Rev. Ramsey has served as pastor at East Union since 2004. He previously served churches in Watertown, New York (1991-1996) and Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania (1997-2003). He grew up in Beaver, Pennsylvania and earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism, with a concentration on Newswriting and Editing, from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. He later graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.

            Rev. Ramsey has been happily married to Jo (the other Rev. Ramsey!) for 20 years. Jo is also an ordained Presbyterian minister and serves as Director of Children's Worship at East Union. They have two beautiful children, Benjamin, who is nine years old and in fourth grade and Fiona, who is five years old and in kindergarten, both in the Deer Lakes School District. The Ramsey's live in an old farm house they purchased in Frazer Township.

            When not engaged in some aspect of ministry, Rev. Ramsey loves to be outside with his family, fishing (his greatest passion), hiking, gardening, or playing soccer. If he has to be inside he enjoys playing family board games, and reading.

Getting to know Rev. Ramsey

1. Are you a morning person or a night person?

            I guess I would have to describe myself as a morning person. I relish being up before the sun and watching the morning light transform the world. I frequently rise at 3 am to travel to one of my favorite fishing spots. I also love to be in the woods as the birds are rousing from there slumber. One early morning while on our Family Mission Retreat I arose early and was standing in the dark on the shore of Slippery Rock Creek at Camp Crestfield. I heard a Barred Owl call in the distance and called back with my owl call. Within the next 30 minutes I had called in three barred owls, all hooting and hollering from perches in the branches above my head. I would have missed that incredible experience had I not roused early!

2. What is your favorite motto to live by?

            I cherish the words of God spoken to Joshua as he was to take over the leadership mantle from Moses. They were big shoes to fill. The job ahead would be daunting. "Be strong and of good courage, be not frightened, neither be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go." These words guide me in life, as well as in ministry.

3. Do you play an instrument? If so, what?

            While I do not currently play an instrument, I have in the past. I studied the cello for one year in fourth grade. I played the trumpet right through high school. And in seminary I was in a band called Bullhog and the Rhythm Pigs, where I was the lead singer and washboard player! (I have a picture in my study to prove it.)

4. If you were a superhero, what would your super power be?

            Since my children are currently in fourth grade and kindergarten, I have seen quite a few movies geared to those age groups. One of my favorites is The Incredibles, about a whole family of superheroes. I guess I identify with the main character in that movie who is Mr. Incredible. His power is strength, so that is what I will pick. In the movie, Mr. Incredible has been forced into retirement, but is frustrated with his lot. He finds himself in a dead-end job at an insurance company, where he finds loopholes to help little old ladies. His boss doesn't appreciate it. Even though he is not supposed to, he moonlights with an old colleague Fro-zone, catching criminals and solving crimes on the sly. When he gets called back into service, he is generally out-of-shape, but he learns he still has what it takes. Even though he has super human strength, he learns the value of love and working together with his family. My power would be strength and understanding!

5. What television shows do you watch?

            I am an avid sports fan and follow closely both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Steelers. I don't make time for many actual ongoing shows. I really like Man VS. Wild and Survivorman, but don't see them very often. I also like documentaries on both the History Channel and Discovery, programs like Blue Planet or Planet Earth. I've been known to watch programs on HGTV and PBS, as well.

6. What different countries have you visited?

            I visit Canada every year for a week during my family's men's fishing trip. (The pictures are plastered all over the walls of my study!) I was fortunate to spend two weeks in England, visiting and touring around with friends who were studying there. I've also been to the Caribbean twice on church trips, once for 10 days to Jamaica learning about the church in an alternative context and another time 7 days to St. Maarten where I lead my youth group on a mission trip doing hurricane relief.

 7. Who has had the most influence in your life?

            Certainly my parents had great and positive influence on me, especially in my early, developmental years. I've had friends and mentors along the way who have helped shape my thinking and hone my theology. I would have to say that the person who has had the most influence on my life would be my wife, Jo. I have known her since I was a teenager. We have been married for twenty years. She is the most beautiful person I have ever met, from her hair to her heart and from her face to her faith. She is my partner and my best friend. We work well together and compliment one another. I give thanks to God for her every day. She has had the most influence on me...and it's been a good thing!

8. If you could have dinner with a famous person (dead or alive) who would it be?

            My answer to this question changes periodically. At one time I would have said Roberto Clemente, the great Pirate outfielder. Later I might have said Mario Lemieux. Thomas Merton, the great contemplative of the 20^th century, would be high on my list. Currently, I think I will say John Calvin, the great Protestant Reformer and father of Presbyterianism. After preaching 10 sermons on him in the fall of 2009, I found that there were many questions I wished I could ask him – questions about his understanding of God's activity in the world and more practical questions about the administration of a church and his ability to run a program and inspire a community.

9. Describe the perfect meal.

            The perfect meal would be served outside, on some kind of veranda, in the shade of tall trees, but with a magnificent view of some scenic panorama. My family would be seated with me: my wife, Jo, Ben, my son and Fiona, my daughter. We would have spent an active day together, either at the beach or hiking some trail or touring some museum or plantation.

            All of the ingredients would be fresh. I would start with a colorful salad full of all sorts of vegetables. There would be some sort of soup, chowder or bisque with chunks of seafood. The main course would be dominated by Lobster tail, but should also include crab, shrimp, scallops and some kind of fish, perhaps salmon or mahi mahi, or fresh walleye or perch. There would be a side of red new potatoes, boiled and in a buttery-garlic covering. The vegetables would include both asparagus and spinach. In closing, I would have a steaming cup of high-end coffee, dark roast and a raspberry or blackberry pie, ala mode. I'm not sure I could comfortably consume all that, but I would love to give it a try!

10. Do you have any pets?

            My current family pets include two young, active cats, Miriam and Moses. Miriam is a calico, she's the smaller of the two, but she has a feisty personality. She's always up to something, but can be very affectionate. Moses is tawny colored with white. He's a big boy and kind of a dufuss. He also sometimes gets a love-look in his eyes. These two are part of our family. They are indoor cats and stay inside...even if they tell you different!