Thank you for visiting our website!
 
I have been serving First Evangelical Lutheran Church since June of 2011, following my ordination to the ministry of Word and Sacrament.  I am a native of Western Pennsylvania, growing up in the South Hills region and graduating from Bethel Park High School.  I am a graduate of Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary and Grove City College.  Prior to attending seminary, I worked as an assistant manager at Barnes and Noble Booksellers. 
 
It is an honor and a joy to be serving the people of First Lutheran Church and the community of Leechburg.  I am especially passionate about preaching, youth ministry, worshiping God, and serving our neighbors. 
 
I am currently serving as the Conference 3 representative of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod council.  I also serve on the synod’s property committee and the Bethesda Lutheran Services board of directors. I regularly volunteer at the Leechburg Food Bank.

In my spare time, I enjoy music, reading, woodworking, hiking, bicycling, and spending time with my family and friends.
 
I look forward to the opportunity to get to know you and your family.  I can be reached at the church office, 724-845-7518; or by email, pr.jim@comcast.net. 
 
May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Rev. James V. Arter, III