Who is Pennside Presbyterian Church?

Mission
Learn, Love, and Live the Good News of Jesus!

Affiliation
We are part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that has approximately 2.4 million members, 11,100 congregations and 14,000 ordained and active ministers. We are part of the Lehigh Presbytery. Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Our heritage, and much of what we believe, began with the French lawyer, John Calvin (1509-1564), whose writings crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that came before him.

Beliefs
Some of the principles articulated by John Calvin remain at the core of Presbyterian beliefs. We believe that God is the supreme authority throughout the universe. Our knowledge of God and God's purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ. Our salvation (justification) through Jesus is God's generous gift to us and not the result of our accomplishments. It is everyone's job - ministers and lay people alike - to share this Good News with the world. That is also why the Presbyterian church is governed at all levels by a combination of clergy and laity, men and women alike. Learn more about our Presbyterian beliefs.

Pastor
Rev. David J. Duquette (Pastor Dave) has been our pastor since the beginning of 2004. He was ordained in 1994. He received his Masters of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is also a certified bereavement facilitator.

The best part of attending IUP was meeting his wife, Janice, who has a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. They have 3 boys, Derek, Isaac, and Nathan and a dog, Beanie.

Dave enjoys bicycling, fishing, golf, jogging, surfing the web, and traveling.

We are growing "deeper and wider" as the Presbyterian Church's mission objectives suggest: Deeper - in our relationships with one another and with our Lord. Wider - in expanding our membership into multiple generations. We celebrate the gifts of our older members whose wisdom and experience offer us strenght and guidance in trying times. We celebrate the gifts of our younger and new members whose passion and enthusiasm invite us to dare and dream.

We are Pennside Presbyterian Church, blessed by our heritage, inspired by God's future, we are moving forward confident of God's promise: (Jeremiah 29:11 NRSV) "'For surely I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord, 'plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.'"

Elders
Click here to view the current Board of Elders.

Deacons
Click here to view the current Board of Deacons.