Join us every Wednesday during Lent for our Lenten Lunch series! We are excited to welcome area pastors who will share the Word of God and lead us in holy reflection. Each week, you will be served a delicious hot lunch while hearing an inspiring message from a local faith leader.
Time: 11:30 AM – 1 PM
Location: First United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall
This is a wonderful opportunity to come together in fellowship, enjoy a hearty meal, and be spiritually nourished by the preaching of God’s Word. We invite you to bring friends, family, and neighbors to be part of this special Lenten tradition.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Note: There is no charge for the meal, but donations are welcome to help cover costs.
Wednesday, March 12
Rusty Milton
Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Dothan
Rusty is originally from Auburn, Alabama. He attended college at the University of Montevallo, where he became a believer through the ministry of Campus Outreach. After college, Rusty spent time as a missionary in Mongolia, before returning to America to study for pastoral ministry at Wheaton College and Covenant Seminary. Rusty pastored for five years in Clanton, AL before being called to pastor in Christchurch, New Zealand for seven years.
Rusty and his wife Jennifer met in St. Louis while Rusty was in seminary. They have three children Phin, Addie, and Liam. The Miltons are passionate about missions and love adventure and hospitality. They love to travel and enjoy the outdoors.
Wednesday, March 19
Mark Benson
Lead Pastor of DothanFirst Church, Dothan
Pastors Mark and Michele Benson have been investing into the lives of others in full-time ministry for over 30 years and have been the lead pastors of DothanFirst Church since 2016. They previously served as executive and campus pastors for 10 years at The Rock Family Worship Center based out of Huntsville Alabama. Both are graduates of Southeastern University in Lakeland Florida, where they received their formal theological training. Their passion is to make a difference in the lives of others by demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ. They have three adult children: Taylor, Griffin and Camryn.
Wednesday, March 26
Derrick Tiller
Executive Director of The Harbor, Dothan
Derrick Tiller serves as pastor of the Historic Cherry Street AME Church in Dothan, and as the Executive Director of the Harbor, overseeing its operations and fostering a love for the community.
A devoted husband and father, he finds joy in his role as a family man, cherishing moments with his wife Alea and their two children, Peyton and Priest.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Derrick is a dedicated community activist, tirelessly working to address social issues and advocate for positive change.
Wednesday, April 2
Dr. Olivia Poole
Senior Pastor at St. Luke United Methodist Church, Enterprise
A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Dr. Olivia Poole was raised in the congregation of First United Methodist Church. She attended Auburn University and received a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration before going to Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. She received her doctorate from Duke University with an emphasis on women’s leadership with the dissertation, “Women Who Proclaim in the Gospel of John: John 4 and John 20 as Paradigms of Women’s Leadership for the Contemporary Church.” Olivia was ordained as an elder in full connection in 2013 and serves as the pastor of St. Luke United Methodist Church where she seeks to lead the congregation to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
In her free time, Olivia enjoys running, hiking, and spending time outdoors. She also enjoys spending time with close friends and family. Two of her favorite places are Orange Beach and Blue Lake.
Olivia is married to Rev. Steve Reneau who is the pastor of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. Steve and Olivia have two children, Grantham and Ennis-Hartley.
Wednesday, April 9
Paul Thompson
Senior Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Dothan
Paul joined the Calvary Baptist Church staff as Senior Pastor in March, 2012. Prior to serving there, he was the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Jensen Beach, Florida for 15 years. Paul and his wife Cecilia met while students at Mars Hill University in Mars Hill, NC and married after graduation in 1992. They have 3 sons (Daniel, Alex, and Mark), 1 daughter (Sarah), and 2 granddaughters (Charlie and Allie).
Wednesday, April 16
John Coleman
Interim Rector at The Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Dothan.
Rev. John Coleman currently serves as the Interim Rector at The Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Dothan. He holds a M.Div. from the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church in New York City. He has served Episcopal churches in various capacities throughout Alabama and the panhandle of Florida, including seven years as Rector at Church of the Ascension in Montgomery, Alabama. John is active in many local, state and church outreach/service and arts organizations. He and his wife Mary have three children, James, William and Caroline.