HONORING REVEREND DR. ARLENE K. NEHRING

On 2025-05-15, Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA-14) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING REVEREND DR. ARLENE K. NEHRING" in the House.

HONORING REVEREND DR. ARLENE K. NEHRING

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 82 (Thursday, May 15, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 82 (Thursday, May 15, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E440] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING REVEREND DR. ARLENE K. NEHRING ______ HON. ERIC SWALWELL of california in the house of representatives Thursday, May 15, 2025 Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Reverend Dr. Arlene K. Nehring on the occasion of her retirement as the pastor of the Eden United Church of Christ, in Hayward, California. Like me, Reverend Arlene was born in Iowa. She has dedicated her life to ministry and started on the path that led her to pastoral service when she was just 14 years old. Reverend Arlene found her way to California when she joined the Eden United Church of Christ in November 2002, serving as lead pastor and teacher, staff supervisor, pastoral care provider, and community organizer, and retiring as the church's Senior Minister and Executive Director. Prior to joining the Eden United Church of Christ, she served at the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries, the Park Church, and the Old South Church in Boston. She earned a Master of Divinity Degree from the Andover Newton Theological School and a Doctor of Ministry from the Chicago Theological Seminary. Throughout her career, Reverend Arlene has worked tirelessly to help immigrant families throughout the Eden area. Under her leadership, the Eden United Church of Christ has provided sanctuary to immigrants and has coordinated interfaith accompaniment ministry with asylees, including unaccompanied immigrant youth and children from Central America, Mexico, and Colombia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Reverend Arlene worked to coordinate Eden's meal program to continue serving its community, many of those who relied on public schools that were closed for their breakfasts and lunches. As Reverend Arlene enters retirement, I reflect on her career with immense gratitude for all that she did to serve our community over the last 23 years. I wish Reverend Arlene and her spouse, Stephanie, rest, relaxation, and the best of luck in this new chapter of their lives. ____________________