Hamburg church welcomes new pastor

HAMBURG. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church celebrated the installation of a new pastor, the Rev. John Babbitts, on Jan. 15.

| 02 Feb 2023 | 02:21

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Hamburg celebrated the installation of a new pastor, the Rev. John Babbitts, on Jan. 15.

Babbitts, who grew up in Old Bridge and Sparta, replaces the Rev. Stephen Vogt, who served the congregation for more than 35 years and retired in June 2021.

Babbitts received a bachelor’s degree in theology from Concordia College in Seward, Neb., and spent two years studying at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. He earned a graduate certificate in Jewish-Christian relations from Seton Hall University; a Master of Christian Outreach from Concordia University in St. Paul, Minn.; and is working on a doctorate. in Missiology (Study of Christian Missions) through intensive study courses at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind.

He has served congregations in Illinois, Wisconsin, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

He and his wife, Tanya, have been married for 30 years and have four children.

Prince of Peace, which is celebrating its 60th year of ministry, is located at 3320 Route 94 and is open to all for worship at 9:30 a.m. Sundays.