Pastor Timothy Palmer has seen many changes since coming to Coldwater United Methodist Church in January 2000, including a complete renovation of the sanctuary in 2006, as well as many changes in the church structure and leadership as many of our faithful members have went home to be with the Lord. As the longest serving pastor in the recent history of our church, Tim has had a very effective ministry at Coldwater. Under his direction and visionary leadership, (for which he always gives God the credit) our average attendance has increased from about 30 in 2000 to around 60 this year.Although pleased with the growth, he says the numbers are not that important.His goal is to see the congregation, whatever the size, grow spiritually and develop a closer relationship with God and each other. He grew up northeast of Kirksey on Airport Road, an area his family has farmed for several generations.He started farming independently in 1992, while still in high school.Besides farming, he worked at Miller Funeral Home and work for J.D. Equipment Center working with and selling John Deere tractors and equipment. He met his wife, Cassidy, in October of 1998 while attending MSU.Cassidy grew up on a farm in Enfield, Illinois.Tim and Cassidy were married November 18, 2000.The latest addition to the Palmer family is Tim and Cassidy’s daughter, Riley Lynn. She was born March 21, 2008. You can learn more about the Palmer family and see many wonderful pictures of Riley by visiting their website: timcassidy.blogspot.com . Tim graduated from Murray State in May 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.He went on to receive an Associate of Arts in Funeral Services from John A. Gupton College, in Nashville, Tennessee,in December 2005. He is employed by J.H. Churchill Funeral Home which is owned by Terry and Karen Isaacs.In addition to being a Funeral Director, Tim and Cassidy operate a small farming operation of their own consisting of corn, soybeans and beef cattle. While farming and funerals are no piece of cake, his role as pastor is probably the most challenging.He surrendered to the ministry in November 1997 and began filling in at various churches until becoming pastor at Johnson Chapel UMC near Paris, TN in June 1998. He served at Johnson Chapel until he was appointed to Coldwater and Lynn Grove in 2000. He has seen the power of God at work in many people’s lives, including his own.I’ve heard him tell how when he first started preaching he wrote his sermons down beforehand, but didn’t feel like those sermons were anything to brag about. Now he is at peace with letting God have control and preaching as the Holy Spirit moves him. If you don’t have a church home, or you don’t have the relationship with God that you need, we encourage you to visit the worship services at Coldwater United Methodist Church. You don’t need fancy clothes or a lot of money to be welcomed in our church. All you need is a desire to grow closer to God.
Youth Pastor William Castleberry
Bro. William Castleberry was invited by a friend to church in 1996.Later that year William realized his need of a Savior and asked Jesus into his heart.He became very involved in youth activities at Briensburg Baptist Church and has been able to be a part of many different ministries that involve youth and kids.While in college he never felt comfortable with the career path he had chosen in engineering and it was then that he realized it wasn’t his will that mattered, it was God’s will that would bring him peace in his life.Taking a leap of faith, William pursued a Bachelors of Science in Applied Psychology and Counseling from Mid-Continent College in Mayfield, KY.He finished this program and graduated cum laude in 2003.In June of 2002 William was called to be youth director of New Zion Baptist Church and served faithfully there until July of 2009. William married Laura on May 29th 2004 and they have one child born March 2009.July 2009 William was asked to join Coldwater United Methodist Church as their student pastor where the adventure is continuing.
Coldwater United Methodist Church 8317 State Route 121 North Murray, KY 42071 Telephone: 270-489-2381 Email: pastor@coldwaterchurch.org
