PastorA Brief Bio of Our Pastor, Dr. D. Richard Will
Rich's hobbies include reading, being outdoors, cross-country skiing, hiking, golf, gardening and woodworking. He enjoys bird-watching and loves all animals. Music has been a large part of his life from an early age. He sang in church and school choirs as a youth, and participated in musical productions and choral groups in college, community and professional theatre. He "plays at jazz," as he says, on both guitar and piano, but his love of music spans the spectrum from baroque to classical, jazz and blues to rock. He has maintained a love affair with the theatre for decades and likes to sing, act, and even dance. Rich writes poetry, and is also hoping some day to finish a novel that will capture, with humor and pathos, the sensitive issue of child abuse through the eyes of a ten year old. Rich began his ministry here at Potsdam First Presbyterian Church in June 2003. His life continues to be enriched by his two children, Alyssa (a music education graduate), and Drew (a college graduate from WPI in Massachusetts). After ten years of being a re-activated bachelor, in April 2005, Rich married Laurena Wickham, also a Presbyterian minister by profession. They now live together on a farm (with their sheep) just outside of Potsdam, and Pastor Rich continues his ministerial work, or, as he puts it his, "incredibly wonderful, challenging, exasperating, joy-filled way of life." 
2009 Pastor’s Report
The Apostle Paul has timely words for the faithful at Thessalonica. Here is a city that was strategically located on both land and sea routes. Within this bustling community he founded a church and developed a wonderful and sensitive ministry with them in the name of Jesus Christ. After experiencing a difficult time in Philippi prior to his establishing the Thessalonica church, Paul’s words in his letter reflect the warmth, generosity and faithfulness of the believers. So impressed was Paul that his desire to return to them was palpable. The above words were words of encouragement, timely for us as well here at Potsdam First. Amidst the uncertainty that has arisen during the past two years, given the economic climate, there are so many opportunities for us to rejoice and be thankful. Giving thanks in all circumstances may be difficult for some as their way of life has drastically changed. However, in the great scheme of things, occasions to rejoice often come in the simple but often ‘taken for granted’ intersections through which we pass. For example, watching our little ones grow into toddlers, teens, college students and being blessed by those who have nurtured them in the faith over the years. How about the overwhelming support and generosity of those who have stepped up to insure the facilities will be preserved and energy usage will be reduced? And, the implementation of various educational activities through the year, can we not give thanks? We are known throughout the surrounding communities as a church that has a terrific music program—this is true and continues with able leadership and participation. As well, our doors to the sanctuary and Center are open to a myriad of functions, including AA, Blood Drives, Presbytery meetings, Head Start, Community Dinners, Kumon, Reachout, Rural Rehab, the list goes on. We certainly can rejoice in providing space for the community! Through the past years, I have witnessed an incredible outpouring of prayer to those in need as well as substance that reaches well beyond our doors. The giving nature of First Church always astounds me, but in retrospect, we are what God through Christ calls us to do and be. Manifestation of this giving comes in the form of our Mission outreach, and this year was no different—the recipients may be, but our commitment continues to grow. Sharing with the Hellers and with Dr. Nagy was but a portion of that outreach. Speaking of outreach, we can rejoice in the technology enhanced by our web ‘gurus’ who provide the world with an incredible witness to what occurs within and beyond our walls. I encourage each of you to thank Ruth and Dale when you see them. An important milestone in the life of First Church is soon upon us. Already the Bicentennial Committee has generated excitement about our 200th year of Christian ministry coming in 2011. What is remarkable is the planning, resourcefulness, and implementation that has taken place. The ‘Bicentennial Bounty’ cookbook is and continues to be a great successful venture. Activities leading into 2011 will begin this year. So, let this coming year be a year of prayer, giving thanks and rejoicing in all that we do in the name of Christ. The Spirit is alive and will continue as we maintain and enhance our sharing with all of God’s children, love, grace and our talents. My warmest thanks for your support and unceasing prayers for the future, Love, peace and grace, |
First Presbyterian Church of Potsdam, New York
A community gathering in Christ and ministering as God leads
Rich Will was born and reared on a NW Minnesota farm. There he grew to love the great outdoors and learn the values of education, hard work, faith, and commitment to family. Rich was educated in public schools and attended a private liberal arts college (BA); he has continued his education, earning graduate degrees in counseling (MS), divinity (MDiv) and ministry (DMin). Not only has Rich enjoyed careers in education, theatre arts, counseling, and ministry, but he has held many blue collar jobs as well (made marbles in WVA, sorted tomatoes and was a security guard in FL and NV, painted condos in CO, worked on farms in ND, served in the US Navy for four years as a communications intelligence technician and analyst, and worked construction—wood and stone in PA, etc.).