Pastor Dave Shadinger is the new pastor for the Rock Port and Watson United Methodist Churches.

The Rock Port and Watson United Methodist Churches have welcomed Pastor Dave Shadinger as their new pastor.

Pastor Shadinger has been a licensed United Methodist pastor since 2015, and his most recent appointment was in Graham, Missouri, as a part-time pastor.

Pastor Shadinger will be commuting from Maryville, Missouri, where he taught public relations and speech communication at Northwest Missouri State University before retiring in 2022. Before becoming an educator, Shadinger spent nearly 20 years working in public relations, marketing, and advertising.

Pastor Shadinger was impressed by the involvement he saw at the Rock Port and Watson United Methodist Churches when he was asked to come out of retirement and fill the vacant position. He is looking forward to working with the board and church committees to increase outreach.

The Rock Port UMC is located at 211 W. Opp Street and the worship service is held at 10:45 a.m. The Watson UMC is located at 201 East Street and the worship service is held at 9:00 a.m. Pastor Shadinger will be available in his office Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. Stop by to attend a service or drop in his office and welcome Pastor Shadinger!