Rev. Grant Odhner
Michael Church Pastor - 2021 - 2026 & UK National Pastor 2025 - 2026
After nearly twenty years training ministers in New Church teaching at Bryn Athyn College of the New Church, it was great to return to shepherding a congregation. The teachings of the New Church open the Scriptures in an amazing way. They help us see the Lord’s consistent love and be led in the sure path He sets before us. It is my passion to help people know the Lord and live in His light.
My wife Sarah is an educator, developing religious programs for the wider church. I’m indebted to her for the many gracious ways she helps me in my work. We have been married for forty-two years and raised six wonderful children. Having grown up in London, Sarah brings a deep love of the country, the city, and its people.
Sarah and I share a love of music, natural history, and the arts, among other interests.
Rev. Dr. Andrew Dibb
Visiting Pastor, assisting in UK 2025 - 2026
I have just retired from being the Dean of the Theological School in Bryn Athyn. I was born and raised in South Africa. After ordination Cara and I served for three years in Caryndale, Kitchener, Ontario. That was followed by over fourteen years as the pastor of the New Church Buccleuch, Johannesburg. The rest of my career was at the Theological School in Bryn Athyn.
Aside from teaching I love biblical exposition. Church history is another passion. I have always had a deep interest in British history, an excited to serve the UK.
My wife, Cara, retired from a long career in education and taught fifth grade in Bryn Athyn for over twenty years. Our three children are grown up, two are married and we rejoice in two grandchildren.
Rev. Erik Buss
UK National & Colchester Pastor - 2021 - 2025
Erik has been a pastor for thirty-four years, serving in multiple locations in the USA and also in South Africa. He now serves both as national pastor for Great Britain and also for Colchester New Church.
Erik is interested in outreach, in supporting people in their marriages and in helping people find the next step on their spiritual journey toward peace and hope. He has written several books, the latest being 'Walking the Path: A handbook for spiritual practice' and 'Exploring the Path: An in-depth guide to the spiritual practices involved in becoming a loving person'. These are companion books about spiritual practice in the light of New Church teaching. They are available on Amazon.
Erik has been married to Ann for 35 years. They have five grown children and eleven grandchildren. They both enjoy gardening, travel and the arts. Ann is an artist.
After UK and Colchester Erik and Ann moved on to Oak Arbor New Church, Rochester, MI, USA
