By Loretta Fulton

Most people in Abilene know Sara Core as Dr. Core, a beloved veterinarian for 34 years. Patients–or their owners–may be surprised to learn that after retirement, she was ordained as an elder in the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA).  

Her first pastorate was actually two congregations in two separate locations, Snyder and Colorado City. She served both every Sunday for almost six years. She also served in the ministerial alliance in both counties (Scurry and Mitchell), which included leading worship services in the county jail and in nursing homes. 

On Nov. 1, she was named pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Abilene, which is just a short drive from her house. That’s definitely a blessing. 

“I’m very glad to now be serving at an Abilene Presbyterian church, Westminster, with a 4-minute commute, instead of 1.5 hours!”

Sara Core in pulpit at Westminster Presbyterian Church

Bill and Sara Core

BIO
Birthplace:  Seattle, Washington
Grew up:  San Antonio
Family: Husband, Bill; Children, Daniel, Isaiah, and Erin Core. In-law children: daughters-in-law Nichole and Megan Core. Grandchildren, 5, including 4 grandsons and one granddaughter.
Education: Bachelor of science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University. Certificate in Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Perkins Seminary at SMU.
Previous profession: Small animal veterinarian in Abilene for 34 years. 

Q Did you grow up as a Presbyterian?
A I grew up Methodist in San Antonio, then joined the Presbyterian Church after marrying Bill, a lifelong Presbyterian. We are both Aggies, and that’s where we met. 

Q When did you officially become the pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church?
A I officially became pastor at Westminster on November 1.  

Q When did you first feel drawn to ordained ministry?
A  It’s important to note that I am an ordained ELDER in the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA).  I am not an ordained MINISTER in the PCUSA. I am a Commissioned Pastor (CP), meaning that I am seminary trained, but not ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. In the PCUSA, commissioned pastors are utilized to serve churches too small to afford an ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament.

Q What was the process that you went through to reach that goal?
A  That said, I was drawn to serve as a commissioned pastor (CP) when the opportunity presented itself for me to obtain the Certificate in Ministry. A mentor of mine, Rev. Cliff Stewart at First Central Presbyterian Church suggested that I think about becoming a CP. I thought, “Whoa, Nellie! I don’t know if I can do that!” But, in meditating on it, I told the Lord that God would have to go before me and prepare the way for this, IF that was God’s will for me!  And that is what has happened. Doors opened, and looking back, I see how God was preparing me for this all my life. This is truly my dream job. 

Q What was your first pastorate? How long did you serve?
A My first call was to two “yoked” churches, First Presbyterian of Snyder and Days of Grace Chapel of Colorado City (a Presbyterian congregation). I preached at both churches each Sunday, and served in the ministerial alliances in each county, including leading worship at the county jail and the city nursing home. I was there just short of 6 years. 

Q What was your involvement in the church before you were ordained?
A Before becoming commissioned, I served in the Presbyterian Church  in whatever way I was asked:  taught adult Sunday school, sang in the choir, served on committees, served on the session (governing board of a Presbyterian church) multiple times.  

Q How did your family help you and encourage you in your path to ordination?
A My family has encouraged me every step along the way. While taking seminary classes, I preached at many Presbyterian churches around this region, and my husband was often my chauffeur and chief encouragement officer! When I served in Snyder/Colorado City, for the first 3 years, I was in those towns half of each week (Thursday-Sunday), living in an apartment. My family visited me, which was especially meaningful on the holidays, when I could not be at home. They know I love to preach and teach, and allowed me to do what I love. 

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene