Susan Smith Bryden

Pastor

You can reach Pastor Susan any time by calling (260)494-8981 to schedule an appointment.

"You are Christ's body---that is who you are! You must never forget this."

I Corinthians 12:27

Some brief words about your pastor.....But first some very necessary words:

Above all, ministry is about how we all come together in ways that are pleasing to God....being a blessing in the lives of others... praying without ceasing that our motives and hearts remain true and pure in serving Christ each moment of our lives. It's not just about being in church Sunday mornings. That's important, but there's far more to living out our faith.

We are a people called to work and play together....and with that in mind, I am very reluctant to place my story at the expense of the faith stories of my brothers and sisters in Christ. No kidding. I'd much rather hear about you all...and perhaps, in the future, right here, I pray that you'll share parts of your own journeys. By now, those of you who have been able to be in worship since I came here in July 2010, have heard portions of my life story.

Born and raised in a family with deep roots in the Christian faith in Southern California....two younger brothers, mother and father. Moved to Australia as a bride where my husband found work teaching French, English, and history. Our two sons born there. I was very active in the community during those years prior to my husband's death in 1986. He'd been hospitalized continuously for the last 27 MONTHS of his life. Following his death, I returned to live in the U.S. Our sons had never lived in the States, visited, yes. Lived here, no. That was 1988. Moved to Minnesota. My mother didn't believe California was a good environment for a young widow with two sons. Found a church home right away and became very active in our older son's confirmation class. Moved to Fort Wayne in 2001 for a year's residency as a chaplain at the Lutheran Hospital . Served First Wayne Street, downtown FW, as well as Woodburn United Methodist Churches before being appointed to Maple Grove and Norris Chapel United Methodist Churches.

Never considered ordained ministry until after my husband's death. Both my father and pastor asked about a calling that I might have to the "ministry." Deep in my heart, I concurred, but have felt time and again...."but who am I Lord, to do your work????!!!" Continue at times to battle a sense of real inadequacy although I absolutely love pastoring. One of those crazy, only God can understand, sorts of experiences, but truly felt that I'd be led to the place God was calling me. Doors kept opening, hurdles kept clearing.....no matter how puzzled I was .....I was ordained deacon under the old system in 1995, midway through seminary and then ordained elder in 1999 after having served my first two years in a full time appointment. I am blessed and amazed to be doing the work that God's putting before me. Please continue to keep me in your prayers since this is a most profound and awesome calling into which I've come. Thank you. Bless you. And now, how about your faith journeys???

"Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly." I Corinthians 13:13