Escalon Frist Baptist Church has announced the call to Dr. Dale Pederson, with his wife, Tara McDonnell, to serve as the congregation’s pastor.

Bringing 40 years of experience as a church planter, pastor, and University administrator and professor, “Pastor Dale” – as he prefers to be addressed – has served in pastoral ministry in the greater Modesto area since 2001. Previously he has served in ministry in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest.

Dr. Pederson also serves as an associate professor of Pastoral Ministry at Southeastern University’s Northern California regional campus (SEU NorCal), based on the campus of the House Modesto. (www.seunorcal.com)

Pastor Dale and Tara commented, “We are thrilled to be connected to this wonderful congregation and the community of Escalon. We have found the people here to be real-deal Christians who are not interested in playing church or taking themselves too seriously. They simply seem to enjoy God and each other and long to be a blessing to the community.”

Escalon First Baptist Church is at 1511 Catherine Way in Escalon, off McHenry Avenue. Sunday morning worship services are at 10:45 a.m.

Further information about Pastor Dale and Tara and the ministry of Escalon First Baptist Church is available at www.fbcescalon.org.