Retired Irwin special-needs teacher takes to pulpit
In 2007, the Christmas season was unlike any that Diane Wiley of Irwin ever experienced.
More specifically, it was the First Sunday of Advent, and her life started down a new path.
When Wiley retired from the Norwin School District the previous year, after serving in various capacities for 36 years, her options were limited, she recalled.
Not seriously interested in traveling, she nixed that idea when friends made the suggestion. With no grandchildren, she ruled out granny-day-care.
Despite holding a degree in education from Westminster College, she went back to school.
"I retired at 58 and thought I was too young to retire," she said, smiling. "I had two grandparents who lived to be over 100, and I thought I have some time left and I was looking for something to do."
Although not overtly pondering a life-begins-at-58 second career, Wiley had spent a lifetime working in her local church -- Primitive Methodist Church in Westmoreland City. She taught Sunday School, served on various committees, played piano and organ and directed the choir.
Instead of settling into a recliner, Wiley said she contacted the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
"I decided to try some courses, so I applied and was accepted at age 58. I was never the oldest person in class, but I was in the Top 10," she said, laughing. "Because of my education, the United Church of Christ accepted me into their licensing program for pastors, and I have since been given permission to serve a local church."
Licensed by the United Church of Christ denomination, Wiley was given permission to be pastor of a local church. As a pastor, she can give the sacraments.
On that First Sunday of Advent 2007, Wiley presided as a pastor for the first time -- at First United Church of Christ in Manor.
"Growing up in the church and being exposed to God and working for Him seemed to be what I should do," she said. "Since high school I've always known this was what I supposed to do. I felt I had to do this. I believe I was called to serve."
The former pastor of First United Church of Christ in Manor had resigned in 2006, and an interim pastor was leading services, said Bob Allen, a member of the church since 1959 and current president of the Consistory, the executive body of the church.
"We were searching for a pastor,and one of our members knew of Diane and we invited her as a guest speaker. Our congregation was impressed with what she had to offer, and initially she agreed to serve as a guest speaker each Sunday. It didn't take long for us to ask her to stay permanently," Allen recalled.
Wiley said that she would not have the same opportunity when she was graduating from Norwin in 1966 or Westminster four years later.
"At that time, there were few females in this profession," she said, adding that her life-long church, Primitive Methodist in Westmoreland City, is a conservative denomination and doesn't accept female pastors.
"But the United Church of Christ has had women serving in churches for many years. I am just one more," she said, noting that women also previously served in the pulpit at United Church of Christ in Manor.
At one time, the Manor church had more than 200 members in the congregation. Today, that number has dwindled to 40, which includes three children younger than 12 and two teenagers. Each Sunday, Wiley conducts a children's moment for children younger than 12, calling them to the front of the church "to talk about God," she said.
"We are like a family in this church," Allen, 72, explained. "We are a small congregation, and Diane makes everyone feel welcome. She gets everyone involved and gets everyone to participate. For her, the church comes first."
Regardless of the size of her congregation, Wiley said she recognizes and welcomes all challenges.
"It's the people, and bringing God to them, in good times and bad," that represents the best aspect of being a pastor, she said.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is "interacting with people who have lost sight of God in this busy world," Wiley said, pausing and contemplating her response. "Because we are ultimately all alone and God has promised to be ever-present with us, that is the love story of Christians. Helping people, sharing hope, and bringing love and hope to everyone is extremely fulfilling.
"I want to and do enjoy helping people, and I believe that it is God's love and hope that Christians are called upon to share with others. I feel blessed when I see others growing closer to God, increasing their faith, and living lives where they not only see, but also respond to the needs of others. As a pastor, it is a privilege and honor to carry the news of this God to those I meet," she said.
Wiley said that like her time as a teacher in Norwin schools, being a pastor is an on-going process, including additional course work in Bible and theology, as well learning new ways to be supportive of people in the congregation and community.
Realizing the complexities for a small congregation to afford a full-time pastor, Wiley said she fully understands the economics involved and is more than content to serve as a part-time pastor.
"But I would do this for nothing," she said.
