This was declared at a covenanting service November 14. New residents to Milton, Rev. Webber said he, his wife, Lynn, and their children, Bronyn, 6, and Grayson, 3, have been warmly welcomed by the congregations at both Ebenezer and Eden Mills churches.

“I have felt a strong connection to the community since I came here in October 2006 as an interim minister but felt I had to stop myself from using the word ‘we’ when talking to the congregations because I was unsure how long I would be here,” he said. “Now that I am here permanently, I don’t feel stifled anymore and really feel joined with the community. It is a real blessing.”

A self-proclaimed garage putterer, Rev. Webber enjoys refinishing items and “finding places of peace and quiet,” he said.

He has been a minister for 12 years after being ordained at 26 years of age, and truly loves the church for what it gives to him and the community as a whole, he said.

“The ministry is really a gift to me. I get to be with people in a myriad of different situations like weddings, births, celebrations and funerals. I am witness to the unfolding of people’s lives and it is amazing,” he said. “But I also love the church because it is the one place everyone can have a sense of belonging regardless of age, race, gender and social class. The church accepts everyone.”

Rev. Webber performs worship services at both Ebenezer and Eden Mills churches every Sunday and, although the two congregations are different, he doesn’t see it as a challenge, he said.

“At Ebenezer, they are very interested in growing the children’s ministry and we have a lot of younger families there. At Eden Mills, they are very focused on the farming aspects,” he said.

“Although the two congregations are distinctly different and unique, I don’t find it a challenge. I really believe that, if we each give forth the best of ourselves, it will be a true representation of our wonderful communities and that’s what I encourage each congregation to do.”