Samantha E. Lioi, Interim Pastor
Samantha is grateful to walk with PMC during this transitional time. She brings a genuine interest in people and their stories, their questions, their deep joy and pain. She desires to listen deeply and compassionately, remembering all of our hearts are tender and honoring the trust people offer her. She’s also quick to laugh and appreciates folks’ quirkiness and uniqueness.
- Samantha’s call to ministry led her to Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, where she developed lasting friendships with other students and professors who shaped her and nurtured her gifts as she completed an MDiv with an emphasis in Peace Studies. Samantha has always been drawn to contemplative spirituality, encountering the tender silence of God in nature – and in recent years, through a daily practice of centering prayer.
In addition to pastoral ministry in congregations, Samantha has served in community ministry as a co-founder of Zumē House, an intentional community in Allentown, PA, and as Peace and Justice Minister for Mosaic Mennonite Conference (then Eastern District and Franconia). She trained and was certified in spiritual direction with the wise and good-humored teachers of Oasis Ministries for Spiritual Development, based in Camp Hill, PA.
Alongside part-time pastoral work, Samantha tends her small business as spiritual director, retreat leader, spiritual formation group facilitator, and writer. In relationships, in writing, in practicing centering prayer, she seeks an ever-deepening integration of justice and healing, truth and compassion.
Samantha loves trees, water, birds, people, and being immersed in the quiet of wild places. She loves to sing, cook, dance – especially with friends and in community. Staying connected with friends far and near is joyful and grounding, and she delights in time spent outdoors, whether camping, hiking, cycling, or simply taking a walk.
Samantha currently makes her home on the lands of the Lenape people (known now as Malvern, PA) where she lives in community with two human friends, two affectionate dogs, eight laying hens, and an amazing array of birds and trees and flowering plants.