OUR STAFF
Pastor Pat Nelson
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi  appointed Pastor Pat Nelson to serve as senior pastor of the Holiday Park United Methodist Church, effective January 1, 2022.  Pat Nelson has been in ministry for more than 30 years, serving four local churches (Harrisville, Somerset: First, New Wilmington, Butler: First) before being appointed in 2014 to serve with the people of the Greensburg District as their superintendent. In one of her appointments, she was on the pastoral team of a large church, with a specific emphasis on congregational care. In 2008, Pat obtained a GBHEM certification in Older Adult Ministry and has utilized that education in her pastoral ministry. She values the faith legacies that older adults bring to the church.

Pat has served in key leadership positions at both the Conference and District level and has a solid, practical appreciation for our connectional system in the United Methodist Church. Pat has a heart for congregational care, values partnering with laity, and enjoys preaching and administration. Her main focus in ministry is equipping and empowering people of all ages to grow and mature in their love and witness for Jesus.

Pastor Pat and her husband Paul operate as a team in their approach to ministry. For fun, they’ve been known to square dance and ride intense roller coasters. They have a soft place in their hearts for some dear friends in Zimbabwe. Their motto is: “Life is short. Try new things. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.”  

The Nelsons look forward to this next chapter in ministry with the folks at the Holiday Park UMC and trust God’s continued direction in all of the aspects of their lives and ministry. 

You can email Pastor Pat Nelson at

pat.nelson@holidayparkumc.org or call 724-327-6552 

 
 
Pastor Lynette Moran

Lynette S. Moran serves as a deacon in Western PA to build bridges between the church and community. Originally a born and bred Texan, she left University of Texas (at Dallas) with her BA in history and literature to attend seminary at Boston University. She is currently a teaching fellow and PhD candidate (dissertation phase) in sociology at The University of Pittsburgh. Her studies include grief (emotions), social problems, environment, and how we make meaning collectively. This also includes studies of places (human geography) and the sacred, creation care, and environmental grief related to natural disasters. She was commissioned as a UMC EarthKeeper in 2019. 

 

Lynette previously served in social work as a case manager and, with her husband, as house parents of an emergency shelter for children removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. She also completed her CPE residency, serving as chaplain in the Trauma I, multi-branch hospital system in central Texas. In PA, she has served as associate pastor at Bethel UMC and Leechburg UMC with attention to their nurture, outreach, and witness ministries.

 

She carries beside her Daniel (Dan), her most favorite person in the world. He is a special education, secondary mathematics teacher in the Kiski Area School District. Their three children — Roland, Wyatt, and Evelyn — attend school in Plum. 

Ed (Mr. Ed) McGinn, Executive Director
 
Mr. Ed started his church career with the Holiday Park United Methodist Church on December 1, 1990.  He has been involved in a number of ministries and activities giving him a well rounded church experience and knowledge base.  Mr. Ed has an undergrad degree in Business from the University of Pittsburgh and a postgrad degree in Education from Penn State University and has completed work to gain a Certificate in Human Resource Development. He enjoys his work!  
 
Lisa Wislosky, Administrative Assistant

Lisa has an A.S. in Paralegal Studies from CCAC and a B.S. in Business Administration from Point Park College.  Having worked in various administrative capacities over the last 20+ years, Lisa quit her “career” for a simpler life, seeking more personal fulfillment, flexibility, and a greater sense of purpose.  She and her husband, Jeff, reside in Plum Borough.  Outside of work, Lisa enjoys walking and working with shelter dogs. 

You can e-mail Lisa at secretary@holidayparkumc.org
 or Call at 724-327-6552
 
Holly Cook, Pre-School Director
Holly and her husband, Steve, have been life-long members of HPUMC.  She is a graduate of Carlow University with a degree in Elementary Education.  After college graduation, she taught three and four year old children at a local daycare center.  In 2008, Holly became the HPUMC Pre-School Director and oversees 165 students and fourteen staff members.  She enjoys sharing her faith with her staff and supporting faith-based pre-school education.  Holly and Steve, along with their two children, Shawn and Emma, like traveling to new places and spending time outside.
You can e-mail Holly at hpumpreschool@holidayparkumc.org
or call at 724-733-7953
 
Casey Thorwart, Choir Director/Pianist

Casey has been playing the piano since she was 6 years old and accompanying church services for more than 25 years.  She attended Duquesne University for her B.S. in Music Therapy.  Casey has had the privilege to share the gift music with different denominations over the years as a pianist, organist, and choir director.  Casey and her husband, Mike, live in Plum Burough with their four children Xander, Xoey, Xeean, and Xyleigh. 

You can contact Casey at 724-327-6552
 
Beth Kerschner, Praise Band Director/Coordinator

Beth has been a member of our Church staff since June 1994.  She is currently responsible for coordinating the Praise Team. They play each Sunday at the 8:30 am Worship Service.  Previously, Beth worked as a chemical engineer for Koppers Company in their environmental division.  She received her B.S. degree in engineering from Grove City College.  Beth and her husband, Dave, have been members of Holiday Park since 1984.  They have been blessed with four children.  Amy teaches science at the Franklin Regional School District, Andrew is a physical therapist, Daniel is a geologist, and Laura is studying to be a Physician’s Assistant.  Beth enjoys babysitting her two granddaughters, gardening, sewing, and music.

You can e-mail Beth at kerschner@comcast.net or call
at 412-601-1980
 
Janice Vandenberg, Custodian
Undergraduate degree in Business Management from Point Park University; Paralegal Certification. I have been employed by Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, AK Steel and Federated Investors over the past years. My husband, Don, and I have two children, Tyler and Melina and live in Delmont.  Wanting to spend time at home raising our kids while they were young, I began looking for a less demanding, more flexible work schedule and so I started “Cleaning”.  Outside of work I love spending time with my family, I enjoy cooking and doing yardwork.