Ph.D. in Christian Ethics, Union Theological Seminary in New York City, 1981.

M.Phil. in Christian Ethics, Union Theological Seminary in New York City, 1977.

M.Div. in Systematic Theology, Union Theological Seminary in New York City, 1974.

B.A. in Philosophy and Religion, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV, 1971.

Minister, United Methodist Church in MN
Newport (July 2000-present)
Hillcrest, Bloomington (1993-June 2000)
Central Park, St. Paul 1984-1993
Clarissa-Eagle Bend-Clotho 1981-84.
Ordained Elder, 1983, Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
Ordained Deacon, 1973, West Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
37 years since ordination
40 years since first serving as a local pastor
46 years since being called to ministry and serving communion for the first time.
Officiated at approximately 800 weddings, 400 baptisms and 300 funerals while preaching 1500 sermons, teaching 50 classes and ministering with 5,000 parishioners.

Created SaintSavers Wedding Officiating, Photography, Videography, Sound Support and Web Services, 2003.

Wrote eight romantic novels/screenplays in two years about religious, ethical and relationship issues (all are represented by Writers Literary Agency - epublished but still available for print publishing and film production):

August '09: Epublished a romantic screenplay about second chances. Set in the world of professional golf, the screenplay focuses on fidelity in marriage and caring for one's family (an ethical alternative to recent relationship scandals). Click here to read the screenplay online - Mulligan.

May '09: Epublished a romantic screenplay about teenage depression, alcoholism, love, skiing, and meaning set in a mystery about a teenager's disappearance. Click here to read the screenplay online - Missing Bryce. Download the Screenplay for approximately $4.

January '09: Epublished a romantic screenplay about sources of personal power in religion and philosophy for fulfilling dreams in later life. Click here to read the screenplay online - Carousel Unicorn. Download the Screenplay for approximately $4.

August '08: Epublished a romantic screenplay about courage, history and the Civil War. Click here to read the screenplay online - Search for Blame. Download the Screenplay for approximately $4.

March '08: Epublished an inspirational romantic Sci-Fi screenplay about a new planet to rescue earthlings and aliens from annihilation. Click here to check out Project Venus Haven. Download the Screenplay for approximately $4.

February '08: Epublished an inspirational romantic novel (in a pickup basketball setting). Click here to check out Pickup Games. Download the Ebook for approximately $4.

January '08: Epublished an inspirational romantic novel (encouraging safety and good decisions in online dating). Click here to check out Fantasy Love Online. Download the Ebook for approximately $4.

To read an article in the South Washington County Bulletin regarding my three novels written in 2007-08 CLICK HERE

April '07: Epublished an inspirational romantic novel (in a golf setting) about finding the courage to succeed under pressure. Click here to check out Courage in the Clutch. Download the Ebook for approximately $4.

Wrote and Published FATHERS' LIBERATION ETHICS, University Press of America, Lanham, MD, January, 1992. Click on this text to check it out and for ordering information. Or ..... CLICK HERE to see an extensive preview on Google Books. FATHERS' LIBERATION ETHICS is on the shelves of over 200 academic college and university libraries in the US and Canada.

Created whatagreatchurch.org, 2003, to assist churches with the creating and maintaining of a web site for a very low price.

Created The Gourmet Soup Company Webshop, 2003, to provide affordable web sites, domains, hosting accounts and tech support for small business and non-profit clients.

Created SaintSavers Web Designing Services, 2003, to provide web design, hosting, domain registration and tech support.

Created Wedding Ministers, 2004, to match couples with wedding ministers around the USA.

February '08: Created SaintSavers Epublishing, 2008, to publish original works of authors and artists. Ebooks and music can be downloaded. Publish your work here, quick and easy ... and real cheap - $50 a year for web site, domain, technical support ... and the author controls the payment account.

Served as a Photographer, Videographer, Sound Technician, 1970-Present (During College, Seminary, for Weddings and in Local Churches).

Assisted in maintenance of the Web Site of the Minnesota Conference of the United Methodist Church from 1994-July 2004. To see the current version, click here.

