Mora United Methodist Church is finding new ways to take ministry beyond its walls. Through a weekly bread giveaway, coffee and conversation in the community, and worship and communion at local nursing homes, church members are meeting physical and spiritual needs while rediscovering how the Holy Spirit works through them.
The church outreach is led by Pastor Dean Roush, who was appointed to Mora United Methodist Church in 2022 after many years working in other fields.
Roush laughs at the term “second-career clergy,” because he’s had so many careers. After a stint as a mechanic straight out of high school, Roush has worked for decades as a cattle and sheep farmer, drove a school bus for a time, and taught high school math and physics for 25 years.
The busy pastor also writes regularly for Mora’s local newspaper the Kanabec County Times. His opinion pieces focus on faith, community values, personal reflection and life perspectives. His willingness to talk openly about the struggles of life and the resolve to find solutions have prepared Roush for ministry.
Marigza is a multimedia producer for UM News. Contact her at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.
