'A place filled with love:' Roethemeyer has served as pastor since 1988

The Rev. Sam Roethemeyer has served as the pastor at Emanuel United Church of Christ, 304 E. Adams St. in Jackson, since 1988. In those nearly 23 years, Roethemeyer says, he has seen many people grow up in the church and become leaders in both the church and the community. He says that is the most rewarding part of his job but his favorite thing about Emanuel is its heritage. It has more than 140 years of ministry. He hopes visitors feel welcome "in a place filled with love, vision and spirit to serve."

"I am thankful to God for calling me to be the pastor and teacher at Emanuel United Church of Christ," Roethemeyer said.

Question: What led you to this church in particular?

Answer: I felt a tremendous sense of sincere ministry, mission and faith foundation to serve locally as well as the wider church needs.

Q: When did you decide to go into the ministry?

A: In my home church, St. Paul United Church of Christ, when I was in the confirmation class, at the age of 13. I presented a paper on the Lord's Supper in the worship service. Members of the church encouraged me to consider the ministry. I began to hear the call of God to pursue the road to ministry and with the solid faith of my parents, pastors, education and people who inspired, I was ordained June 8, 1975, at St. Paul.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish at this church?

A: I hope to create a church with a vision to find strength in worship, prayer and study of God's word, to reach out in compassion and care to meet the urgent needs of the less fortunate, to welcome people who are without a church family and to create an atmosphere of friendly fellowship.

Q: How do you hope to help people in your role at the church?

A: I hope by the example of my faith, relying on the help of God, I can share with others the importance of worship, prayer and the study of God's word to receive spiritual nourishment to serve others.

Q: What is the most difficult part of your job?

A: The most difficult part of my call to ministry at Emanuel is feeling the hurt of those suffering and ways to help them find comfort and strength.

Q: Where do you find strength and support to minister and help others?

A: I find strength and support to minister and help others in sincere trust and faith in God first and foremost. Secondly, through my wife, Marilee, and my children, Christy, Beth and Matthew, and their families. I appreciate the great prayerful support of the people at Emanuel and in the community who continue to inspire me to help others.

Q: What is your favorite verse and why?

A: Matthew 7:7, "Ask, and it will be given you, seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you." It is my confirmation verse. I ask for God's guidance and pursue ministry and opportunities where given to seek to further my spiritual and education endeavors. And the door was opened to serve, called by God in ordained ministry for 35 1/2 years.