Reverend Copeland was ordained in May of 2014. He received his Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary. He also has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion from Winthrop University.
Reverend Copeland is:
– a pastor who delivers a strong message and has a solid understanding of the Bible and how it can guide us in modern times.
– a pastor who embraces both technology and a traditional worship service, yet also preaches with his iPad, uses Facebook to deliver devotions and loves old hymns and formality.
– a pastor who will say “I’m sorry” when he is wrong and ask for forgiveness.
– a pastor who considers visitation a high priority and wants to personally know each person in the congregation.
– a pastor who loves children, has experience in life’s lessons, cares about the youth and relates well to all generations.
– a devoted father who enjoys mission trips, kayaking and photography.
- Currently serving; our Scout Troop 200 BSA as Chaplain, as a board member for Angels and Sparrow, and Chaplain for our preschool.
Excerpts from Rev. Copeland’s Message to Ramah
I was born and raised in between Rock Hill and York, South Carolina. I am the youngest of four. As a family we attended Allison Creek Presbyterian Church from childhood through my young adulthood. In church I’ve served in nearly every capacity throughout my faith journey.
As a second career type I bring a broad background of experience with me. My earlier career included working with engineers in the Charlotte area and architects – ultimately being a construction administrator for architects in Salisbury, North Carolina. It was evident to me that God had other plans for my future.
It is in God’s plan still at work in our lives that brings us together. It is with humility and gratitude that I look forward to our journeys weaving together as we continue to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit and inspiration to serve in the name of Christ as one community.
One of my favorite passages is Micah 6:8 (NRSV):
“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you and your families as we welcome others along this wonderfully woven journey of faith. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve God and the faith community of Ramah Presbyterian Church.
Grace and Peace,
Brian
Tim grew up in eastern North Carolina in the small community of Rockfish in a large family of five children. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from St. Andrews Presbyterian College, Tim was awarded a graduate assistantship from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. After moving back to North Carolina he and his wife Shannon started a family and have three children. Tim became the Director of Music at Ramah in 1996 and he is more convinced every day that the human voice is the perfect instrument for the worship of God.
After graduating from Paier College of Art, Julie Sczerbinski (pronounced Zer-bin-ski) worked in various roles for small businesses and corporations before becoming Ramah's administrative assistant. Originally from Connecticut, Julie moved to the Lake Norman area almost 20 years ago. She and her husband, Pete have two teen daughters and way too many dogs. When she has a rare moment alone, Julie enjoys gardening, walking in the woods at her family's cabin in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains or losing herself in a good book.
