Pastor Russell Logston

 I have served as a United Methodist pastor since 1984.   I began in ministry after I graduated from college with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology, and began my studies at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio located in Delaware, Ohio. In 1988 I graduated with a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Christian Education.  Since that time, I have served churches from Southern West Virginia to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  I retired from appointive ministry in 2023, and I am now still aiding the church in ministry as a retired minister.

              I married my wife, Jane, in 1988 and we have two children, and two grandchildren.  We met on the first day of orientation at our seminary and Jane is also a retired Elder in the United Methodist Church.  We will be celebrating 35 years of marriage in November this year of 2023. Jane holds a dual degree with a Masters in Divinity and a Master in Drug Abuse and Alcohol Ministries. She is a person who has traveled a great personal distance from where she began and has studied in dentistry and served in the Airforce.

              Jesus once said, in John 15:5  —  “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.”  I believe that the foundation of faith and life is in turning to Christ and in desiring to know him better day by day. Jesus called his followers disciples; which defines them as learners.  Jesus taught them and they learned, and then they went forth to share all they had discovered: the love of God within life –that breathed eternal life into their existence and unseated the power of death. I invite you to come and join me in this same faith journey. The Apostle Paul once said, (Philippians 3:14)  “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” The hope and life that God has given to the world is still with us, and it can be yours as well.

              As you come and visit with us in church, we welcome you to sit among us and be a part of our worship service.  May God speak to your heart and lead you in every right direction within life.  There is always more to learn and more good to be done, as we seek to be Jesus disciples in our world today.  You may consider making our church home your own.  Questions of faith and church membership are always welcome.

Ray Chapman

Trustee Chair