MERLE MONAHAN/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
merlemonah@aol.com

WINDSOR—The Rev. Don Kelly, the new pastor at Windsor Christian Church, says Windsor is much like the small town he grew up in.

“The people are warm and friendly, so naturally I feel right at home. God couldn’t have chosen a better place to send me,” he said.

Kelly, 51, who grew up in Annville, Pa., near Harrisburg, became the church’s new pastor in January. He preached his first sermon as a full-time pastor on Jan. 5, he said, finally realizing a desire that he first felt in 1999.

Although Kelly’s calling to be a pastor wasn’t as strong at first, he was very active in a church. In 2002, he took a job as a chaplain in a nursing home in Pennsylvania. He served in this capacity for five years until the program was discontinued.

“This was rather unsettling,” Kelly said, “meaning I had to look for another job. But as it turned out, the nursing home had an opening for a social worker and, fortunately, my degree was in social work, so I applied and was hired.

“This work, which lasted another six years was rewarding, but I still felt the calling to preach.

“I began looking on the web and came across the ad from Windsor Christian. It sounded like just what I wanted.

“We made contact and, of course, the rest is history.”

Kelly and his wife, Ruth Ann, settled in their new home just off Old Suffolk Road. Their daughter, Sarah, attends Regent University and lives on campus.

He is pursuing his master’s in arts and religion and will also attend Regent University.

Now, at the helm of the 145-member church, Kelly is getting used to the activities of his new congregation.

“The members have a strong faith, they love people and encourage them to attend their church. Everyone is welcome,” he said.

The pastor mentioned that there are several ongoing events at the church designed to support different causes; the church supports both the local Boy and Girl Scouts and raises money for scholarships for deserving college students.

He notes that church members are family oriented, as well.

“I was made aware of this when we discussed my moving here and I was very impressed.

“I was asked if my mother, who lives in Pennsylvania, had other close relatives there to care for her. They didn’t want her to be left alone.

The new pastor says the church will follow the goals it has always had: “Serving the Lord with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength.”