THE PASTOR
The Rev. Jeffery C. Schroeder, S.T.M., assumed the pastorate of Cumberland and Guinea Presbyterian Churches in the Spring of 2023. Rev. Schroeder is a native of Virginia and professed faith in Christ at the age of 9, sensed God's call to the ministry at the age of 12, preached his first sermon at the age of 13, and assumed his first pastoral responsibilities at the age of 19. He has now been a minister for over 42 years.
Rev. Schroeder pursued his higher education in three countries, namely the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. He has extensive training in pastoral ministries, biblical studies, and doctrinal theology, having studied under internationally recognized ministers, biblical scholars, and theologians. He holds the B.S., M.A.R., M.Div., and S.T.M. degrees, the last mentioned from Yale University Divinity School. He pursued additional graduate work at the University of Toronto and the University of Oxford.
With a strong education, a photographic memory, and decades of public speaking experience, Rev. Schroeder is a compelling preacher and an effective educator. He has addressed audiences in eleven denominational settings in four countries. He has been featured on radio and television. Rev. Schroeder has pastored Baptist, Disciples of Christ, United Church of Christ, and Presbyterian congregations. He served, moreover, as the Senior Crisis Counselor and later as the Director of Communications of a national, faith-based crisis intervention helpline, as well as the Chaplain and then as the Director of Pastoral Care of a state-licensed adult assisted living facility and retirement community.
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Rev. Schroeder is a veteran public historian, having served as a staff interpreter in a UK modern art museum and in a UK UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as in a US National Natural Landmark and in two US National Historical Landmarks. In these capacities, his employment included the roles of Lecturer, Head Guide, Senior Staff Historian, Education Specialist, Museum Curator, and Park Ranger. Rev. Schroeder is a member of the Appomattox-Petersburg Preservation Society, is a Visiting Lecturer of Civil War History at Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park, and is an authority on the Appomattox Campaign of the American Civil War. He specializes in the Battle of Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a Virginia Civil War Trails Site, and the same church he pastors.
Rev. Schroeder's aim in life is to love Christ crucified and risen and to devote himself to the service of His Savior and Lord, confessing that the One who knows him best is the One who loves him most. Our pastor strives to share God's love in his outreach to other people. Pastor Jeff warmly invites you to visit our Cumberland and Guinea services and events.
Pastor Jeff can be reached at 540-478-4778 or at therevjcs@gmail.com.
OUR STAFF
Bob Pennington, Clerk of Session
Mr. Pennington is a devoted husband of over 50 years, a proud father and grandfather, as well as an experienced cattle farmer. He is a member of The Gideons International and has served the Cumberland congregation in the roles of Clerk of Session, Ruling Elder, and Sunday School Teacher. Mr. Pennington is a retired Air Force Instructor and Public School Teacher. He holds the B.S. degree from the United States Air Force Academy, the M.B.A. degree from Southern Illinois University, and the M.Ed. degree from Old Dominion University.
Lynne Neese, Guinea Music Director
Ms. Neese has served in church music ministry for over three decades and has been the Guinea Music Director for the past 8 years. She is an accomplished pianist. Piano playing has been her passion for almost 50 years. Ms. Neese holds her B.S. degree from Longwood College and has been employed by the Virginia Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer, as a Counselor, and currently as a Housing Unit Manager.
Anne Lipscomb, Cumberland Music Director
Mrs. Lipscomb is a devoted wife and mother. She has served the Cumberland congregation in the roles of Music Director, Church Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, and Prayer Advocate. Mrs. Lipscomb is a retired Regional Senior Vice President of a major commercial bank, having been employed in the banking industry for 43 years. She earned a professional certificate from the School of Bank Management of the University of Virginia in 1977 and graduated as the Valedictorian of her class at Cumberland High School in 1961.