Winner of 2 Merit Awards for Excellence from United Methodist Association of Communicators Annual Meeting in Mesa, Arizona, October 15, 1997; and one of 2 Certificates of Recognition for Web pages at UMAC in 1999 in Cleveland, Ohio. View Front Page Context for this article.

Minneapolis Star Tribune article hilighting Gary's Pastor's Pointers web pages

Taught "Ethics and Social Justice Issues," United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, Fall, 1990.

Taught "Modes of Ministry," United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, Winter, 1985.

Taught "Religious Social Ethics," St. John's University School of Theology, Winter, 1985.

Taught "Christian Ethics in Urban Ministry," Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Winter, 1992.

Contracted to teach "Contemporary Theology," Hamline University, Fall, 1986.

Lectured on Medical Ethics, Willmar Community College, Fall, 1983.

Conducted Workshops: Revelation Revolution: Churches on the Internet - United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, Fall, 1997 and Winter 1998.

Conducted Workshops: Revelation Revolution: Churches on the Internet - MN UMC Annual Conference Sessions, 1995-99.

Interned at and Lectured on Medical Ethics, Concern for Dying, New York City, 1980-81.

Served as Graduate Assistant for "The Church in the Urban Context," Union Theological Seminary in New York City, 1977-79.

Taught courses in Adult Education, The Riverside Church, New York City, 1972-80.

Student-taught "Religious Ethics and Social Issues," The Masters School, Dobbs Ferry, NY, 1973-74.

Counseled with and taught Harlem youth in a religious education program, The Riverside Church, New York City, 1972-75.

Assistant Basketball Coach, Cottage Grove Athletic Association, Fall 2009 (Undefeated Season 10-0 and Conference Champs in girls 5th and 6th grade division - nice trophy, girls! Emmy, my daughter, played on the team as the tallest player and great defender, rebounder and she scored!). See team page on Facebook.

Serve as accountant for Cradle of Wings Productions, 2006 to present.

Wrote "There's A Way of Gentle Caring," - a choral piece for Worship, Fall 1995. CLICK HERE to view a Flash presentation of my family slides and Pam (wife) and I singing "There's A Way of Gentle Caring." Resize the window that opens so that it is about 5 inches wide and 3 inches high to get the best focus. On slow connections it may play roughly the first time through and then improve if you let it play through a second time.

Published "SaintSaver" (A Macintosh Software Program for Church Administration, Accounting and Recordkeeping), Fall, 1994 - still in use by Macs today.

Wrote "Spirits Rising," a choral introit for Morning Worship, and three other Arrangements and Lyrics for Worship 1993.

Logged 2000+ hours providing PC/Mac Hardware/Software Technical Support.

Served as Chair of Urban Ministries Section, Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Church, Minnesota Annual Conference, 1989-1993; Board member, 1984-1993; Secretary, 1991-1993.

Served as Chair of the Board, Disability Awareness Ministries, Inc., 1991-1993.

Served on Task Force for Ministry Development, La Puerta Abierta UMC, St. Paul, MN, 1989-91.

Served on Board, Department of Indian Work, St. Paul Area Council of Churches, 1988-1993.

Served as Chair of Downtown Resident Needs Committee, St. Paul Downtown Community Development Council, 1988-91.

Served as Director of Economic and Social Justice, Board of Church and Society, United Methodist Church, Minnesota Annual Conference, 1986-1993.

Served on Board, St. Paul Area Council of Churches, 1986-91.

Served as Convenor, Downtown St. Paul Clergy Association, 1987-1990.

Produced a Cable TV series on worship resources, Channel 34, Cable Access, St. Paul, MN, 1985-86.

Served on the Board, Conference Council on Youth Ministry, United Methodist Church, Minnesota Annual Conference, 1982-84.

Served on the District Council on Ministry as Youth Ministry Coordinator, Northwest District, United Methodist Church, Minnesota Annual Conference, 1982-84.

Produced a multi-media presentation "I Love New York: Ministry in the City," Tri-State Media Ministry, Performed in the Citicorp Center at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, New York City, 1979.

Organized community action programs, Child and Family Justice Project, National Council of Churches, New York City, 1978-79.

Preached a sermon series for WRVR-FM, New York City, 1978.

