| Contact Us | Southwest UMC, Gainesville, FL |
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Pastor Patricia Downes
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Church Address 2400 SW Williston Rd
Gainesville, FL 32608 MAP
Church office and Pastor phone: (352) 378-4931 Ministers: All of us.
By Our PastorI was born in New Jersey but I have been in Florida since was 11 years old. I have three grown children, one goddaughter and five grandchildren. My journey into the ordained ministry has taken several steps. For my first occupation, I was trained and worked for a year as a nurse and then became a stay-at-home mom. I then became a therapeutic foster parent. In that 15 years, I cared for 80 emotionally, intellectually or physically handicapped children. In 1987, in church on a Sunday morning, I understood God calling
me to the ordained ministry. I argued with God for some time before I
knew God's plan for my life was certainly better than any I had for
myself. Now I can't imagine doing anything else. I went to seminary
at Chandler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga;
graduating with a Masters of Divinity degree and a Certification in
Christian Education. This is the fourth church that I have served in
my ninteen years in the Florida United Methodist Conference.
On behalf of the congregation of Southwest United Methodist
Church, I want to invite you to come and worship with us. Our church
is small but growing. I have found it exciting to be in a place where
new things are happening and yet where it feels like I am at home
because everyone is welcomed as part of the church family. We are
beginning new ministries and would welcome you to join in any of them,
or to be part of us starting one that meets your needs. We look forward
to seeing you.
Together in Christ,
Pastor Patricia Downes
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