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A Celebration of New Ministry at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church Bishop George Councell welcomes Reverend Valerie Balling

Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, December 17, 2011 – St. Barnabas Episcopal Church was overflowing with parishioners, guests and a special visit from the Diocese of New Jersey, Bishop George Councell who celebrated the beginning of a new ministry at the church after a two year long search for a rector.  Singing joyful upbeat tempos, the music of tambourines in the background and many wearing bright red clothing, the worshippers at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church located on Sand Hill Road in Monmouth Junction welcomed Reverend Valerie L. Balling to the congregation.

“I am delighted and blessed to be a part of this wonderful community,” said Rev. Valerie. “St. Barnabas is ablaze with the Holy Spirit! I am looking forward to working with the members of St. Barnabas and the greater South Brunswick community to share the Good News of Jesus Christ through worship, formation, fellowship and service.”

Amidst the full fledged celebration, gifts of welcome were presented to Reverend Valerie.  The children of St. Barnabas presented a stole as a symbol her ministry.  The wardens presented the keys to the church to remind her that church doors should be open to all that enter, so that they feel welcomed, accepted and part of the St. Barnabas community.  Members of the Ministry of Racial Diversity presented flags from various countries to represent the diverse countries of origin of the parishioners and in remembrance of the diversity of God’s creation. Bishop George Councell presented Reverend Valerie with a prayer book and said, “Reverend Valerie, with this book of Prayers of the People we offer our prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings to God.”

Rev. Valerie grew up in Piscataway and later attended Michigan State University, where she earned her B.A. in English and was an active participant in the Episcopal Ministry at MSU.  In 2002, she attended The General Theological Seminary in New York City, where she earned a Master’s of Divinity in 2005. She was called to be Vicar of St. Stephen’s in Mullica Hill, where she served for the past six years. In 2011, she earned a Master’s of Science in Church Management from Villanova University.