Full name: Brandi Grant
But please call me: Brandi (or I also answer to "hey you")
Born where and when: in Defiance Ohio; January 20th
Family facts: My Beagle named Dave is my pride and joy! However, Dave and I will be welcoming some new family members in June. On June 20th, I will be getting married to my fiance Justin, and Dave will be getting a new brother, Justin's black lab named Charlie!
Education: I received my Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry and Psychology from Ohio Northern University in 2005. I am currently working on my Masters of Divinity at Methodist Theological School in Ohio.
How I became a Christian: I found God in an RV! When I was nine years old an RV pulled up to the front of my elementary school and started me on my Christian journey. Every week my third grade class would go out to the RV and learn Bible stories from a little old lady who taught us what it meant to love God. That year I talked my parents into taking me to church, and, just a few months later, my parents, sister and I were all baptized together. While the first time I heard about Christ was while sitting in an RV when I was nine years old, I believe that being a Christian is a journey that I embark on each and every day.
How I ended up at First Church: In 2007, I heard a rumor about this great congregation in Newark, Ohio, and just had to check it out. Turns out the rumor was right, and I am blessed to be a part of the First UMC congregation and staff!
The most important thing I do around here is: Help teenagers to recognize God's love and presence by listening to them, sharing in their lives and loving them unconditionally. In turn, I hope they will be encouraged and empowered to respond to God's presence and love, by loving and serving others.
My vision for the future of First Church is: That First UMC will continue to work at being a vibrant faith community who strives to show Christ's love to others by meeting people where they are and loving them unconditionally.
One way folks can pray for me is: By praying for God's continual guidance in my life, the life of our teens, and the life of our church family.