Fran Merkel has been the pastor of Christ Church of Bath United Church of Christ. since May 1, 2006.

On Dec. 28, 2013, the church congregation and the Bath area community gathered together to celebrate Merkel's pastoral service with refreshments, fellowship and music organized by choir director Sharon Schrantz, a 23-year church member.

As a second career pastor, Merkel earned her master of divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary later in her life. A little over seven and a half years ago, Merkel accepted a position as a minister. Since then, Christ Church of Bath has become an important part of her life. It was her first and her last church.

Currently living in the church parsonage in Bath, Merkel will move to Leesport upon retiring. Her retirement plans will consist of taking care of her mother, who is suffering from the early stages of dementia. Merkel also plans on "substituting for churches when pastors are gone [on vacation]," she says.

"I'm going to buy a banjo and I'm going to take banjo lessons," she says.

When entering into ministry roles, many people are usually led by a "calling." The same was true for Merkel.

"I was just called," she says. "God just finally slapped me on the head and said, Now let's get this done.' I had really felt like I was being called for a long time and I just kept thinking, 'I don't think God's calling me,' but he was."

Merkel's position as the pastor of Christ Church of Bath included many roles throughout the years. She taught adult Sunday School, led confirmation classes and conducted Bible studies.

She also represented the church in the Bath Area Council of Churches and participated in the Bath area food bank.

One area of ministry that Merkel is especially fond of is the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen.

"We started that here at this church and that has since grown," she said. "We [also] do two meals a month over at St. John's U.C.C. in Nazareth and the Nazareth Moravian Church."

There is some sadness at her retirement.

"I'm going to miss all the people," she says with tears her eyes. "I really love the people here and the community."

Merkel sees the Bath church as one with a bright future.

"There is so much opportunity here at this church," she says. "I'm just hoping that will continue and maybe even grow in ways that we can't imagine yet."

She says a core of young adults is looking for new things, so she's hoping the new pastor will have new ideas that will be stimulating and will offer more opportunities for community outreach.

"We have a good congregation. That's what a church is supposed to be," she says.

"It took them a little while to get that," she laughs, "But they really have embraced it."