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Our McPherson First UMC family will soon welcome Pastor Chantel Makarawa as our new Associate Pastor beginning July 1, 2025. The exciting news was confirmed on March 28 in a meeting with our District Superintendent Rev. Karen Rice Ratzlaff and our Leadership Board. Pastor Chantel will serve our congregation half-time while also shepherding Little River UMC as their solo pastor through the Great Plains Conference's Transition into Ministry (TiM) program.

Pastor Chantel brings a rich global perspective to our community. Born and raised in Zimbabwe within the United Methodist tradition, she will complete her Master of Divinity degree from Drew Theological Seminary this May. Her impressive background includes degrees in Psychology from Africa University and Human Resources Management from the University of Salford in the UK, along with valuable ministry experience at Livingston UMC and New Dover UMC in New Jersey.

Pastor Chantel and her young daughter, who turns 5 this year, will be making the journey to Kansas together while her husband continues his work in Zimbabwe. This transition highlights Pastor Chantel's dedication to her calling and her willingness to embrace new challenges. Those who know her describe her passion for social justice, collaborative leadership, and deep commitment to helping people experience God's love in tangible ways.

The TiM program is specifically designed to nurture promising seminary graduates like Pastor Chantel as they grow into effective pastoral leaders. Our congregation has a special opportunity to provide community support for Pastor Chantel and her daughter during this significant life transition. If you'd like to help welcome them to McPherson, please contact the church office at 620-241-2238. Let's ensure they experience the warmth and care that makes our congregation feel like home.

Ministries
Intergenerational