While waiting for the Nov. 24 church service to begin at New Jerusalem Zion United Church of Christ, Krumsville, people took the opportunity to stop and say they enjoyed listening to their new pastor.

Joshua Fitterling has been at the church for five months as a part-time pastor as he finishes his work at Lancaster Theological Seminary.

The church had a shared ministry and the pastor wanted to semi-retire and work only in a single church.

New Jerusalem Zion began looking for a part-time person.

The Pennsylvania Southeast Conference suggested a seminary student and, in June, Fitterling gave a trial service at the church.

The consistory met with him and chose him and decided unanimously he would be a good supply pastor.

He is on a one-year contract with an option to renew.

Fitterling had to be licensed by the East Berks Association, which allows him to perform the sacraments such as baptism and communion.

Normally, this is only allowed following ordination.

When they interviewed someone from the seminary, church members expected an older person who is in seminary training for a second career.

They were shocked to see Fitterling because he was only 22 at the time.

"I like to think shocked in a good way," he said.

Fitterling grew up in Morrisville where his parents have a farm.

He enjoyed living on a farm but did not think it was a career he would like.

He was confirmed at Salem Belleman's Church, which is near the farm.

The pastor, Bruce Pottieger, got him involved with leading worship and finally doing an entire service when a substitute was needed such as during the pastor's vacations.

Fitterling felt his calling was to be a teacher in a public school.

He was good at math and went to Lebanon Valley College for his Bachelor's degree in math.

While doing his student teaching semester he could tell teaching was not for him.

He was feeling anxiety with a minimal sense of fulfillment.

"I remember telling God in prayer I'll go into the ministry, but I want to complete my student teaching," Fitterling said. "Take this anxiety away," he asked God.

But it didn't ease so Fitterling withdrew from college. He was close enough to the end to graduate in August 2012.

He transferred to the seminary and ended up at New Jerusalem Zion.

"We've seen steady growth in attendance. I think this church has potential to grow," Fitterling said. "The people are so welcoming. I think that is one of the key components. The church seems open to the possibility of change."

His calling to the church was reaffirmed over and over again.

There is no doubt in his mind the ministry is where he should be.

When he dropped student teaching, his parents knew he was in for a career change.

His mother immediately supported him in the new direction.

His father said he could understand why he wanted to be a teacher, but it took a while to come around.

"I called a member of my home church," Fitterling said. "He told me a lot of people knew he would never teach. This church helps me hone my calling."

He began a children's message on a regular basis and has the children make the "Jingle Collection," which goes to Opportunity House, a Reading shelter.

The new pastor has the children involved and gives them an understanding of mission work.

The full-time seminary student has had many firsts at New Jerusalem Zion UCC, such as performing his first baptism and overseeing his first funeral.

These experiences will be invaluable to his future in the ministry.

For more information about New Jerusalem Zion United Church of Christ log on to njzucc.org.