Tag: Grand Rapids: First
Sacred art show celebrates 49 years

Grand Rapids: First UMC embraces the beauty and wonder of art in its annual Celebration of Arts, which runs through June 20.
Susan Petro
From: Retirement … To: Western Waters District — Grand Rapids: First UMC. This full-time appointment begins July 1, 2023.
Joan E. VanDessel
From: Midwest District — Grand Rapids: First UMC (Associate Pastor) … To: Northern Waters District — Traverse City: Central UMC (Associate Pastor). This full-time appointment begins July 1, 2023.
Carl L. Hauserman

June 25, 1939 – June 22, 2022 Pastor Carl Lee Hausermann of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and formerly of Portage, Michigan passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, June 22nd, at the age of 82. Carl was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on June 25th, 1939, to Max Hausermann and Dortha E. (Wilson) Hausermann. He graduated… Continue Reading Carl L. Hauserman
Robert E. Jones Jr.

July 1, 1947 – May 23, 2022 Pastor Robert (Bob) Ellery Jones Jr., age 74, peacefully passed away into the loving arms of God Monday, May 23, 2022, after living for several years with Parkinson’s disease. He was preceded in death by his father and mother Robert and Marjorie Jones; father- and mother-in-law Fredric and… Continue Reading Robert E. Jones Jr.
Steve McCoy
From: Greater Detroit District–Livonia; Newburg UMC … To: Midwest District–Grand Rapids: First UMC. This full-time appointment as Senior Pastor begins July 1, 2022.
Rev. Paul E. Patterson
Paul Ezra Patterson was born in Altoona, PA, on January 13, 1928. He was the son of Rev. Ezra and Anna Patterson. Paul was a retired United Methodist minister of the gospel and died on November 13, 2021. Paul graduated from Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA, in 1950, and from Garrett Biblical Institute at… Continue Reading Rev. Paul E. Patterson
Rev. Richard A. Youells
Rev. Richard A. Youells (Dick), age 88, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 1, 2021. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Carol Ann; children: Andrew Youells, Deborah (John) VanderHenst, Rachel Henry, Michael Youells, George and Doris Kieh; 8 grandchildren: Nicholas Youells, Laura Youells, Elizabeth (Sean) Nagle, Felicia… Continue Reading Rev. Richard A. Youells
Rev. Kenneth D. McCaw
Rev. Kenneth D. McCaw The Rev. Kenneth D. McCaw, age 85, of Grand Rapids, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2019 at Clark on Keller Lake. He was born in Albany, NY on June 2, 1934. Ken attended Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. He retired from Kalamazoo First UMC in 2000, after 42 years in… Continue Reading Rev. Kenneth D. McCaw
Joan VanDessel
To: Midwest District — Grand Rapids: First UMC. This Associate Pastor Appointment began July 1, 2019.