Rev. Al Gephart, a leading Presbyterian (PCUSA) pastor in the Valley for over 20 years, will be preaching at The Fountains at 9:30 am on Sunday, July 26th. His theme will be “A Holy Adventure.”
Having served for thirty-nine years as a pastor (beginning with congregations in Spokane and Redmond, Washington), Rev. Gephart served most recently at the University Presbyterian Church in Tempe. He is a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA and is a long-time proponent of “Process Theology” as taught at Claremont School of Theology. Al is also an accomplished musician, with degrees in music from Lawrence University and USC.
For a number of years, Rev. Gephart chaired the Theological Dialogue Commission of the Arizona Ecumenical Council and was instrumental in the recent reimagining of the AEC into the “Arizona Faith Network”, an organization dedicated to bringing together people of faith as a bridge to understanding and action.
Of his work, he says, “I am deeply moved when I witness those of diverse backgrounds and perspectives being respectful (and) acknowledging differences as they seek to understand each other. None of us, no matter our faith tradition, sees clearly the whole mystery of God. Each of us looks through a foggy glass, ever open to the gift that others have to offer us.”
Along with his ecumenical work, Rev. Gephart has also participated with Rev. David Felten working for LGBTQ rights on the board of No Longer Silent/Clergy for Justice. Al is married to Betsy Wells-Gephart, a lactation consultant. They have two daughters, Eryn and Anna.
For more information, call 480.837.7627 or email welcome@thefountainsumc.org Professional child care is provided throughout the morning.