NORWAY – The members of the Second Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, have announced that on Feb. 8 they voted to call the Rev. Leslie B. Foley to be their settled minister and Foley has accepted the call.

Chris Weston, Ministerial Search Committee chairman, said, “Rev. Foley brings a wealth of experience, energy and enthusiasm to her ministry. In her time as transitional minister, she has not only helped us grow both our church school and congregation, but also brought joy into our worship and the church. We look forward to a long and exciting spiritual journey with Rev. Foley as our companion, guide and leader.”

Foley completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. After several years as a certified athletic trainer, she was called to attend seminary and graduated with her master of divinity from Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster, Pa.

Prior to her time at the Second Congregational Church, Foley was a supply pastor in the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ, associate pastor at the First Congregational Church, New Milford, Conn., hospital chaplain at Norwalk Hospital in Norwalk, Conn., Yale-New Haven Hospital, in New Haven, Conn., and a multi-faith hospital chaplain in other settings.

Not only is Foley an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, but is also a board certified chaplain with extensive training in clinical pastoral education. These experiences have allowed Foley to hone her pastoral counseling skills in individual and group settings.

When asked by the Ministerial Search Committee about her vision for worship, she replied, “I believe that worship should be an inclusive experience I seek to create an environment in which people of all ages and types can bring their authentic self to worship and serve God.”

Foley has not limited her ministerial duties to worship, pastoral counseling, Christian education and visitation. She is the first to jump in and help with the many activities at the Second Congregational Church.

Wearing her “God is Still Speaking,” T-shirt, she was a participant in the church’s annual August yard sale. During February school vacation, she went snow tubing with the middle school youth group.

During suppers, she has greeted and served. During coffee hour, she has created crafts with children and adults. Gardening, hiking, arts and crafts, spending time with her family and dogs are other passions.

The Second Congregational Church welcomes all to join in worship, study and fellowship. Worship and church school are at 10 a.m. Sundays. For more information, call the church office at 743-2290.