The Rev. Peden Emile Harley – Pastor
Emile came to Winter Park Presbyterian in the summer of 2007 as the Associate Pastor. He began serving as Pastor of WPPC in July of 2014. Having previously served several summers at Presbyterian summer camps, he is passionate about engaging with children, youth, and adults of all ages in creative and meaningful ways. In his teaching and ministry Emile seeks to discover along with members of our church what it means to live as a disciple of Christ in this time and place through service to others, Biblical study, worship, and fellowship.
In Emile’s office, you will find a curious mix (mess?) of guitar and Greek New Testment, traditional hymnal and contemporary song book, Frisbee and chalice, ancient prayerbook and recreation notebook. He believes that the church is most whole (and most Holy) when many people are invited to bring varied gifts for worship, song, service, fellowship, and fun and do so seeking to love God and neighbor with all their heart, mind, and strength. He strives to call the church to be a place of welcome where all of people are greeted as beloved children of God.
Emile is the grateful husband of Amy Harley and the father of Lydia (age 6), Emma (age 4), and Michael (Born 2015).
B.A. – Davidson College, 2003
M.Div. – Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education, 2007
M.A.C.E. – Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education, 2007
email: emile@winterparkpres.org
Rachel Whaley Doll – Christian Educator
I am happy to be returning to Winter Park, where I grew up. My adventures in church work began at Winter Park, and led me to Shelbyville Kentucky, where the youth and children taught me much about Christian Education; such as how much salad and spaghetti are really needed to feed 25 hungry teenagers, and how important it is to sit and just listen when talking to God.
Montreat Youth Conferences have also woven many experiences and connections into my journey. I have served almost twenty years there as small group leader, summer staff and most recently on the 2014 planning team as the Keynote Director. Montreat was also responsible for introducing me to my first church job and even to my husband, Aaron!
The past fourteen years were spent in upstate New York with Aaron, and eventually our two children, Robyn and Sylvia. Among many amazing connections, I was excited to encounter Biblical Storytelling. I learned so much from my work with Women of the Well Biblical Storytelling Troupe in Rochester, and am excited to share and continue to discover the many ways scripture can come alive through telling and singing.
In June, I published my second book, Beating on the Chest of God; A Faith Journey Through Infertility. This book takes an honest look at the doubt and anger that is so often part of the struggle of infertility, and offers writing prompts and simple prayers to readers. More information about the book can be found at rachelwhaleydoll.com.
I am excited to learn to play the ukelele, and to connect with the Winter Park church family through music, fellowship, scripture and imagination. The Presbyterian Church (USA) is an exciting family, filled with a variety of gifts found in each of us, and I look forward to discovering and serving together.
email: Rachel@winterparkpres.org
The Reverend Aaron Doll – Parish Associate
Aaron began his service to Winter Park Presbyterian Church in September of 2016, but he is no stranger to Winter Park. He is the husband of Rachel Doll, our Christian Educator. He is also an experienced member of our Ukulele Choir! He is an ordained Teaching Elder in our Presbyterian Church (USA), and he served two different congregations over the course of 14 years in the Rochester, NY area. Since coming to Wilmington, he underwent chaplain training through the Spiritual Care Department of the New Hanover Regional Medical Center. As our Parish Associate, Aaron seeks to extend the ministries of Congregational Care to the people of our church family. He brings a caring and welcoming presence into conversation and visitation. We are thankful for his work here! He combines his service to Winter Park with serving as pastor to Pearsall Memorial Presbyterian Church and Bethany Presbyterian Church.
B.S. – State University of New York at Buffalo, 1994
M.Div. – Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, 1998
Clinical Pastoral Education Residency – New Hanover Regional Medical Center, 2015
email: Aaron@winterparkpres.org
Sharon Moore – Director of Music
Sharon invites members of our choirs and our congregation to share faith, wonder, and joy through music. She directs our Chancel Choir (voice), Jubilee Bells (handbells), and Children’s Choir and helps lead our Ukulele Choir and Ukin’ Kids. She works to incorporate the musical gifts of all of our members into our life of worship. Whether you play guitar, drum, clarinet, saxophone, flute, bass, cello, or ukulele, Sharon seeks out a place for you to share your gifts. Sharon draws upon our Presbyterian musical tradition in creative and engaging ways. She challenges us to live out that tradition and expand upon it in ways that invite others in to our life together. She has a heart for the work of justice and mercy, and she seeks to enable us to reflect upon our calling to the practice of loving-kindness through music.
Sharon came to Winter Park in September of 2014. She has an extensive background as a music educator working with children and youth. She previously served Unitarian-Universalist and Methodist churches. She frequently works as an accompanist in theatrical productions.
In addition to directing the choirs, Sharon accompanies our congregation and choirs on piano and organ. Her talent with the clarinet is a gift to our church, and she has taken up the ukulele since her arrival at WPPC.
If music is a passion or interest of yours, please begin a conversation with Sharon!
email: Sharon@winterparkpres.org