United Protestant Church Welcomes New Associate Pastor

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Merlyn Judy Lawrence is the new associate pastor of the United Protestant Church of Grayslake. She began her duties Dec. 16, 2012, replacing Rev. Orrell Ruth, who retired from UPC after serving as associate pastor for 13 years.

Prior to studying at Chicago Theological Seminary and working in the United Church of Christ (UCC) as a lay leader, Lawrence worked for 37 years as a social worker. She was actively involved in the anti-violence movement in South Africa and in the U.S., organizing communities against apartheid, sexual assault, domestic violence and all forms of violence and oppression. For the past 30 years she has coordinated counseling programs for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. 

Lawrence has served the UCC in a variety of capacities at local, association, national and international levels. She served for two years as the Moderator of the UCC’s 26^th General Synod and presided over the 26^th General Synod/ UCC’s 50^th anniversary in Hartford, Conn. in June 2007.

“I considered that to be a major turning point in my life.  It is what led me to Chicago Theological Seminary to prepare for ordained ministry,” said Lawrence.

Lawrence is a graduate of the University of Cape Town with a Master of Social Science degree. She will receive her Master of Divinity degree from Chicago Theological Seminary in May 2013. 

Lawrence and her family came to the United States 27 years ago. She is married to Oliver Lawrence, and they have three children and six grandchildren. At UPC, Lawrence is actively engaged in Bible studies, pastoral care visits, worship leadership, preaching and teaching.

About UPC: The United Protestant Church, located at 54 S. Whitney St., in Grayslake, is made up of two denominations: the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ.  It is a member of the Elgin District of the United Methodist Church and the Fox Valley Association of the United Church of Christ.

The senior pastor is Rev. Dr. David Russell, and the new associate pastor is Merlyn Judy Lawrence. The website address is www.upcgl.org.

Sunday worship services are held at 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning Christian education for all ages. Childcare is available all morning. For more information, call (847) 223-8131. The UPC is fully accessible, the sanctuary is air conditioned and an elevator is available at the west entrance.

Submitted by United Protestant Church