The Peru Gazette

Posted on November 15, 2008 by John T. Ryan

Last Sunday, November 9, 2008 was a historic day at the Peru Community Church as Rev. Dr. Robert E. Svenson was installed as the church’s pastor. (more photos) Rev. Svenson has served the Peru Community Church since 2000, first serving as associate pastor and then as acting pastor during Rev. Ken Parker’s illness. He has been the church pastor for the past five years and now he is the installed pastor.

A prayerful and joyful spirit filled the church during the Sunday afternoon ceremony. Rev. David Spaulding, Moderator of the Presbytery of Northern New York, conducted the installation. Rev. Carol Drew, Chair of the Committee on the Ministry officiated. Rev. Joann White, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Saranac Lake, delivered the sermon. Rev. Alan Shnob, a good friend of Rev. Svenson and Pastor of St. Augustine’s Church in Peru, read the First Reading. Lay Reader Amanda Connelly read the Second Reading and Elder Charles Meisenheimer read the Gospel. Elder Donald Haight spoke as a member of the Peru Community Church asking the congregation to continue giving Rev. Svenson their love and support. The choir provided inspirational music under the direction of Carol Gallagher and accompaniment of organist Dennis Frisbie. The Ladies Guild provided a bounteous reception following the installation. Rev. Svenson reflected on the occasion saying, “It was a wonderful occasion and a validation of my ministry here over the past five years. There was a great outpouring of love.”

Rev. Dr. Robert E. Svenson grew up in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Swedish-speaking parents. Prior to arriving in Peru he was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Organization for Religion and Mental Health where he supervised ten centers and about one hundred therapists working in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. He worked in that ministry for some 20 years.

Reflecting on the past several years at the Peru Community Church Rev. Svenson mentioned the church choir, the extremely active youth group, the well-attended Sunday and weekday Bible study classes, the ecumenical program to assist the homeless and the church’s missions to Jamaica and Washington D.C. He summarized, “Our church reaches out to the community, the nation and the world.”

Looking to the future Rev. Svenson discussed the “Peacemeal” program that begins this evening. The Peru Community Church is serving a meal at no-charge to assist families having difficulty in these tough economic times. The meal will be served at 5:30 p.m. on most Saturdays. The church is also opening a Samaritan Counseling Center that will offer psychotherapy to the people of our community. Rev. Svenson said his goal as pastor can be summarized in the Bible passage Matthew 25: 34-36, “I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me a drink; I was homeless and you gave Me a room; I was shivering and you gave Me clothes; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.”