[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E902]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING CHERYL A. WUENSCH

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2007

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor 
Cheryl A. Wuensch, in celebration of her ordination as a Methodist 
Minister in the Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist 
Church on May 26, 2007.
  Nearly 20 years ago, she wrote on a scholarship application: ``the 
first time my heart heard the Gospel was in her classroom.'' To some 
degree, that statement was true. While she was very active in high 
school youth group, she did not begin the process of owning a mature 
faith in Christ until she attended an undergraduate university. Cheryl 
double majored in political science and religion, with a vague interest 
in attending law school and a burning desire to immerse herself in the 
life, teachings, and world of Jesus. Ultimately, she felt the Spirit's 
call to pursue a vocation of teaching, seeking advanced degrees in the 
New Testament at Yale and Princeton. Cheryl taught various courses in 
the New Testament and related areas at Princeton Theological Seminary 
and at Lancaster Theological Seminary for several years.
  Cheryl has spent the past 9 years at Timonium United Methodist 
Church, 2 years as program director and 7 years as Associate Pastor. 
Her primary areas of spiritual giftedness are in teaching and 
preaching, leading worship, shepherding, and outreach/evangelism. One 
of her fundamental philosophies is to equip others for ministry based 
upon their own giftedness.
  Cheryl fervently believes that the Gospel can be embodied in new and 
lifechanging ways through outreach oriented mission activities. She led 
several trips to Appalachia with approximately 40 youth and adult 
volunteers. She participated in a trip to Costa Rica with a group from 
the Baltimore North District. Timonium United Methodist Church 
continues to be active in two soup kitchens in Baltimore City and 
sponsored a Habitat House for 11 consecutive years. Over the years, 
Cheryl focused a great deal on pastoral care and visitation, including 
ministering to the sick and dying, working with young couples, 
performing many weddings and baptisms. She has the ability to adapt to 
a variety of worship settings, enjoying both a traditional liturgy as 
well as preaching and leading worship in a contemporary setting.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Ms. Cheryl 
A. Weunsch. She is an outstanding and dedicated member of the Baltimore 
Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church. Through her 
tireless efforts in over 9 years of service to the community of the 
Timonium Methodist Church, she has shown a unique and committed work 
ethic that few can emulate. It is with great pride that I congratulate 
her on her ordination as a Minister in the Methodist Church.

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