MERLE MONAHAN/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
merlemonah@aol.com

CAPRON—The Rev. Nancy Palmer, the new pastor at Capron United Methodist Church, says she has definite proof that God has a sense of humor.

“He sent me right into the middle of peanut country and I don’t even like peanuts!”

“This is definitely not a problem, however,” Palmer jokes. “There are so many good things about this position, I don’t know where to begin.

“I have never been so warmly welcomed, or felt so at home as I do here.”

The new pastor came to Capron United Methodist Church in July, having served as associate pastor at Culpepper Methodist. She now has four churches in her charge. In addition to Capron, there are Drewryville, Joyner and Vincent Grove.

Palmer preaches two sermons each Sunday, always at Capron and on alternate Sundays at Joyner and Vincent Grove. Her associate pastor, Rick Franklin, serves at Drewryville.

Born and raised outside of Pittsburgh, Palmer, 62, attended Bethany College in West Virginia. She is still pursuing her bachelor’s degree and attends Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. during the summer months as well.

She got into ministry several years ago.

“I had had several jobs, including as an aide for the Virginia General Assembly and

was in the real estate business when I heard God’s call. He said, ‘Feed my sheep’ and I knew He was calling me into the ministry. I also knew this was my calling.”

Palmer says she started making preparations and has never been happier.

“I am walking with Jesus,” she added.

Although her duties take up much of her time, the active pastor makes room for her beloved animals, two dogs, a cat and her horse, Susie, a coal-black Morgan.

Susie is boarded just outside of town where Palmer visits and cares for her daily. Susie even mows the pasture, she said with a grin.

“I have an older model tractor that I brought with me when I came here,” Palmer said. “I get kidded about it a lot, but I love working outdoors.

“In fact, I’ve worked around horses for years. I guess you can say I have a passion for them.”

Palmer does indeed have a love for horses, and for 15 years belonged to two hunting clubs, both a mounted and a foot club.

She hunted fox with hounds as a mounted rider and cotton-tail on foot with a pack of bassets.

“Oh, it’s thrilling,” she said, but added, “we never actually kill the animals.”

As for her congregation, Palmer is excited about several projects they have scheduled.

“There are many people in our churches who want to be used by God, in the community and in the church. We’re looking for ways to partner with them, to spread the word of Jesus.

“We’re trying to implement a prayer ministry, to include those in the community and perhaps offer a bible study program.

Palmer said her charge has a very active youth group that’s getting ready to go on a mission trip.

“We have activities for everyone, both the adults and youth. I’m so proud of this church.”

“This also is a wonderful little town,” she went on. “The people have been so good to me, bringing me vegetables and other good things to eat.

“In fact,” she said with a smile, “I don’t think I’ll ever run out of pickles.”