About Pastor Thomas W. Fries   

Rev. Tom with Dweezil Zappa in Asbury Park, NJ.                 Click link above to see Pastor Tom's Photo Gallery

Some of Pastor Tom’s interests include ..

His children, Erik and Andrew!

Reading

Outdoor activities, such as hiking and hunting

Riding his motorcycle

Rooting for the Minnesota Vikings

Taking pictures

Some day, Pastor Tom

would like to …

Learn to play the guitar

Travel more

Bounce grandchildren on his knee

Sky dive

Teach more about Jesus, spirituality, and the wonderful life God offer everyone

Pastor Tom has many favorite Bible verses, but one in particular is …

Ephesians 2: 8-9

Pastor Tom began his ministry at Pocono Lake United Methodist Church in July, 2008.  He was born in Carbondale, PA to Robert and Laneta Kennedy Fries and grew up on the family dairy farm in Aldenville, PA.  Tom holds a Bachelor degree in education from West Chester University and a Master’s degree in Divinity from Palmer School of Theology. 

Rev. Tom with Dweezil Zappa in Asbury Park, NJ.

Pastor Tom: "What a fine young man he is.  A gentle soul. Thoughtful, compassionate... and an incredible musician.  I was most impressed with how he featured every member of his band over himself. Rare these days!"

Over the course of his life, Pastor Tom has  …

Taught high school and coached athletics

Worked as a houseparent for a county group home

Served as chaplain for the PA. House of Representatives

Served as a police chaplain

Received the Harry Denman Award for Evangelism from the Eastern PA. Conference of   the United Methodist Church

Served as a youth pastor

Served on the Board of Directors for a shelter for women in transition

Led several pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Greece, and Turkey

Traveled to Israel with fellow clergy on mission for peace

Interned in spirituality and justice issues in Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico

Served as a consultant for churches seeking to expand ministries

Helped grow a United Methodist Church to an average attendance of over 1500 per week

Led workshops and seminars on a variety of topics related to spiritual and personal growth