Zion United Church of Christ has called Beth Staten as its pastor and teacher. A gifted preacher, Staten is a graduate of Methodist Theological School in Ohio, where she received the Nystrand Award in Preaching and was selected by the faculty to give the 2017 baccalaureate sermon.
In Sunday’s congregational meeting, led by church council president Rev. Matthew Wilson, members voted to accept the recommendation of its search committee, chaired by Dan Fuchs.
“In addition to her academic achievements and leadership in seminary and denominational activities, Pastor Staten has had extensive ministry service in local settings,” Wilson said.
“She has been in the Columbus area for almost a decade, serving as Outreach Director of Move United Church of Christ. She provided leadership at many local community service events, including the Good Neighbors Picnic for the Homeless and the Weinland Park Neighborhood Festival,” he added.
“When we received Pastor Staten’s resume and experienced her preaching, our search committee agreed that she is the right person to lead our congregation,” Fuchs commented. “We were blessed by the dynamic ministry of Pastor Jon Peterson, and we anticipate exciting opportunities for service ahead.”
“When I first visited Zion, I was thrilled to find an energetic congregation that enjoys upbeat music, cares deeply for one another, serves their community, and takes Communion seriously,” Staten added. “It is a joy to accept their call and to serve this historic church in the Delaware community.”
A magna cum laude graduate of Drury University in Springfield, Mo., Staten also was previously Human Resources Director at Convoy of Hope, a faith-based, international, humanitarian-relief organization in Springfield, Mo. Her ministry at Zion begins Sunday, Sept. 3.
An open and affirming congregation, Zion’s members and friends emphasize service in the community as well as intelligent, faithful understanding of scripture and a dynamic music program directed by Brian White.
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