First United Methodist gets new pastor

VW independent/submitted information

First United Methodist Church recently said good-bye to Pastor Gus Christo-Baker, who is leaving to pastor another church, and will now welcome new Lead Pastor Chris Farmer this coming Sunday, July 1.

Pastor Farmer is married and he and his wife, Melinda, have two grown children.

The Farmers share a love for Jesus, the Church, and sharing His amazing life-transforming grace in word and deed. Pastor Farmer loves engaging in conversations about the Bible and applying it to everyday life, while Mrs. Farmer loves all kinds of music, being with family and friends, singing, and participating in women’s ministry.

Pastor Farmer provides leadership for the church by shepherding the congregation’s embrace of God’s grace in worship and hospitality, equipping Christ-followers with knowledge and gifts to fulfill the Church’s mission, and offering the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for life-changing mission all for the sole purpose of evangelizing new persons with God’s message.

Pastor Farmer has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in communications from Asbury University, a Master’s of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and has served as an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church of West Ohio for over 25 years.

The congregation of First United Methodist Church invites the public to meet Pastor Farmer and his wife this Sunday during one combined service beginning at 10 a.m. All are welcome to come and worship.

First United Methodist Church is located at the corner of Jefferson Street and Central Avenue, across from Fountain Park in downtown Van Wert. The church regularly offers two Sunday worship services: a relaxed/blended service at 8:15 a.m. and a more traditional/blended service at 10:45 a.m.