Pine Plains First United Presbyterian Church

Jan Brooks graduated from Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin then enrolled in Drew University with the intention of earning a PhD in theological ethics so she could teach in a liberal arts college. After failing the German language exams three times, she enrolled in Andover Newton Theological School thinking a Masters of Divinity degree might be useful as an alternative route to teaching. Students were required to take “field education” to learn practical skills. Having about $15 left at that point, she went to list of possible field education sites and signed up for interviews at the three placements that paid the most salary.

Doing field place at Central Square Congregational Church in Bridgewater, MA she discovered the Church held possibilities for teaching, preaching and working with youth. Most of all the Church also gave opportunities for working with marginalized people and those encountering crisis in their lives. She experienced what a profoundly sacred honor it is to be with families who are coping with death, to be the person who can connect people who are suffering with the God of love who cries with them in their pain.

She has served the United Church of Christ in Stanfordville, worked as the Social Ministry Director at the Poughkeepsie Salvation Army, served as camp director at Camp Medusa for over twenty summers, directed the After School Connection Program for the North East Community Center, led the Amenia Presbyterian Church through the discernment process and through their closing, and is now very thankful to be serving First United Presbyterian Church in Pine Plains as well as preaching twice monthly at the Ancramdale United Presbyterian Church.