Rev. John G. Park Joins Brighton First Staff as Assistant Pastor

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee has announced that Rev. John G. Park will join the clergy staff at Brighton First on July 1. 

John offers this introduction:

Perhaps you have heard through the grapevine news that I grew up in Brighton. That was a long time ago, back when Brighton was a one-stoplight town. The high school was “high upon a hill. . .,” and our graduating Class of 63 was the first in the history of Brighton to graduate over 100!

My wife and partner, Madeline, and I moved here from Flint in August 2014. We settled in North Ridge Condos and we love it. Yes, it was time to downsize and we did.

As an elder in the Detroit Annual Conference, retiring from the active ministry in 2011, I am delighted to be invited to be “back in the saddle again”. Most of the churches I served over 39 years of ministry grew in numbers. The people at each church became part of my heart and life. For United Methodist clergy, moving can be difficult and I discovered too late that I am a stayer.

I love to preach the Gospel, and I promise that if you hang in there with me to the end, we’ll get there together. Seldom do I preach using “3-points and a poem,” preferring a more narrative style. I have a passion for reaching new people for Christ and the Church, and I have a solid track record doing so.

My new role with you will be as an assistant to Rev. Dr. Sherry Parker, whom I have held in high regard for many years. Loretta Job, your Deacon, is a person I would have loved to have met and hired before Rev. Gil Miller brought her to Brighton First. These two people are very high on my list. I would feel comfortable talking deeply or asking for help from either.

As Dr. Parker’s assistant, I have been assigned duties including preaching, worship leadership, meeting visitors and new people, working with the Tuesday Men with Tools group, and some shut in care with Rev. Job. I intend to offer Holy Communion from the church as a regular part of my visitation ministry following the example of John Wesley and I will be looking for church members to help me.

Both Madeline and I are avid readers. We will gladly discuss, share, and devour books with you. In time you’ll hear about our four sons and the magical grandchildren (what grandparent isn’t guilty of that?).

It has been a great joy these last months to reacquaint myself with some of the old places and friends, discover the excitement of new places, and to worship with you at Brighton First.

Rev. John G. Park