Bethesda United Methodist Church

A Special Thanks to Mark Reynolds.  When we knew Pastor Norm was going to preach, Mark wanted to record his sermon. Normally, we would not record and post others' sermons, but this was an opportunity for us to have a keepsake!  Pastor Norm made it known that this might be the last time he preached.  Although he did return to the pulpit one last time in July, the feeling was, he prepared this sermon with what he wanted to say once and for all.

Rev. Norman W. Schanck, retired United Methodist pastor died on October 8, 2010.

His life was committed to Jesus Christ, his family and the church.  He was married to Winnifred L. Schanck for more than 53 years.  They met while attending West Virginia Wesleyan College.  He leaves behind his wife, children, Richard, Bruce, Jim, Sandra and Lance.  He is also survived by fourteen grandchildren and a brother.

Pastor Norm began his ministry as a summer pastor of the Strathmere Methodist Church during the summers of 1955 and 1956.  He became a full pastor in 1957 when he was appointed as pastor of the Friendship and Porchtown Methodist churches.  He then served First Methodist of Newfield, St. Paul's Methodist in Thorofare and then was appointed to the Bethesda United Methodist Church in Swedesboro, where served for fourteen years.  While in Swedesboro he became very active in the community, serving on the Kingsway Board of Education, Woolwich-Swedesboro Fire Company where he was captain of the ambulance and rescue squad for serveral years and was honored as fireman of the year on three occasions.  He was also a member of the Swedesboro Masonic Lodge.  In 1977 he was appointed as pastor of Chirst United Methodist Church in Lakewood followed by serving as pastor of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Pennsville. His last pastorate was for thirteen years at the Middletown United Methodist Church in Middletown, New Jersey.  After his retirement he resided in Logan Township and enjoyed preaching whenever there was a need.  He also served as interim pastor at St. John's Methodist Church in Harrisonville and the Ferrell United Methodist church for serveral months in 2006 and 2007. 

During his years in the pastorate he was active in the New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church serving as Chairman of the Conference Committee on Property Insurance; Chairman of Church Extension Committee; The Conference Committee of Finance and Administration.  He also served on the Board of Directors of the United Methodist Homes.  

In lieu of flowers memorails may be sent to the Bethesda Memorial Fund at Bethesda United Church, 1433 Kings Highway, Swedesboro, NJ, 08085.