What is your favorite scripture?

For me scripture is like children. I don’t have a favorite and I love them all. God’s Word is a living Word and it speaks to us differently as our circumstances change. If pressed I’d go with Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

In it we are led to respond to God’s amazing grace by offering not just some worship time on Sunday or some money but to offer our lives that He redeemed back to Him to serve in His kingdom here on earth. Paul also warns that to conform with the world is to be lost but to be transformed by God’s Holy Spirit opens our minds and hearts to the Truth, and we know the Truth (Jesus) sets us free! Amen?

What is your favorite food?

Ah, here we go with favorites again! My favorite food has changed over the course of my life and what I’m hankering for often depends on the time of day or year. Whatever is freshest is best. Local produce, fresh fish (preferably if I’ve caught it), venison or any game is nice when available.

How do you "Power Down"?

I like to get out into God’s creation, at the beach, on a boat, or in the mountains at my house upstate, and meditate on how awesome God is and talk with him about whatever is on my mind.

What is your favorite Characteristic of Jesus Christ?

His sacrificial and unconditional love for us. I was a broken vessel on a pile of broken vessels and Jesus came for me and said “I remember creating this for myself” and He cleaned me, and mended me, and filled me with His amazing love and has been using me ever since. I wasn’t seeking Him yet He came for me, praise God. 

Our Pastor

Ken Bohler is beginning his fifth year in ministry. In his secular life he was a manager of U-Haul Moving Centers in Holbrook, Farmingdale, and Huntington from 1977-1983. He then earned a certificate in electronics and was hired by the Long Island Rail Road where over the course of a 30 year career he worked his way from an apprentice lineman to be the head of the Communications Maintenance Department. After retiring and taking a year off he worked for an engineering consultation firm that specialized in mass transit for three years before succumbing to the call of the Lord to become a Licensed Local pastor. 

Ken’s first appointment was to Hampton Bays UMC in 2017 and he continued there until his appointment to the North Fork UMC on July 1 of 2021. While in Hampton Bays he oversaw the physical renewal of the sanctuary and grounds as well as enlivening the congregation to become more involved in the local community and to participate more often with other congregations. In 2019 Ken was also assigned to pastor The East Quogue UMC. Through the pandemic the churches managed to maintain, and even grow, Bible studies, Wednesday morning worship services, and men’s and lady’s prayer groups. This two-point charge continued until starting at The vine @ NFUMC. 

Ken was born in North Carolina but was raised in Port Jefferson and has lived his entire life on Long Island. He has three grown children from his first marriage and is a grandpa three times over. He married his current wife Angela on April 4, 2014. She has two grown children of her own. They live in Northport but Ken will be spending four days a week on the north fork as well as visiting his house in the Catskills whenever he gets a chance. 

Ken has traveled extensively and still loves to do so. He has been on many local and international mission trips but believes the most important mission trip we go on is the one Christ puts between our feet each day. He loves being outdoors, especially on the water.