Palmer-Smith to celebrate 50 years since ordination

FILLMORE -- During the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, July 10, the Fillmore United Methodist Church will receive a special visit from District Superintendent Rev. John Groves.

Rev. Groves will deliver the message but he is also visiting Fillmore UMC to recognize two milestones.

July 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of Pastor Bryan Palmer-Smith's ordination into the United Methodist Church. Additionally, Rob Miller will be recognized for his installation as a certified lay servant.

Rev. Palmer-Smith was ordained at the age 27 while appointed to a Methodist Church in Manchester, England, where he stayed for 10 years. That was followed by 11 years in Bolton in northern England before being transferred to the United Methodist Church in the U.S.A.

He ministered in Cincinnati for 11 years before moving to Dayton, Ohio, for nine years. After 18 months of retirement, Rev. Palmer-Smith accepted the appointment of part-time pastoring at Fillmore UMC, where he has completed 10 years.

Miller has been a church member at Fillmore for 46 years, taught Sunday school for 25 years and has held various leadership positions including lay leader and several committee chairs.

With Pastor Palmer-Smith's encouragement, coupled with his desire to answer God's calling, he went through the required classes to accomplish certified lay speaker status.

To celebrate this special Sunday, Fillmore United Methodist church is hosting a cook-out lunch to be served immediately following the 10:30 a.m. services. All are invited to attend.