Former Methodist to take charge at Parkview
Staff writer
The United Methodist Church’s loss will be Parkview Mennonite Church’s gain when Parkview gets a new pastor next month.
Tom Byford, now associate minister at First United Methodist Church in Carbondale, Illinois, will begin duties here July 8. Although Al Magnusson, who has been interim pastor since March 2017, is leaving, youth pastor Cord Werth, and worship pastor David Martin, and visitation pastor Tim Schellenberg will remain.
Byford’s change to Parkview is a result of his not being in full agreement with the United Methodist Church. He spent a lot of time looking for a church where he felt in agreement.
Byford, who has been in ministry 14 years, is married to Nicole, and the couple have four children, Nathan, 7; Lily, 5; Maggie, 3; and Zinnia, 3 months.
Byford said what he looked forward to most is meeting people and learning about local culture.
“We’re looking forward to being in the region and part of the community,” Byford said.
Parkview recently changed its hours. Early worship is at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Sunday School at 10 a.m., and second worship at 11 a.m.