesn't fit.)