Religion

January 09. 2013 10:26PM

Seminarian to guest preach in Londonderry

By APRIL GUILMET
Union Leader Correspondent

LONDONDERRY - A Southern-born seminary student will preach for the first time in the Granite State during a special appearance at the Londonderry Presbyterian Church later this month.

Cameron Beaty, 27, a student at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Mass., will serve as the local church's guest preacher on Jan. 20.

Beaty, a native of Mississippi, said he received his calling during his junior year in college at Mississippi State University.

At the time, the young man was pursuing a BA in philosophy and religion when he was called to the pulpit.

Following his 2007 graduation, Beaty answered that calling and served as the director of youth and hhildren's ministries at First Presbyterian Church in Starkville, Miss., his hometown.

Now in his second year of seminary, where he's pursuing a Master's of Divinity degree, Beaty said he learned about the Londonderry church during a conversation with his professor, Dr. Jim Singleton Jr.

Singleton told Beaty about the local church's current lack of a permanent pastor and discussed plans to bring seminary students to help out in Londonderry.

"We're very excited to have Cameron come join us this month," congregant Nancy Wimmer said.

Beaty said he was happy to help out. He'll be the first of several Gordon-Conwell seminary students coming to Londonderry. His plan, he said, is to preach at the church "around every seven weeks or so."

"I'm really looking forward to it," he added. "New Hampshire is such a beautiful state."

During his first Londonderry sermon, Beaty said, he plans to preach on a story of Jesus and Nicodemus out of the Book of John.

"Through those conversations, the true nature of Jesus was revealed," said Beaty. "I think we can learn a lot from this story."

Now halfway through the three-year seminary program, Beaty said he hopes to one day find himself a permanent placement in a small, community place of worship: not unlike the quaint white chapel on Londonderry Town Common.

"I definitely have a heart for the local church," he said. "And I love teaching people how the Gospel shapes us. I'm not sure where I'll wind up, but I know it will be right where I'm supposed to be."

In his spare time, Beaty enjoys "a good barbecue" and taking day trips with his wife, Emily.

The Londonderry Presbyterian Church is located at 126 Pillsbury Road in Londonderry. Sunday services begin at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 434-2113.

AGuilmet@newstote.com