Sunday, July 2 was the start of a new era for First United Methodist Church on 500 N. Main St. Acting as Liturgist, Church Council Chairman Sandie Price made an announcement to the congregation.
“We are very blessed to have Pastor John Gregory and his wife Diane here today,” she said.
She passed a baton to the congregation’s new pastor and he laid it on the altar.
In a sermon titled, “What’s a Preacher from St. Louis Doing in Poplar Bluff,” Gregory began by thanking those who brought food to the parsonage, left gift cards and helped move in his boxes and furniture on the day he arrived.
“I am so honored and privileged to be here, to be your pastor at First United Methodist in Poplar Bluff,” Gregory told them.
“I followed Jesus here,” he said. “I asked him if I should come and he said yes.”
His home church is Concord Trinity in St. Louis, but his home is Poplar Bluff, he told them. Gregory ended his sermon by promising to walk with them on the journey ahead.
“I’m looking forward to serving God with you,” he told them.
Reflecting on the sermon later, Gregory said, “It wasn’t quite a typical sermon but I wasn’t too nervous about doing it. This is my third church appointment, so I’ve had to introduce myself three times now.”
Gregory attended Central Methodist College with First United Methodist’s last pastor, David Stewart.
“David and I have been friends for 44 years,” he said.
Both graduated in 1983, Gregory with a degree in philosophy and religion.
“I felt called to ministry and decided to specialize in religion,” he said.
He went on to study at Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, California.
Gregory has two grown children. His son, Dan Gregory, 28, is a wildland firefighter in Salmon, Idaho, and his daughter, Katie Brinkmeyer, 31, is an occupational therapist in Gladstone, Missouri. She has two children, Lilly, a 2-year-old and Mack, 1-month-old.
After a short trip to see his newly-born grandchild, Gregory has been busy with a series of small group meetings within the church.
“I’m trying to get to know folks and see where we can help in the community,” he said. “I don’t have any specific goals at the moment, but I’m impressed by First United Methodist’s presence serving this community. I hope to keep it up.”