Methodist ministers move in

There are new faces behind two of Odessa's United Methodist pulpits, and the recent changes are all part of the denomination's goal to best utilize its clergy within specific congregations.

In long-standing tradition, Methodist bishops announced their annual appointments in June, sending many ministers packing for a move to a new flock.

And three weeks into the job, two new Odessa ministers are still getting settled in.

Asbury United Methodist Church and Highland United Methodist Church both received new pastors as part of the June appointments - made by Conference Bishop Max Whitfield through evaluations of a district superintendent, the local congregation's wishes and a minister's giftedness.

Methodist ministers make any moves/changes during the same week in June to ensure a smooth transition - this year's pulpit swap took place on Father's Day, June 15.

The Rev. Rick Enns, new pastor of Asbury UMC, comes to the church after a 6-year stint as associate minister at Custer Road United Methodist Church in Plano, where he oversaw 13 staff members in the 7,000-member congregation.

The 38-year-old husband and father of two children said he wasn't seeking a pastoral position, but succumbed to a divine nagging to take the Odessa church with an average attendance of 130 - the size of the choir at Custer Road.

"It was not something I expected, but God said, ‘You're going,' and I said, ‘Ok,' " he said. "It's a bit of culture shock moving from Plano to Odessa, but the people have been great - there's been a great response so far."

Enns takes the place of the Rev. Paul Bauernfeind, Asbury's pastor of 4 years who was recently appointed as associate pastor of St. Mark's United Methodist Church in El Paso.

Originally from Dalhart, Enns said he pursued finance at Texas Tech University and then felt God's call to ministry vocation while working as a summer youth director.

He resisted the idea of being a missionary to Africa or a senior pastor, but found comfort in the words of Numbers 14:8-9: "If the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only, do not rebel against the Lord; and do not fear the people of the land, for they are no more than bread for us; their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them." (NRSV)

"In that instant, God gave me peace that whatever was next, it would be alright," Enns said.

Coming to Asbury for the pastor's job was another step of faith, and Enns said he'd proceed with caution - reviewing his ministry priorities while getting a grasp on the traditions and culture of Asbury.

"It's going to take me six months to get a feel for the church and where we're headed," he said. "You don't want to come in right away and change everything - that's bad for the church.

"We are hoping to do more with children's ministry and do something for college students since UTPB is right down the street," he said. "I'm also very passionate about stewardship and all that entails, possibly doing some Bible studies in relation to finance and debt management that are open to the community."

The Rev. Terry Tamplen, going on his sixth year as pastor of First United Methodist Church, said he plans to stick around in Odessa for a while longer, believing that longer ministries help make healthier churches. He served in Amarillo for 8 years and another 8 years at the church before that.

Tamplen said he met Enns at the United Methodist Conference in Glorieta, N.M.

"We got to sit down and have a few meals together and get to know each other a bit - I'm excited for his ministry there," Tamplen said.
At Highland UMC, the Rev. Donita (Dot) Lea is busy adjusting to her new appointment in Odessa, following a four-year pastorate in Coahoma and 11 years as a chaplain at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock.

"My ministry has always been in West Texas," she said. "The bishop felt like this was how God was leading and I said, ‘Ok.'"

The 46-year-old single Greenwood native follows last-year's pastorates of the Revs. Mark Scott and Jeff Bayley with her diverse background of education, world travels, nonprofit work and artistic ability.

Called to church ministry as a teenager at youth camp, Lea said she takes her commitment to God very seriously.

"God grabbed a hold of me to surrender, but they didn't really know what to do with me - at that time, women weren't considered clergy material."

WANT TO VISIT?

Asbury United Methodist Church, 4001 E. University Blvd., has these weekly events scheduled:
>> Sunday: 8:30 a.m. and 10:40 a.m., worship services in the sanctuary; 9:30 a.m., Sunday School; 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Fusion Youth Ministries at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 1601 E. 42nd St.
>> Monday: 6:30 p.m., Singles and Friends in Room 123.
>> Wednesday: 5:30 p.m., Beth Moore Bible Study in Room 121; 6:30 p.m., 8:03 Singers rehearsal; 7:15 p.m., Sanctuary Singers rehearsal.

Highland United Methodist Church, 1808 N. Dixie Blvd., has these weekly events scheduled:
>> Sunday: 9:30 a.m., Sunday School; 10:30 a.m., worship; 6 p.m., evening worship service.
>> Wednesday: 5:45 p.m., Back Door Blessings Meal; 6:30 p.m., Youth "Fusion;" 7 p.m., Chancel Choir.
>> Saturday: 6 p.m., Mercy Street Café.