Introducing The Reverend Annie Parker

September 1, 2026

The Reverend Annie Parker, who was introduced to the presbytery at our July meeting, began serving Park Church in Zelienople and Plains Church in Cranberry Township on August 10.

Annie comes to us from Ohio where she previously served two smaller churches with two very different worship styles—one was casual and personable, the other was more formal. She feels that learning to celebrate their differences and to encourage them to try new ideas, will be helpful in serving in her new calling. She explains, “I feel blessed to be serving Plains and Park now as I see the great benefits in churches working together—using each others strengths while preserving the identities of each congregation.”

Annie’s first call was to a little church in a little town in Wellsburg, West Virginia. There she saw herself as community pastor as she prayed at local council meetings, community events, and historical and military celebrations. The prevalence of poverty and drug abuse in the area stretched her as a minister and person. Annie says “I was blessed to begin my ministry in a place where I was able to share the love of God with so much of the community.” The church grew close to many neighbors including children and youth who were helped through the church’s food and Christmas gift outreach programs.

Annie attended Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and graduated in 2013. Her undergraduate studies were taken at Grove City College where she earned a BA in Christian Thought. Her time spent as an office administrator before and after seminary taught her that ministry can happen in any vocation whether it was caring for a hurting colleague or connecting with a client in need.

As far as the roots of her faith, Annie remembers a Sunday School teacher who would teach about the power of salvation—how Jesus wanted to save us and even a murderer on his death bed could cry out for grace and receive it. “This was heavy message that went over my head for the most part as a child, but it has been a message that stayed with me throughout my life,” she explains. 

During her youth she experienced a God who, when she strayed, carried her back and welcomed her with open arms. She says, “When I felt that I had made permanent mistakes, I saw God offering a new path and walking beside me.” While in college, Annie felt the call to ministry, but that message from her childhood of a God who showed up for her time and time again, is what brings her to this place and leads her to share that message that God is longing to love us and redeem us.

Annie is looking forward to doing ministry in two contexts—downtown Zelienople and more rural terrain. At Park Church there will countless parades and festivals to be a part of and at Plans Church there will be the preschool and other outreach to neighbors. 

Annie and her husband, Ben, have two daughters–Noelle and Oriana. They also have two cats and a dog who are the real rulers of the house.

Her installation will take place on Sunday, September 27 at 2 p.m. We welcome Annie and her family to the presbytery and pray for Park and Plains Churches as they begin ministry with her.