Friedens United Church of Christ in Warrenton will welcome a new pastor on Ash Wednesday, March 1.Andrew Lovins, Ph.D., will fill the position of senior pastor at Friedens to relieve the current bridge pastor, the Rev. John Silea.Lovins said he’s excited to be the new pastor. His particular interests are in the areas of public speaking and pastoral care.“I love to communicate truth and pray for people,” he said. “I also like to instill hope and fresh vision in those who have perhaps been disappointed or wounded in their faith journey. I strive to be a ‘wounded healer’ in the tradition of Jesus.”Lovins has stated that his first goal is to get to know the people of Warrenton. He said building relationships of trust is vital.He also said he strives to make worship as exhilarating, inspirational and life changing as possible.The Rev. Lovins graduated from an evangelical college on the East Coast in the 1990s. His spiritual journey took a new turn in 2002 when he earned a Master of Divinity at a Presbyterian Seminary in Memphis, Tenn.He then completed clinical pastoral work at SSM Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis and found a home in the United Church of Christ. Next, he completed a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership.Lovins grew up in St. Charles, so coming to Warrenton feels like coming home, he said.Friedens United Church of Christ is located at 313 E. Main St. in Warrenton.Each Sunday, all are welcome to attend a traditional worship service at 9 a.m. or a contemporary service at 11 a.m.Friedens United Church of Christ