Greetings!
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the welcome that you have extended to me and to tell you a little about myself. I was born in Espanola, New Mexico, and grew up on a horse ranch in the northern part of the state. Barrel racing made up a large portion of my early life, as did typical ranch work and caring for all the other animals we had: dogs, cats, pigs, rabbits, chickens, etc. At the end of junior high, we moved to East Texas and for the first time in my life I didn’t have any animals. It was quite a culture shock.
On my 18th birthday, I joined the U.S. Army to start basic training to be a Military Police Officer. I served in Arizona and Germany before my active duty was complete. Part of that time was as a PSD team member (similar to Secret Service, but for a 3-Star General). After my military service, I worked 10 years for a pharmaceutical company.
After I left the pharmaceutical company, I worked my way through college with what I thought at first was “just a job” as a church administrator. I expected to become a high school history teacher, but God had a different plan for my life. I became a Christian and began to discern a call to ministry. Just before I started seminary, my District Superintendent asked if I would serve at a small church while I went to school. I finished my M.Div. and my first year of doctoral studies while appointed to that church.
I came to Arkansas in 2008, where I served for three years as associate pastor of Trinity UMC Little Rock. I went on to serve as senior pastor at St. Luke and Geyer Springs UMCs before I was asked to join the staff at the Conference office.
I have one daughter, 20, who has recently finished her second year at Harvard University and currently taking classes abroad—so I will be asking for lots of prayers in the coming weeks as she gallivants around Europe! I also have three dogs: Luke, Lily, and George.
Over the coming weeks, months, and years, I look forward to being able to tell more of my story and learn yours, too. One thing that I cannot emphasize enough is how especially honored I am to be your new pastor. I will work hard and listen to your dreams and visions for this church. I feel that God truly called me to this place, at this time, and I am thankful for the opportunity to serve you and this mission field. I see good things ahead for all of us.
Blessings,
Candace
Dr. Candace Barron