Susan McCahill Zahorbenski was born and raised in New Jersey as a Methodist. She came to Douglass College and joined the church in her first year. While in college, Steve and Sue met through the “Student Forum” of Wesley Foundation that met at this church. Ironically, Sue’s parents also met through this church!
Rev. Harlan Baxter officiated at the wedding of Sue & Steve and, six years later, baptized their daughter, Laura. Several members of the church helped the young couple with their “fixer-upper” in New Brunswick, learning roofing, painting, and plumbing along the way. Laura was born during the baby’s room and kitchen renovation, the latter almost complete and the bathroom started when Jennifer was born.
Sue’s call to ministry came during the time when our Urban Ministry Outreach included weekly Bible Club, monthly cooking and serving for the predecessor of Elijah’s Promise (at Christ Episcopal Church), and Vacation Bible School every summer. Many members of the congregation assisted in these ministries and in affirming Sue’s call. Discerning the gifts and area of ministry resulted in a combination of Christian education and horticultural therapy (or gardening with a spiritual purpose). Therefore, Sue returned to Rutgers to complete a Master of Science in horticulture (1995) and attended the New Brunswick Theological Seminary for a Master of Theological Studies (1998). Sue was consecrated as a diaconal minister in 1999.
As a recreation assistant and director at a nursing home and assisted living facility, Sue brought gardening, Bible study and devotions, and music to the residents for five years. In 2001, Sue turned to substitute teaching to try out another arena for her gifts. Since 2005, she has worked at Piscataway Regional Day School, with children with special needs. Her favorite part of each day is teaching science and gardening in the after school program.
Sue joined the staff of the United Methodist Church at New Brunswick in 2002. As the Coordinator of Age-Level Ministries, she brings together many wonderful people to teach our children and youth. In addition, she brings her passion for justice and affordable housing to our participation in the local “Interfaith Emergency Men’s Shelter.”
In her spare time, Sue likes to read, do Sudoku, garden, camp, bicycle, and do home projects and repairs.