About Us
Pastor Doug, Karen & Kevin Heckman Jr.
Karen and I grew up as dating teens at First Wesleyan when my father was pastor, graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1970-71, were married at FWC and became involved in youth ministry. In 1977 we answered a call to prepare for pastoral service and moved to Allentown, PA with our 2 sons to attend United Wesleyan College. While there God blessed us with a daughter. Upon graduation we returned to New Jersey to pastor at Carney's Point Wesleyan for 10 years. We moved back to Allentown, PA and served as pastor at Trinity Wesleyan for 19 years. While at Trinity I was able to complete an MA in Pastoral Ministries from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Fifty some years later we have now served as pastoral couple at FWC for 13 years as of Easter 2023. We have the joy of having our grandson, Kevin Jr. live with us following a catastrophic accident on Christmas 2013 which left him a paraplegic. He graduated from Cumberland Regional High School in 2018, attended Rowan College of South Jersey and is currently enrolled at Kingwood University in New Brunswick, Canada. Kevin will be following the fourth generation to answer a call to pastoral ministry.
Our Heckman family continues to grow from 3 adult children,
10 grandchildren, and 7 great-grand children. We love them all!
Jenner - Kevin's service dog
In 2017 we added to our family a now 8 year old black Labrador retriever. Jenner is a highly trained service dog who responds to 65 verbal commands and has been welcomed in our home and church with love and affection. He is a gift from Canine Companions in Long Island, NY. His most favorite command is "treat!"
Administrative Assistant
Debra Jones
Debra Jones, (the daughter of the late Rev. Earl & Grace Heckman) grew up at FWC and has served as the Administrative Assistant for the past 15 years. In addition to managing the office, receiving calls and guests she is also the director of children’s and youth ministries. Her nickname is "Calendar Queen". She is married to David, loves the beach, has 2 adult children and enjoys 4 wonderful grandchildren!