FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

I am excited to be coming to Muskogee FUMC to serve as your pastor starting in August. I look forward to getting to know each of you but, for now, I would like to tell you a little about myself.

I was born and raised in Claremont, California. I graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Applied Clarinet from California State University, Northridge in 1986; and a Master of Music Degree in Applied Clarinet from West Virginia University, Morgantown, in 1991. I taught private clarinet lessons and masterclasses through the public schools and in my home studio in Texas and Oklahoma from 1991 to 2007.

I heard my call to ministry while walking a prayer labyrinth at Faith UMC in Tulsa on April 12, 2003. I then graduated with a Master of Divinity Degree from Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa in 2007; was commissioned as a Provisional Elder in 2007; and ordained a Full Elder in 2010. I have been serving United Methodist Churches throughout the Oklahoma Annual Conference for the past 18 years.

I married my husband, Jerry, in 1992. We have two grown children and one grandson. Jerry is a mechanical engineer and works at RW Holland in Tulsa, OK. He enjoys singing; playing guitar and electric bass; and fixing things. He has been a part of the worship music team in every one of our ministry settings.

I enjoy walking (especially with my dog, Tigger), kayaking, and spending time with my 7-year-old grandson who lives in Oklahoma City. I have played in Community Bands in Nichols Hills, Oklahoma City, Stillwater, and most recently, Tulsa. I look forward to the possibility of playing in the Muskogee Community Band in the near future.

In ministry, I have a passion for worship planning, pastoral care, and mission and outreach to the marginalized. I also love working with children and youth. I regularly serve as a leader at CJAMM’s New Day Camp for children who have a parent that is incarcerated. And I serve on several different Conference and District committees and ministry teams.

I look forward to seeing where God will lead us in our ministry together at Muskogee FUMC.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Pam Cottrill