Rev. Bernard J. “Bern” Kefer
Pastor
Pastor Bern comes to Calvary UMC as an ordained elder connected to the United Methodist Church. He is a graduate of West Chester State College and the Lancaster Theological Seminary. Bern held leadership positions in five congregations before Calvary, both as a lay member and as the pastor. He has also been active in the business community and in local service organizations.
Bern is a second career minister who entered seminary after a career in wholesale sales and warehouse management. Calvary is the third church he will serve as pastor. As a clergy member, Bern has served as Treasurer of the cooperative ministry LUMINA, trained as a Clergy Transitions Coach, written for a District newsletter, and served as facilitator of a local United Methodist clergy group. He has extensive experience in nonprofit organizations, implementing new ministry visions, working with volunteers, and in cooperative ministries.
He has been married to Victoria Hankins Kefer for 25 years, and partners with her in parenting three children: Matthew, Christopher, and Elizabeth. Matt is a working adult, Chris attends West Chester University and Beth is a student at Kutztown. He enjoys reading, camping, watching classic movies and visiting local restaurants. His favorite scripture verses are “Truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:19-20. He looks forward to helping both new and experienced believers in discovering Jesus in the midst of this wonderful congregation.
Janet Dearstyne
Church Administrator
Janet joined the congregation of Calvary UM Church in April 1986 and began working on staff in January 1992. In addition to attending to the regular office business, her main focus is administrating and coordinating the day-to-day operations at Calvary. Janet also manages the India Fund accounting.
As a congregational member, Janet has served on the Board of Trustees, as a lay worship leader, Preschool and 5th & 6th grade Sunday school teacher, assistant leader/leader of Calvary’s Youth Group, Disciple Bible Study leader, the chairman and treasurer of Calvary Before & After School Care Board (formerly Mohnton AM/PM), and played in the Bell Choir.
Currently, Janet is a member of the India Ministry Team and the Administrative Council.
Prior to coming to Calvary, Janet worked for 10 years in branch management at Meridian Bank, formerly American Bank, in Reading. She holds a degree in Business Administration from Lebanon Valley College, Annville, PA.
Janet resides in Sinking Spring, PA with husband, Ken. They have a daughter, Andrea, and son, Aaron.
Her favorite scripture: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’” declares the Lord, “’plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” - Jeremiah 29:11
Sara Erb
Christian Education Coordinator
Sara joined Calvary UMC in 2003 and joined the church staff in July 2007 as Christian Education Coordinator. Sara’s position includes staffing all the Sunday School classes, overseeing the Safe Sanctuary program, offering guidance for all Adult and Youth education classes and programs.
As a congregational member Sara has taught Children’s Church, Sunday School and has assisted in the nursery. Sara participates in the Family Outreach Ministry and the L.I.F.T Bible Study. She also coordinates Meals for Moms, which is a ministry offered to new moms where meals are supplied for the week that she arrives home from the hospital.
Prior to coming to Calvary, Sara and her family attended St. Cecelia’s Church in Fox Chase, PA. Sara attended LaSalle University for two years in the general studies curriculum. She has a love for foreign languages and studied Spanish while she attended LaSalle.
Sara’s hobbies include travel, reading, and child- rearing. She has traveled abroad to Italy numerous times and frequents the mid-west where she has family. The last book that she read is The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.
Sara has lived with her family in Mohnton for the last six years. Sara lives with husband Bob. They have three children; Jake, Andrew and Liliana.
