Philip (Phil) String

Born in Akron Ohio to Bible believing parents who attended a Presbyterian Church. At age 6 my parents joined an independent Baptist Church where I was Baptized. After Graduation from High School, I enlisted in the US Navy Sea Bees, trained as a Construction Mechanic, and stationed in CA. Upon my return from a tour in Vietnam, I married my lifelong best friend, Carol. I attended Utica College earning a BS in Construction Management. Upon graduation I was hired by an industrial Engineering / Construction company in Philadelphia. We lived in New Jersey where we raised 2 daughters Libby and Lydia. We are proud grandparents of 3 wonderful grandchildren. We were active members of a Presbyterian church for 36 years. In 2013 I was involved in a serious Life-threatening work-related accident. My doctors didn’t expect me to live. After 15 months of recovery and therapy, I returned to work part time. In 2016 we decided to retire to Va. and be near our grandchildren. During the 15 months after my accident, I asked God why he spared my life, he has shown me time and time again why. He has led me through a series of events helping family and service in his name. When we moved to Va., we joined CUMC where the Lord led me to be active in maintenance and security. I praise the Lord for saving my life, my spiritual growth, my physical healing and spiritually and the opportunity to serve our Lord and the congregation of SFCC.