Portrayed role of John Witherspoon on WNEW-TV, New York City, 1976.

Served as Assistant Director of Media Services, Union Theological Seminary in New York City, 1972-79.

Provided research and technical work for an award-winning (CINE Golden Eagle) documentary on Union Theological Seminary in New York City, 1975.

Assisted in visits and programming for prisons, hospitals, mental health facilities and other public clients - Hospital Audiences, Inc., New York City, 1972-74.

Awarded the Religious Leadership Award, West Virginia Wesleyan College, 1971.

Wrote feature articles for Pharos Newspaper, West Virginia Wesleyan College, 1970-71.

Hosted a religion and social ethics commentary program, news reporter, DJ, Engineer, Sports Reporter, WVWC-FM, Buckhannon, WV, 1969-71.

Interned in a suburban church, Glendale, West Virginia, 1970.

Served as President, Religious Life Council, West Virginia Wesleyan College, 1970.

Earned a Radiotelephone Third Class License, Broadcast Endorsement, Federal Communications Commission, 1969.

Served as Member of Psi Chi, National Honor Society in Psychology, West Virginia Wesleyan College, 1970.

Became a Wesleyan Medalist, West Virginia Wesleyan College, 1971.

Awarded distinction of Who's Who In American Colleges and Universities, West Virginia Wesleyan College, 1970.

Served as Sports Editor and Columnist, Buckhannon-Republican Delta, Buckhannon, WV, 1967.

Acted the Male Lead, Senior Class Play, "Curly" in Green Grow the Lilacs - a version of OKLAHOMA, Triadelphia High School, 1967. See photo at right.

Here I am at 17 (at the right) as Junior Class President, Triadelphia High School, 1966.

Served as Member of National Honor Society, Triadelphia High School, 1966, 1967.

Served as President of the Forum (Debate Club), Triadelphia High School, 1966.

Served as Member of Masquers (Drama Club) and performed in plays, Triadelphia High School, 1966-67.

Served as Member of Quill and Scroll, International Honorary of Journalists, Triadelphia High School, 1966-67.

Served on Yearbook and Newspaper Staff, Triadelphia High School, 1966-67.

Played on school teams for Football, Basketball and Track, Triadelphia High School, 1964-65.

Played on school basketball teams in grades sixth through ninth, 1959-1964.

Worked at Oglebay Park, Wheeling, WV, 1962-70 in several different jobs including golf driving range and par-three jeep driver, ski shop cashier, lift operator, customer relations representative and pool life guard.

Worked at Wheeling Stamping, Wheeling, WV, 1968-70 on the assembly line creating plastic bottles and caps.

Confirmed, Christ United Methodist Church, Wheeling, WV, 1965 and member of youth group.

Baptized, West Bridgeport Methodist Church, Bridgeport, Ohio, 1949 - where my family, my grandparents, aunt and uncle were very active members.

Here I am at right, not long after my baptism picture: "I'm gonna clean up this town!"

Growing up in provincial West Virginia, I longed to travel until satisfied - which came eventually. Ten years in New York City helped to satisfy my thirst for seeing the rest of the world. During those years I also spent many summer days in Maine, Paris and other parts of France. For four months, I crisscrossed Europe and the British Isles. Warm days in the Florida and Arizona sunshine were a welcome escape from long northern winters. Pilgrimages to play the Old Course at St. Andrews and Pebble Beach (2 of 3 courses in the annual AT&T tournament) enabled me to experience the majesty of these holy places of golf. Miracles of nature touched me deeply on trips to the coast of Oregon, Virginia and North Carolina as well as New Orleans, San Diego and Phoenix. Driving around the country from east to west and north to south provided opportunities to marvel at the expanse of the US and the diversity of cultures. Lately I am content to stay nearer home and cherish the memories of travel without the inconveniences.

Dreaming of Golf Back Home ...

Won the Heather's House - Scramble Golf Tournament at Afton Alps Golf Course on August 30, 2010 with 14 under par.

Won the Armstrong Cup and the Ritner Cup almost every time they were played (family reunion golf tournaments) - best shot at August 2010 event: 250 yard three metal to 10 feet that resulted in an eagle.

