Rick Branson assigned to UMC pastoral duties
The district superintendent of the Conference of United Methodist Churches has assigned Rick Branson of Marion to a position as associate pastor at Eastmoor United Methodist Church and pastor of Burdick UMC.
Branson replaces Marilyn Cox who recently was appointed to Lyona UMC.
Branson will preach three Sundays at Burdick and one Sunday at Eastmoor each month. His first sermon was delivered Feb. 2 at Burdick.
Branson will graduate from Tabor College this spring with a bachelor of science in youth ministry. He worked for 10 years as an employee of Winter Construction before deciding to pursue the ministry.
He attended Emporia State College for two years after high school, majoring in industrial arts.
In an attempt to explain his change of direction, Branson said, "You see these gaps in all our churches, from high school age to marriage, from age 18 to early 20s. They're not in church. I want to focus on that age group."
He said many things have happened to affirm his decision. He is especially appreciative of the people at Eastmoor who, he says, have been so supportive with their prayers and interest.
"I don't know if I could have done it without their support," he said.
Branson has worked with youth for a long time. He was a den leader in Cub Scouts when his two sons were small. Then, when he discovered there was no active Boy Scouts unit in Marion, he started it up again. He is youth leader for Eastmoor, Valley, and Aulne UMC churches.
"The church needs to be relevant to all, not just one age group or section," he reiterated.
After Branson graduates in May, he will receive his minister's license in June, then will be eligible to be appointed to a church. He said he does not know where he will go. He may remain where he is or may be sent elsewhere.
He plans to enroll at St. Paul Seminary in Kansas City this fall to pursue pastoral studies. His wife, Khrista (surname Van Buren), a Marion native, is activities director at St. Luke Living Center. Their two sons, Jesse, 21, and Jack, 19, live in Marion. They have one grandson.
