The Rev. Judy K. Brandon began her pastorate Oct. 23 at United Church of Christ Greenawalds, South Whitehall.

The new pastor, raised in Texas, graduated from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing, Lubbock, Texas, with a registered nurse degree.

While in college, Brandon’s call to ministry grew, and she wanted to do more in relation to her personal faith.

She attended Boston Theological Institute earning a degree in religion and conflict transformation in 2008 and her Master of Divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological School in 2009.

Brandon completed a chaplain residency in 2010 and worked in that position until her current position as pastor serving part time with two small churches in Iowa.

She served on the Iowa Conference UCC Central Association Committee, Emergency Food Box (food pantry), Iowa Board of Directors, and Iowa Religious Media Center.

She has established several book groups, along with a community garden, and is the administrator of Facebook pages for the Iowa Conference and several other organizations.

Founded in 1912, UCC Greenawalds is affiliated with the Penn Northeast Conference of the United Church of Christ.