The First Presbyterian Church of Warren is welcoming its new pastor, the Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman. She arrived in October to begin her duties, further relationship with members of the congregation and the community of Warren.
Bio: Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a writer, musician, artist and practitioner of practical theology. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts in numerous projects locally in Western New York and nationally. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).
Eastman was published by Augsburg Fortress in youth Sunday School and Confirmation curriculum; and has been blogging for over ten years at: Uphill Idealist, (https://lamont-uphill.blogspot.com/)
Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts in numerous community mural projects in Western New York and nationally. She was the Artist-in-Residence and member of the faculty at the 2013 Forums on Youth Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary. Artist-in-Residence and workshop presenter at the 2012 Inhabit Conference in Seattle, Washington. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity in 2023, 2024 Wild Goose Festival She/her/they is currently a transitional pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Jamestown NY, Trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities and creator/host of: Holy Shenanigans Podcast. (https://holyshenanigans.buzzsprout.com/)
Eastman resides in south-western NY with her spouse of thirty-two years, Ian. They are parents to Heather (31) and Nigel (27) as well as grandparents to Owen (11). Tara loves a good book, strong coffee, time in the outdoors, trips to art museums and going on adventures with family and friends.
The following is Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman’s Personal Statement of Faith:
I believe that the central law of the Christian faith is to love God, love neighbor and self as beloved children of God. Supported and nurtured by the Trinity, the church is called to be a beloved community that empowers people to love God, neighbor and self. The Church is called to celebrate and welcome people of all genders, experiences, cultures and ages, as beloved and made in God’s image.
As a minister in Word and Sacrament, trusting in God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit; I seek to nurture the spiritual needs of people; by providing tools, support and opportunity to discover their own vocation in loving God and neighbor. I use my gifts of compassion, creativity, and innovation; to foster spiritual wholeness and justice for all peoples in God’s name.
I believe God calls people to be theologically curious, courageous and speak truth to power in the name of mercy and justice. I believe that Christ’s coming to give “life to the full”, also calls the church and its leaders into ministry of grace, compassion and blessing for the neighborhood and world.
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