A new pastor and a bowl of chili

Anne Sutherland Posted Religion
Image: New pastor at Methodist Church — Jane Reeves welcomes Rev. Eric and Donna Smith to Italy.

New pastor at Methodist Church — Jane Reeves welcomes Rev. Eric and Donna Smith to Italy. (Anne Sutherland)

First United Methodist Church of Italy hosted a chili supper fundraiser on Saturday night and also took the opportunity to introduce the interim pastor for the church to the community. Rev. Eric and Donna Smith, recently moved to Italy from San Antonio, also enjoyed a bowl of homemade red.

Approximately 40 people shared the evening with the new pastor. The local Methodist church recently lost their pastor, Rev Beverly Hamilton, in December. Rev. Smith is a hospital chaplain with 30 years experience. He will help at the Methodist church until June, when an assigned minister will take over.

Everyone is invited to come and meet the new pastor. The address is 124 Harpold to the church in Italy. Sunday services begin at 10:50am. Sunday School begins at 9:45 am.