Church welcomes new pastor
BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer

Philip Matarazzo

HOWELL - When God called, Philip Matarazzo of Toms River answered. After a 21-year career in the business world, Matarazzo embarked on a second career and pledged to do God's will.

Matarazzo, 53, was recently selected to be the spiritual leader of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Aldrich Road. He was installed in his new position on Aug. 26.

Matarazzo was born in Jersey City, grew up in Clifton and attended Fairleigh Dickinson University where he studied business management and earned his master's degree in business. He eventually worked for Durex Inc.; Curtis Wright Flight Systems; and ITT.

In an interview, he said that in his spare time he volunteered at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Manchester Township. It was during his time of service when he heard the Lord call out to him.

Matarazzo was obedient and in 1996 he pursued a master of divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis.

He accepted his first pastoral position at Bethany Lutheran Church, Ewing, where he served for four years. While there he helped the congregation grow from 35 members to 250 members.

He then moved on to serve for several years as the pastor of Peace Lutheran Church, Galloway, until he received a call from the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Howell to succeed retired pastor James Pierce.

Pierce served the Howell congregation for 24 years and said he is glad God has chosen Matarazzo to be the next pastor.

"He is a dedicated and energetic person and I could not have hand-picked someone like him," Pierce said.

Kenneth French, congregational chairman, shared Pierce's sentiments about Matarazzo.

"He is a ball of fire. He brings excitement. We feel that he will breathe new life into the congregation and help it to grow," French said.

Matarazzo said the message he wants to bring to his new congregants is "grow where you are planted in accordance to God's will." He said he wants to "continue to reach out to the community with the love of Christ."

Matarazzo said he hopes to expand upon the church's education program and possibly build a day care center. He is enthusiastic about his new position and quoted one of his favorite scriptures: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."