First United Methodist Church

Hey great to have you check us out here on the web!  We want to encourage you to come join us for Sunday morning worship.  We worship on Sunday's at 10:25 a.m.!  Although we're in transition, we'll find our way together, so stop on by and join us as we celebrate the Spirit together.  You're new to Vermillion?  Don't know anyone? You're in good company, our pastor is new to Vermillion too.   We are happy to introduce you to our new pastor, Rev. Rick Pittenger!   Rick has served United churches at Arlington & Lake Preston, Harrisburg, Minot, and Fargo.   Rick and his wife Becky have 3 grown children.   

Greetings from the Pulpitt,

"God drew (Pulled) me up from the desolate pitt, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure."     Psalm 40: 2 (NRSV)

It is great to return to a “church family” after a 5 year detour - shall we say - from my call to Ordained Parish Ministry.  I sold Church directories for two years and was a Hospital/Nursing Home Chaplain for the other three. So, who is this new preacher/pastor anyway?  I’ve started to get to know a few of you and I’m hoping to have the time over the next several months to get to know your story.  Until then, here’s my story:

I was born on Christmas Day, at 12:06 PM into a pastor’s family.  My Dad, Dick, served as a United Methodist Pastor in the Dakotas Conference and my Maternal Grandfather, Herman Feldmann, was also a Methodist Pastor down in Kansas.  After my ordination my mother, Ruth, also entered the diaconate ministry, and mom’s only sibling/sister married a United Methodist Pastor; so you see I’m surrounded – but there was no pressure.

I attended church as a youth, sang in church choirs in Huron and Sioux Falls, was involved in youth ministry in high school; went on several Youth Caravan’s.  I sang with the All American Bi-Centennial Singers in 1976 and the group folded that fall.  So, in the fall of 1976 I attend Dakota Wesleyan University.  While there I was active in Band, Choir, Theater, Religious Life, Student Government and worked in the food service for breakfast (back in the dish room).

After my second year I felt he nudge for parish ministry; I was made aware of a position in Claremont, Hecla and Houghton, SD.  I was called the Parish Visitor which was a fancy name for a Youth Pastor; which was my primary focus.  The second summer there, I had an epiphany while driving just north of Watertown on Highway 20.  It was beautiful drive, soft rolling hills that seemed to go on to the horizon in the west.  I had driven through some dark storm clouds and heavy rain.  I was in awe of God’s splendor as it was laid out before me.  I got to thinking about my life, where I was headed, going back for a 2^nd year and all.  I did what certainly others have done.  I asked God to “give me a sign”.  Seriously, it was like a scene from a movie… to the north of me, dark clouds and rain; to the south of me, dark clouds and more rain and lightning.  However, straight ahead was a brilliant scene – clear sky and brilliant streams of light sifted through the clouds as if to say.  “Rick, you are on the right path!”

Becky and I have been married for 31 years, having served churches in Arlington/Lake Preston; Harrisburg, SD & also Vincent UMC in Minot and Faith UMC in Fargo,   and  Becky has  taught  elementary school for 25 years and is  now  the children's librarian at the Yankton Community Library.

We have 3 grown children Ryan (27) and his wife Kristina live in Sioux Falls; Brandon (26) lives in Stockton, CA; Kristen (24) and lives in Minneapolis, MN.

I’m very blessed and am looking forward to many good years of ministry together with you,  

Rev. Rick Pittenger

Pastor of First United Methodist Church

16 North Dakota Street

Vermillion, SD 57069

Church Phone:   605-624-2179