Messiah United Methodist Church is pleased to announce Rev. Tami Luckhardt and Rev. Bethany Nelson as its new pastors. Beginning July 1, Pastor Tami has been appointed the new Senior Pastor, and Pastor Bethany is welcomed as the new Associate Pastor.
Tami Luckhardt was previously serving at Messiah as the Executive Pastor. “My call to ministry began at an early age and continues to be redefined with each stage of life. My greatest joy in being a pastor comes from sharing the Word of God in ways that help people to grow deeper in their faith, deeper in their relationships with one another, and more passionate about sharing the love of Jesus with our neighbors,” she said.
“Pastor Tami has effectively lived into the culture of Messiah Church the past seven years and has strong relationships with the congregation and the community,” Messiah’s Servant Steering Team (SST) commented. “Her unique gifts and qualities will enable her to lead Messiah Church into the future.” Pastor Tami and her husband, Jerry, a professor of music at the University of Minnesota, have been married for 38 years. They have three adult children and five grandsons.
Bethany Nelson was previously serving as co-Pastor at Park United Methodist Church in Brainerd, MN and Emily UMC in Emily, MN. She has been a pastor for 13 years, and brings gifts for preaching, digital ministry, and inspiring people of all ages to grow in faith. “My call to ministry was planted as a child, and nurtured throughout my life. I love to help others intimately know God’s love for them, and confidently follow as God leads. I’m thrilled to lead and live among the people of Messiah Church,” she said. Pastor Bethany and her husband Rev. Luke Nelson have three sons: Calvin (8), Josiah (6), and Desmond (3). Pastor Luke has been appointed Pastor for Spirit of Hope UMC in Golden Valley beginning July 1.
“Pastor Bethany’s experiences, gifts, and skill set will compliment Pastor Tami’s and together they will provide strong clergy leadership for Messiah Church,” the SST noted. “We look forward to their collaboration and leadership to continue and grow Messiah Church’s mission and vision now and in the years to come!”
Save the date to welcome Pastors Tami and Bethany as the new leadership at Messiah Church. On Wednesday, July 20, join us from 6-7:30 pm in the Messiah parking lot (17805 County Road 6, Plymouth) to Celebrate a New Beginning and mingle with our new pastors. Enjoy the El Burrito Mercado food truck (to purchase your own dinner or snacks – or pack your own picnic), live music, fun family entertainment, , an inflatable obstacle course, and more! Come and go as you like for this open house event or bring your own lawn chair to linger longer…and if it rains, we’ll move the party inside.
Messiah United Methodist Church is a vibrant community of believers located in Plymouth, with members and guests from all over the Twin Cities and the world. Our vision is to do our best every day at Loving God, Loving Each Other and Loving the World. We have a strong faith group ministry with small groups for children, youth, and adults that meet weekly to do life together. We are involved in service projects in our neighborhood and around the world. We started Bloom Early Learning & Child Care to provide affordable child care for families. Messiah is actively involved in projects in the west suburban area, Minneapolis, Kenya, and around the world. Messiah Church is the place Where Life & Purpose Connect.
Come as you are for in-person worship (17805 County Road 6, Plymouth), Sundays at 8:30 am (traditional service) or 10:30 am (contemporary service). Or join us online at www.MessiahChurch.org/live, also at 8:30 and 10:30 am or on demand anytime. For more information about Messiah Church, visit www.MessiahChurch.org.
