Edwards Chapel’s new pastor Jason Hotchkiss is pictured with his wife, Bethany, and their daughters. Submitted photo

CLYMER — Edwards Chapel, a church in the town of Clymer, has officially welcomed a new pastor, Jason Hotchkiss, to their church family.

Hotchkiss became a pastor back in 2001, saying he knew it was a calling from God on his life, and that he always enjoys seeing people’s transformations when they come to God.

Hotchkiss was ordained in 2003 and has spent more than two decades quietly working out what it means to be an apprentice of Jesus. He reads daily, treats nature less as a hobby than as a discipline, keeps a monthly rhythm of solitude, and considers coffee with his wife, Bethany, one of the better parts of any morning. The Hotchkisses currently live in Erie with their children, where family time often means a beach, a nature park, movies, campfires, or ice cream stops, whichever the day calls for.

“What drew me to the position at Edwards Chapel was really their values,” Hotchkiss said. “Their focus is simple, it’s minimalistic, and it’s all centered around Jesus and making his message known. I would say the next big thing is they understand community; they see themselves as a family instead of just a congregation that gathers on Sunday.”

Hotchkiss added the people do not just gather on Sunday, but throughout the week as well, with hearts willing and ready to serve. Located at 9227 Cherry Hill Road, Edwards Chapel holds Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. on Sundays, with services beginning at 10:45 a.m.

Looking to the future, Hotchkiss said he is most excited for the opportunity to build relationships with the people of Edwards Chapel.

“What I’m most excited for regarding this new position is honestly to build relationships with the individuals there at Edwards Chapel, to be able to preach the word of God, develop relationships with them, walk through transformation with them, and see them influence those around them in their families, in their workplaces, and their community,” Hotchkiss said.

Hotchkiss said the most important thing people should know about Edwards Chapel is that the church family is present and available, and is a community that is “come as you are”.

“We’re not looking for people who have it all together,” Hotchkiss said. “We just want people to experience Jesus, his love, his community, through us. We’re there not only for ourselves but the community as well.”

More information on Edwards Chapel can be found on Facebook or by calling (716)355-9955.