Pastor Sophy Gamber
Rev. Sophy Gamber joins the BUMC community after several years of ministry as a healthcare chaplain with oncology, palliative care, and hospice patients. Sophy has also served as a youth pastor and is passionate about creative, joy-centered, intergenerational ministry that affirms the sacred worth and dignity of human beings at all ages and stages of life. Pastor Sophy grew up in south Jersey and Philadelphia and proudly claims these Jerseydelphian roots, though you may still hear a slight southern drawl picked up during a three-year sojourn in North Carolina. Sophy holds a BA in religious studies and sociology from Ursinus College and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. Sophy is happiest in the woods or holed up with a good book. When not at church, you’ll find Sophy hiking, gardening, and spending time with family.
Sophy believes that fostering healthy relationships and cultivating resilient communities where all people can thrive is core to our call as Christians. John Wesley, one of the founders of Methodism, said, “There is no gospel but the social gospel; there is no holiness but social holiness.” In other words, we are called to build one another up, and to live out our faith in community through practices of love, justice, and the radical welcome and hospitality of Jesus. In a world that can feel increasingly polarized, isolated, and lonely, Sophy strives to live by the motto that all of us need each of us, and each of us needs all of us. No matter who you are or what you believe, that includes you! Pastor Sophy has a special love for working with people who are new to Christianity or are seeking to reclaim or reconnect with their faith after taking time away from church. Seeking spiritual community can feel scary— please know your stories, questions, doubts, and truths will be held in love and care.
Want to connect? You can reach Pastor Sophy at rev.sophygamber@gmail.com.