New Pastor Comes to United Presbyterian Church, Flanders

United Presbyterian Church, Flanders (UPC) welcomed their new Pastor on January 8, after the congregation affirmed the Reverend Cliff Acklam’s call, at a special congregational meeting held that day. The Church is located at 58 Drakesdale Road, Flanders.

UPC’s Pastor Nominating Committee reviewed the credentials of more than 90 candidates, seeking the one that would best match the criteria that the members of the church felt were most important. The committee unanimously agreed that Pastor Cliff Acklam was that One!

Pastor Cliff Acklam was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He attended the University of St. Andrews for a Bachelor’s in Divinity and Edinburgh for his Master of Theology. Originally ordained in the Church of Scotland, he served in the British Army as a Chaplain and several churches in Scotland. Pastor Cliff moved to the U.S. in 2018 and had been serving a church in New York state until recently. He transferred to the Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey in early January.

Pastor Cliff is married to Maxine, and they have one daughter in college and three small children the aged 3, 5 and 6.

After a few short weeks at UPC, Pastor Cliff is enjoying his new calling as he gets to know congregation members and seeks to become involved in the community.  His passion for scripture enables him to make it relatable to today’s world and the day-to-day life we lead. His sense of humor and outgoing, warm, caring personality are receiving praise from the welcoming and friendly, multi-generational congregation. 

If you are looking for a church family, please consider coming to meet Pastor Cliff and the rest of the congregation. Join us at worship at 10 AM then join us for coffee hour afterwards. You can also find us on Facebook, where the service is livestreamed every Sunday.