Columbia First Hires Associate Pastor

Rev. Mark West reports that Columbia First has brought on Pastor Jason Ticgelaor to their staff as Associate Pastor to Young Families. Jason is a locally licensed minister and is pursuing his Masters in Pastoral Ministry through Northwest Nazarene University. He and his wife Jamie, have 5 boys all under the age of 8 with two sets of twins. Jamie is a physician's assistant and works in a clinical setting. Pastor West writes, “They are a great addition to our staff and we look forward to many years of ministry growth together.”

Rev. Jonathan & Christine Young Have Baby!

Rev. Jonathan & Christine Young (Pastor and wife, Rolla) welcomed Levi Andrew Young into the world on Friday, March 6th, 2009, at 11:12AM. He is joined at home by his big sister, Haven. He was 7 pounds and 20 inches. Pastor Young reports that, "Both mommy and baby are healthy and doing great. We would appreciate your continued prayers in the days ahead and we praise God for his faithfulness to our family." Congratulations!

Bridge of Hope Finds Permanent Home

St. Louis Bridge of Hope, a New Start church on the Missouri District, took possession of their new property today, March 12, 2009. Located in the Tower Grove section in the heart of St. Louis, the new facility will give the Bridge of Hope a permanent home. Since being planted at the MIssouri District Assembly in August of 2007, the church has had to relocate several times, but has continued to grow.

Currently only half of the building is being utilized, but the plans are to open up the other half and renovate the apartments in the second story as soon as possible.

Pastor Shawen Farley has a passion for the people to whom he has already been ministering in the neighborhood. It will be exciting to see what God does through this new ministry tool!

PK's Attend Annual Retreat at MNU

Twelve preacher's kids from the Missouri District attended the annual PK retreat at MNU in February. This weekend event is hosted each year by the Admission's Department and draws junior and senior high school pastor's kids from all over the North-Central MNU Region. About 80 students attended. The special speaker was Michael Palmer, son Pastor Mike and Mary Palmer. Rev. Kevin Muttschall was the sponsor from the Missouri District.