After a 13-month search and call process, First Congregational United Church of Christ has called Rev. Robert Van Ess to serve as its19th settled pastor.

The Rev. Van Ess is a masters of divinity graduate of Eden Theological Seminary who has been serving as senior pastor at First Congregational since Nov. 11. Before accepting the call to serve First Congregational, the Rev. Van Ess served Holy Trinity Community United Church of Christ in Memphis, Tenn., as its associate pastor.

Born in Green Bay, Wis., the Rev. Van Ess now lives in Elkhart with his longtime partner, Nicky Banks.

For more information on First Congregational United Church of Christ call 295-8306 or visit www.FirstUCCElkhart.org. The church is at 431 S. 3rd St., Elkhart.