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    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    Perspectives: Meet the DLTs

    Meet the DLTs: Richard Preston’s Calling

    June 21, 2019 / By Richard Preston, Cornerstone District Leadership Team / 1 Comment

    Hi! I’m Rich Preston; my wife, Nancy (retired UMC pastor), and I live in the hamlet of West Valley, Cattaraugus County in the Cornerstone District. In my childhood, I attended a Free Methodist Church, but like many teenagers, I left the church. At the age of 34, I was baptized at the Aldersgate UMC in Hampton, Virginia. Since then, I have held many positions in a number of different churches. I felt I had an obligation to do something within the church. It wasn’t until I went on the Walk to Emmaus that I truly felt the Holy Spirt directing me through my gifts to work within the body of the Christ. In my secular life, I am a retired Naval Officer, a retired Town Justice, and have a BS Degree in Nuclear Physics’ Engineering.

    Since my Walk to Emmaus, I have joined the International Gideons and have participated is several New Testaments distributions. By the grace of God, I have been able to go on three mission trips to Uganda and to help with school, water, animal, and heath projects. I am a certified Lay Servant, and in the past two and a half years, I have given the morning message in 23 churches, and as District Lay Leader, I have visited 43 churches. I currently sit on four district committees and one Conference committee.  I’m still not sure what the Lord has planned for me, but I will continue on the path he has set for me.

    Outside of church, I try to continue using my gifts. As a form of agape, I have tutored a number of high schoolers in math and sciences. Once a week, I deliver Meals on Wheels to shut-ins. I think that they are more interested in having someone to talk to for a few minutes rather than just the food. For recreation, I enjoy travel, and, of course, golf.

    Comments 1

    Bless you, Rich, as you give generously of your time and gifts to our district and beyond!

    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on June 21, 2019 at 6:29 pm
    Commenting is not available in this channel entry.

    With more than 100,000 members, United Methodists of Upper New York comprises of more than 675 local churches and New Faith Communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."