Welcome Pastor Verse!
On behalf of Session, we would like to welcome The Reverend Roger Verse to the pulpit this Sunday. Session, in conjunction with the Presbytery and the Committee on Ministry, has selected Pastor Verse to be our temporary pastor, lead us in worship, and guide us through the next phase of our church’s life. We will be working together on furthering our mission and sharing in the love of Christ.
Reverend Roger Verse was born in Plainfield, N.J. and grew up in nearby Scotch Plains. As a teen and young adult Roger was affirmed and encouraged to consider a call to ordained ministry both from his home pastor and college professors. His formal education began at Upsala College and continued to Princeton Seminary where he received a M.Div., and Th.M. degrees. He has a certificate in Family Therapy from the New Jersey Center for Family Studies and holds a D.Min., in Marriage and Family Ministry from Eastern Seminary in Philadelphia.
Roger served two pastorates in New Jersey, Fairmount Presbyterian Church, Califon, and First Presbyterian Church, Iselin, before moving to Florida in 1989. He served interim pastorates in Pembroke Pines, DeLand, and Jupiter before being called to be the Pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale in 1997. Recently, Roger has served as Interim/Transitional Pastor in Boynton Beach; Hobe Sound; Mariner Sands, and the Village of Palm Springs.
Roger has been married to his wife Selma for 44 years. She is a Nurse Educator and a Certified Parish Nurse with experience in health ministry. Selma’s avocation is church music, particularly organ. Together they raised four children and have had the joy of being present at the birth of each of their seven grandchildren.
The Verses enjoy sailing and Roger recently completed course requirements at the Chapman School of Seamanship to qualify for a US Coast Guard Captain’s License.
Roger shared with us:
I have always loved my work. Being a representative for Jesus Christ and his church is a rewarding and deeply satisfying experience. I am humbled that the Spirit has gifted me for ministry…
I have come to understand what is essential for successful ministry: professional competence; personal integrity; availability to others; a close walk with God; openness to the Spirit; and, an anticipation and flexibility for “what’s next!” I know that: “It is God who enables us to both will and work his good pleasure” (Phil.2:13) and “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Cor. 2:9)
We are all looking forward to getting to know Pastor Roger and Selma and welcoming them into the Gardens Family.
