BY GINNY PRIVITAR
NEWFOUNDLAND — There is a new voice at the United Methodist Church at Newfoundland.
The congregation at UMC welcomed its new pastor, the Reverend Jennifer Lovallo on July 1. Lovallo is looking forward to serving her congregation and her community,
“I’m excited to be a part of the West Milford community and am looking forward to finding new and exciting ways the UMC of Newfoundland can support the needs of our neighbors," said Lovallo. "I want to connect to our community in ways that are meaningful and relevant so that people know they are cared for and that they matter in the world.”
From stage to pulpitLovallo met her husband, Rich, in the theater; they started a professional performing arts company. At the time, she had no thought of ministry.
“We wrote a musical for our home church and staged it,” she said, “and it was the process of doing what I love in the theater and combining that with my faith that made me realize I could use the gifts God has given me and share with people the love I had found."
Betty Kearns, a member of the church council, is very impressed with the new pastor.
“Her sermons are exciting; the topics draw you and give you information you can use for your own life experiences," said Kearns. "It’s really interesting to hear her speak. She has a background in theater. And I’m sure we’ll be putting on plays or skits. A lot of great things will be happening at the church and I can’t wait to see what happens.”
“Honestly, I think every preacher should have some background in public speaking," said Lovallo. "If you can’t engage your listener, what’s the point?”
A late bloomerLovallo came late to the ministry; she didn’t start seminary until she was 35.
“By the time I got ordained, I never felt there was anything separate about me — I’m the same as everyone else,” she said.
Her pleased parishioners often tell her she is down to earth and they feel they can talk to her.
Lovallo earned her master’s degree in divinity at Drew Theological School and has a bachelor’s degree in acting and directing from Montclair State. She’s served at Washington Church in Warren County, Grace United Methodist Church in Wycoff, Bergen Highlands United Methodist Church in Upper Saddle River and at Bridgewater United Methodist Church in Somerset County.
Rev. Jenn, as she likes to be called, said it is important to her that people realize their value in God's eyes.
“I try to help people understand that God is relevant in their life today," said Lovallo. "I love when I can help other people understand how much God loves them...that they’re valued, special, important, and loved."
Family brings perspectiveLovallo and her husband have four children: Sophie, 23, Anna, 21, Marcus, 18, and Michael, 16. Marriage and family life, she said, make her more in tune with her parishioners.
“I can share that journey and we can walk together and cry together, having the same experiences as my parishioners," said Lovallo. "When we open up and share honestly, we see God in each other. And understand who God is and what God wants.”
Like them, she has to figure out how to balance the roles of wife, mom and pastor at the same time.
“It’s difficult, because I want to give 100 percent to the church, my kids and my husband.”
Aware that many people spend Sunday mornings in the pursuit of sports, rather than attending church, Lovallo understands the church must be relevant.
“If the church isn’t meeting the needs of the community and not understanding the needs of its parishioners, then what’s the point? Why should the church matter?” she asked.
Carol Bradford, a congregant at UMC Newfoundland, thinks Lovallo has hit the mark.
“She gives very, very good sermons," said Bradford. "She is very open, warm, quick-witted and a bright, bright woman, well-educated and she knows her scripture. She brings to the church an enthusiasm that has stirred those of us long-term members as well as those who have just come into the fold. There’s an energy and enthusiasm about her that just makes you feel good to be in church.”
The United Methodist Church at Newfoundland is located at 65 LaRue Road. All are welcome.