On July 1, 2010, Vandergrift First United Methodist Church welcomed new pastoral leadership.
In the United Methodist system, new pastors are appointed by the Bishop and are introduced to the congregation through the local Pastor-Parish Relations Committee and by the District Superintendent.
The Rev. Richard (Rick) Helsel is the senior pastor of the newly formed three-church charge that yokes Vandergrift with Apollo and Saltsburg United Methodist Churches. He has been a pastor for 15 years.
Heidi Helsel is also serving as associate/student minister. Heidi recently completed her second year in seminary and is a Certified Candidate for Ordained Ministry.
Rick and Heidi will continue living in the parsonage in Apollo.
The Apollo and Vandergrift ministeriums recently merged and the Vandergrift church will, for the immediate future, remain in the Greensburg District, which means that our current ecumenical, youth, and YMW relationships will continue.
Rick and Heidi are the parents of two elementary school aged daughters, Sarah and Christina.
