MONROE - The Rev. Randy Booth plans to begin his ministry at Monroe United Methodist Church on Sunday with the greatest commandment.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength," is the topic of his message to the congregation.
"Jesus said it was the greatest commandment," he said. "I might as well start at the top."
Booth and his wife, Karen, are beginning their ministry in Monroe after 17 years in Delaware. About a year ago they began to pray about leaving their church for another. The Midwest was where they wanted to go, he said.
"We vacationed in the Midwest and we liked it here," he said.
In January they learned the Monroe church needed a pastor, and they had one day to decide to take the position.
They decided to accept - a pastor they know at a Neenah church told them the Monroe United Methodist Church was a "wonderful church."
After being in town for a couple of weeks, Booth believes he made the right decision.
"Monroe has been very welcoming to us," he said. "We think there are many opportunities to make an impact in the community."
He and his wife arrived in Monroe on June 23. Their furniture arrived four days later, Booth said with a laugh.
Being a minister is something he wanted to do since he was in the 10th grade, he said. God called him to be a preacher and he followed that calling.
It's a profession that allows him an opportunity to serve God and his congregation.
""People involve me in their families. When there are weddings or funerals, I become part of their families. When there is a funeral, I'm involved with them during the most difficult times in their lives," he said.
He said he also has a calling to work with others in Monroe.
"We have a building and a great location. How does God want us to be a leader in the community?" he said.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength," is the topic of his message to the congregation.
"Jesus said it was the greatest commandment," he said. "I might as well start at the top."
Booth and his wife, Karen, are beginning their ministry in Monroe after 17 years in Delaware. About a year ago they began to pray about leaving their church for another. The Midwest was where they wanted to go, he said.
"We vacationed in the Midwest and we liked it here," he said.
In January they learned the Monroe church needed a pastor, and they had one day to decide to take the position.
They decided to accept - a pastor they know at a Neenah church told them the Monroe United Methodist Church was a "wonderful church."
After being in town for a couple of weeks, Booth believes he made the right decision.
"Monroe has been very welcoming to us," he said. "We think there are many opportunities to make an impact in the community."
He and his wife arrived in Monroe on June 23. Their furniture arrived four days later, Booth said with a laugh.
Being a minister is something he wanted to do since he was in the 10th grade, he said. God called him to be a preacher and he followed that calling.
It's a profession that allows him an opportunity to serve God and his congregation.
""People involve me in their families. When there are weddings or funerals, I become part of their families. When there is a funeral, I'm involved with them during the most difficult times in their lives," he said.
He said he also has a calling to work with others in Monroe.
"We have a building and a great location. How does God want us to be a leader in the community?" he said.