Dear Church Family,

 

The following interview with our new Pastor, the Rev. Robert L. Haley, is similar to the prior interviews with Rev. Kubat and Pastor Frankie. This interview has been done at Pastor Frankie’s suggestion and with Nancy Pleasants’ (SPRC Chair) approval. Robert and Nancy have kindly proofed this interview.

 

Our Pastor was born in Washington, D.C. His family comes from Front Royal, Virginia. He attended T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria and George Mason University in Fairfax. Robert received an Undergraduate (Bachelor of Arts) and Masters degree in psychology from George Mason University. While attending college, Robert worked with the Recreation Department for the City of Alexandria. He graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. Robert has served the Caroline Charge on the Ashland District (four years), the Accomac Charge on the Eastern Shore District (three years), the Monterey Charge on the Staunton District (six years) and St. James (Pleasant Valley) on the Harrisonburg District (six years).

 

Robert is married to Sandra and has three children. Sandra is a member of the Maryland Bar and a CPA. She writes for Matthew Bender & Co., Inc. which is part of LexisNexis. She has done some free lance writing for magazines and has had legal and tax articles for farmers published in Dairy Goat Journal. Their oldest son, Justin, is a rising junior at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. Justin is a chemistry major. Justin is spending the summer as a Camp Counselor at Camp Overlook. Kelsey, their youngest son recently graduated from Randolph-Macon Academy. He will be attending Basic Training this summer as a member of the National Guard. Kelsey will attend Shenandoah University this fall as a music major. MacKenzie is 7, and a very sweet girl with beautiful red hair. MacKenzie will be in second grade in the fall.

 

Robert has been active in Camp Ministry. He has served as the President of the Board of Directors for Camp Overlook for ten years and has been a Board member for twelve years. While on the Eastern Shore District he was the Director of Occohannock on the Bay Camp and Retreat Center. During his time at Camp Overlook, Robert and the Board oversaw the construction of The Blessings Lodge which is a retreat center with a restaurant and rooms which are up to hotel standards. Robert also has other building experience at a previous church.

 

Robert’s favorite thing about being a Pastor is visitation and caring for the sick and homebound. When asked what gives you the greatest joy in doing the work of the Lord? Robert replied, “Seeing people come to a better understanding of God’s word and being able to apply it to their lives.”

 

Red is his favorite color and cats large and small are his favorite animals. Robert likes to listen to jazz music. He enjoys singing too! When asked what do you especially like to show up at a potluck dinner? Robert replied “meatloaf and baked beans.” He also likes Hot Fudge Cake for dessert! Sounds good!

 

Robert and his family are looking forward to moving to Louisa and serving our church. When given a choice of churches, Louisa was his first choice. Finally, Robert was asked to close this interview with his favorite verse. He chose two; one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament. From Micah 6:8 (NRSV), “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” From Mark 9:35 (NRSV), “He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’”