After a lengthy search and careful consideration, the Interim Search Committee has chosen a candidate to lead our church spiritually until a full-time minister is found. Consistory approved the hiring of Reverend Robert Vanderlaan. Rev. Vanderlaan will be joining us officially on October 2, 2006. Rev. Vanderlaan brings with him many years of experience, both as a Pastoral Minister and as a Spe­cialized Interim Minister.

Reverend Vanderlaan was born in Morrison, Illinois and raised in Clinton, Iowa. Rev. Vanderlaan graduated from Hope College in Holland, Michigan with a B.A. in English and Philosophy. He then graduated from the New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, New Jersey with a Masters in Divinity degree.

Reverend Vanderlaan has served as a minister in the following churches:

Mount Pleasant Reformed Church, near Hudson, NY Whittier Presbyterian Church, Whittier, California Fort Plain Reformed Church, Fort Plain, NY

The Reformed Church, Rhinebeck, NY

Reverend Vanderlaan has also served as an interim minister at the Reformed Church in Wallkill, NY, as well as the Reformed Church in Fishkill, NY. Most recently he has served as the Supply Pastor at the Smithfield Presbyterian Church, in Amenia, NY.

Reverend Vanderlaan and June, his wife of 42 years, live in Rhine­beck. June is a retired teacher, with over 40 years of teaching, mostly in elementary education. The Vanderlaans have two grown sons and one grandson.

Reverend Vanderlaan, or Bob, as he likes to be called, is looking forward to the challenges ahead, including offering guidance in the search for a full time minister. Let's welcome Bob and June into the Hurley Reformed Church and make them members of our family.

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