Won the Four-man Scramble Tournament at Afton Alps on August 16, 2010 at 14 under par - best shot: 250 yard three metal to 10 feet that resulted in an eagle Twice in one week!.

Typical round in 2010: walking, 2 1/2 hours (up the ski slopes on the back nine at Afton Alps) - nearly 200 rounds in 2010.

Won two-man scramble at Eagle's Landing Golf Club near Brainerd, August 2009.Two seconds (one a tie for first with tie breaker calculation) in scramble events at Afton Alps Golf Course, Afton, MN. Eight and twelve under. Summer 2009.

Scored a Hole-in-One at Logger's Trail, Stillwater, MN, on September 7, 2008 with a 7-iron on the 160-yard par three, third hole.

Shot even par - 71 (3 birdies and 3 bogies) - on the Bobcat Trail Golf Course on vacation in 2007.

Scored a Hole-in-One at the Arizona Golf Resort, Mesa, Arizona, and a round of 72 on October 25, 1997.

Won the Church Boys' Weekend Retreat Golf Tournament for ten out of 13 years between 1997 and 2009.

Won (with a 4-man team from Hillcrest UMC) in the scramble golf tournament to benefit Operation Classroom with scores of 14, 8 and 10 under par in July of 1997, 1998, and 1999. Won same tournament in 2000, representing Newport UMC with 3 other guys from Mankato: Belgrade UMC, beating the Hillcrest boys by a stroke at 13 under par. Won the tournament again in 2001 with three players from Newport UMC - fifth consecutive year.

Set the course record with a score of 2 under par on the Gold Course at Double Eagle Golf Course, Eagle Bend, MN, Spring, 1984 and won the Individual and Team trophy with an undefeated season as the number one player on the team and won the Annual Club Scramble Tournament.

Ran a golf camp for junior-high youth for ten years - 1989-1999 at Northern Pines UMC Camp, Park Rapids, playing Blueberry Pines and Headwaters Golf Club.

Served as assistant to the head pro, Jackson Country Club, Jackson, Wisconsin - Summer of 1971. Decided to go to seminary instead of PGA School.

Won the WV UMC Golf Tournament, clergy division, 1971.

Played on the Golf Team (Co-Captain, '71), West Virginia Wesleyan College, 1969-71. Finished 6th individually and on the All-Conference Team and second among teams in WVIAC Conference Golf Championship, Pipestem, WV, 1971.

Played on the Golf Team (Co-Captain, '67), Triadelphia High School, 1965-67.

Worked at the Driving Range, Oglebay Park, Wheeling, WV - 1964-1971.

Grew up playing and working on my uncle's driving range from age 2-11.

Caddie at Oglebay Caddy Camp, winner of age division in golf tournament and leading money earner, 1962.

Enjoy playing pickup basketball at public gyms (an average of 2 times a week for the last 40 years and still playing when not golfing or skiing), tennis, skiing (click here for my photo at Park City, Utah - 'The Canyons'), biking, running, swimming, fishing, jet skiing and sailing. Click on these links for pictures and more than you wanted to know about it. Biggest fish: 70 pound, 7 foot sailfish off the coast of Florida. Biggest MN Fish: 10 pound Northern, 5 pound Bass.

Professional photography, videography, editing and graphic design. (Click Here to see a sample of my Wedding Photography - login as user=sample and password=look).

To view my idea of art CLICK HERE. I confess that I design golf courses in my head and sketch them constantly, especially during long meetings.

Enjoying the flowers growing in my yard and photographing them. See more of my flowers. And then there are hundreds more, like those on my church photo album in the slide show at the top - CLICK HERE

Speed reading theology, ethics, novels, autobiographies, internet news and sports

Watching movies in theaters and DVD's, especially those with a message

My home office has 6 TV's and three computers with simultaneous sports events, news, movies, etc. Some might call it ADD. I call it multitasking

Writing Computer Software, Designing Web pages and surfing the Web for religious resources for use in ministry and to help others in ministry

Singing, Playing Piano, Keyboard and Organ and Writing Music

If you have Flash, you might like to click here to view a Flash presentation of family slides and Pam and I singing "There's A Way of Gentle Caring"