McGarry has taken on the role of leader of the Episcopal Mission to Warren County. Filling an eight-month void, McGarry stepped into his new position in mid-July after moving his family from New Zealand to the United States. Alternating months of worship between Trinity Memorial and St. Francis of Assisi, two churches that used to be strong on their own have now been melded into one stand alone.

“Creating a new ‘us’ story,” McGarry said, is going to be one of the primary tasks moving forward in his position. “Leading conversations for change and finding our new identity-sense,” he explained is the way to create one community from two buildings. “And what about Sugar Grove and Sheffield? We are responsible for the souls of the county.”

Returning to America from New Zealand has been no small act of faith for the McGarrys. Awaiting their belongings, currently en route in a shipping container which could take three months to arrive, the McGarry’s reside in temporary housing in Warren. With roots in Western New York and Central Pennsylvania, Pastor McGarry and his wife of 27 years, Katrina, made the decision to relocate to be closer to family.

“The stars aligned for us to come to Warren,” McGarry said. For their two sons Duncan 16 and Ewan 15, both born while the McGarry’s were living in Scotland, this is not an American homecoming. Though they are transitioning well to American culture.

Pastor McGarry is pictured here with his wife Katrina and their sons Duncan and Ewan both born in Scotland.

“This is a foreign country to them,” McGarry said.

Tired but energized, the family as a whole is finding their way.

“Living overseas makes you realize that you don’t have to have everything planned out,” McGarry said, crediting the clear communication his family has honed over a lifetime together “(We) figure it out and thrive!”

McGarry proudly wears a Punamu stone in the shape of an axe head around his neck. Punamu, found only in New Zealand, is a hard, durable and highly valued stone that plays an important role in the culture of the indigenous Polynesian Maori people. Received as a graduation gift while living in New Zealand, McGarry’s Punamu signifies and honors spiritual leadership.

“I don’t sell Jesus, I point to Jesus,” said McGarry of his new leadership role at Trinity. Then with a wide smile he laughed and added, “Preaching is my jam.”

McGarry said he is grateful for the welcome reception he and his family have received by the church and community.

“(They) grabbed us and hugged us deeply.”

Sunday services will continue through Aug. 31, at 9:30 a.m. at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, 444 Pennsylvania Ave. W., Warren. Throughout the month of September services will be held at 9:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 343 E. Main St., Youngsville. McGarry keeps regular office hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Trinity Memorial. The main church doors are unlocked during these hours and the public is welcome.