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Joy Schlesselman - Pastor

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I've been married to Ken Burrus, fisherman and carpenter, for 8 years.  We have no children, but I have 3 nephews, David Olson, age 27, who lives in Springfield, Missouri, Alex Schlesselman, 19, who lives in Tokyo, Japan, and Paul Kinred, 17, who lives in Kansas City.

I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, went to college in Grinnell, Iowa, and seminary at St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City.

More about Pastor Joy:

What is your favorite verse of scripture and why?

My favorite verse of Scripture... only one?? Really?

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned...Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you... Do not fear, for I am with you." Isaiah 43:1-5

No matter how great and powerful God is, He still chooses to be with us, to  know each of us by name and to love us as God's precious children!

Oh, yes, and I agree with Tonya, John 3:16!

If someone borrowed your car, what would they hear when they turned on the radio?

If you borrowed my car, you'd either hear WCIC FM, contemporary Christian music... or you'd hear silence because sometimes I just need to ride in the car and think and pray without any noise.

What is the last book you read?

I have just completed another time of reading through the entire Bible in a year.  If you've done this, you know that it is not for the faint of heart!  You really need the support of a group with which you can share your questions and the celebrations of the amazing and surprising things you find there!

I also read Making a Good Move, Opening the Door to a Successful Pastorate, by Bishop Michael J. Coyner.

Your most frequently visited website?

Our United Methodist Conference website, www.igrc.org, and that of our UM Credit Union, www.ummcu.org

If you purchase a gift card for a thank-you, what kind of card would it be?

It would vary, depending on who it goes to, but probably a restaurant or a bookstore.  But if it were for my husband it would definitely be the Bass Pro Shop!