by Jerry Van Marter

RICHMOND, June 27 - Rick Ufford-Chase, the newly-elected moderator of the 216th General Assembly, told commissioners Sunday afternoon that he has chosen the Rev. Jean Marie Peacock, associate pastor of Lakeview Presbyterian Church in New Orleans and a commissioner from South Louisiana Presbytery, as his vice-moderator.

Peacock's responsibilities at her 330-member congregation include youth and collegiate ministries, evangelism and Christian education.

Peacock, who has a Master of Divinity degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and a Masters in Social Work from Arizona State University, spent seven years in mission work in the PC(USA), first as a mission volunteer at Stony Point Conference Center in New York and later in border ministry. It was in that connection that she met the new moderator, about 18 years ago. She has also worked as a community organizer in South Tucson.

Peacock, who has a passion for church redevelopment, said, "We need to take seriously the challenge of ministry in today's context."

Ufford-Chase said of Peacock, "She is committed, as I am, to thoughtful, respectful dialogue."

In brief remarks during the Assembly's afternoon business session, Peacock said she shares Ufford-Chase's commitment to emphasizing ministry with college students and youth, encouraging mission service by all Presbyterians and "reaching out to the poorest of the poor."