Long line of ‘jobs’ leads to ‘vocation’ of service to God
By Billie Shelton — Daily Freeman-Journal WriterArticle Photos
STRATFORD - The new pastor of the United Methodist Stratford Charge is looking forward to serving all of the churches that make up the four-point charge in Hamilton and Webster counties.
"I don't think it's ever, ever going to be boring," comments Pastor Dot Haren with a smile from her desk at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Stratford. "I like it lots."
In addition to the Stratford congregation, the other congregations in the cluster are United Methodist churches at South Marion and Duncombe as well as the McGuire Bend United Brethren Church. While Haren's previous three assignments with the United Methodists have all been single-point charges, she is excited about the challenges her new post brings.
"There are four very different personalities in the churches-their gifts, who they are, their strong points-and we need to find ways to work together to fill in the gaps," she says. "Each can be their own unique congregation but work together.
"My dream is that we end up with something that's four different worship centers but one presence in this area so that the churches are working together to reach the communities, to reach those who might be falling through the cracks in the countryside. From South Marion to Duncombe is lots of territory," the pastor points out, adding that the biggest challenge she sees is "to find the people who need what the church has to offer."
In addition to 10 years in the ministry with three congregations in eastern and southeastern Iowa, Pastor Dot - who has a B.S. in psychology and a teaching certificate from the University of Iowa - brings with her a variety of work experiences in fields as varied as kids' photography and parts runner, landscaping and stained glass, CNA and working with the mentally and physically disabled.
"It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up," she chuckles, "but those were jobs. This is a vocation."
It's a vocation she didn't even consider until in her 40s, after being away from the church for several decades. At age 46 she entered Garrett Theological Seminary, working toward ordination.
"That was a tough adjustment to be back in college again," admits the pastor, who is single. "But then I found it to be so interesting. Seminary wasn't easy, but it was lots of fun."
Although she's only been in Stratford for a month now, Pastor Dot has had a good taste of small-town life, which she embraces enthusiastically. "I like the fact that there's lots going on," she says. "I'm having fun, and I like it here-the community and the churches.
"This is where I belong," Pastor Dot concludes.
