On Sunday, March 16, 2025, the congregation of Grace Presbyterian Church voted to call Rev. Cynthia Wilcox (hereafter Pastor Cindy) as our pastor. Among those attending the meeting in person, and those who voted via Zoom, the vote was unanimous. To God be the praise and the glory for leading us and providing for us in this way!
Who is Pastor Cindy?
A native of New Jersey, Cindy was raised in Colts Neck where she was an active member of 4-H and showed steers and sheep. Just in time for high school her family moved to Spring Lake Heights. She is proud to be a Manasquan High School alumna.
After graduation Cindy moved to Massachusetts, attended Gordon College, (English Literature major), married, and raised four kids. While living in Andover, MA, Cindy was Director of Children’s Ministries, a personal trainer, a lifestyle weight management coach, and produced fitness shows for television.
In 2013, as an empty nester, Cindy moved back to Spring Lake Heights where she lives with her husband, Dennis Wilcox. A graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv), she is an ordained Presbyterian minister. Cindy is also a board certified clinical chaplain and is presently serving as the Manager of Spiritual Care at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and the Bioethics Co-chair. She also serves as Parish Associate at Manasquan Presbyterian Church, where she leads the Stephen Ministry program and The Bible Project Bible Big Picture study series.
Dennis and Cindy’s adult children live in Berkeley, CA; Virginia Beach; and Westfield and Belmar, NJ. Their third grandchild is expected in March!
Cindy is passionate about discovering life-altering biblical truths, putting faith into action, experiencing Koinonia fellowship, and renewing her spirit through outdoor fitness adventures.
Her ministry vision is to facilitate opportunities for congregants and community members to explore their faith in a Christlike caring community. Cindy’s prayer is that through a deeper understanding of Scripture and an ever growing relationship with Christ we will all be able to live with more hope, faith, and gratitude in response to knowing our worth through Jesus. Proverbs 3:5-6
What About (sniff) Pastor Robin?
We owe Pastor Robin Miller Currás an inestimable debt of gratitude. And yes, some of us wondered if she would ever consent to be our permanent pastor. However, Pastor Robin’s calling and gifts equip her to serve congregations as a transitional pastor. She also helps train and mentor other pastors. After some time off for Pastor Robin, God will bless another congregation with her ministry. We pray that Pastor Robin’s ministry there will be every bit as fruitful as it has been here, albeit without the trauma of things like a church fire.
What Happens Next?
- The next few weeks will be business as (sort of) usual.
- After worship on Sunday, April 13 (Palm Sunday), we will hold a farewell for Pastor Robin. Watch your email for information about how you can participate in expressing Grace’s gratitude to her.
- Easter Sunday, April 20, will be Pastor Robin’s final Sunday at Grace Presbyterian Church. Yes, we know. It’s sad. But the reason for her leaving is a cause for great rejoicing!
- On Sunday, April 27, a guest minister will lead Grace Presbyterian Church in worship.
- Sunday, May 4, will be Pastor Cindy’s first Sunday leading us in worship as our pastor.
- On a subsequent Sunday (but not Mother’s Day) members of the Presbytery of Northeast New Jersey will join us for a service of installation. This will be in the afternoon, and you will want to watch your email for news about this very special service.
We praise God for leading Pastor Cindy to us, and us to her. We look forward to ministry at Grace Presbyterian Church. We know you will want to come sit under her preaching and teaching. We also know that you will pray for, work with, and support her and the lay leaders of Grace Church as God leads us into a bright and blessed future.
Our Congregation Has Been Part of the Process All Along
Beginning with the formation of a Discernment Team, members of Grace Church have had crucial roles in defining the mission of Grace Presbyterian Church and calling our next pastor. The Pastoral Nominating Committee would like to thank the members and friends of Grace who have prayed continually and offered countless words of encouragement throughout this process. Thank you also for respecting the need for confidentiality throughout the process!
On Saturday, March 15, the Grace Congregation turned out to meet Pastor Cindy for the first time at an open house at the Manse. Scroll through the images to see if you recognize anyone you know!
