New pastor takes over at Modesto’s First United Methodist
The Rev. Ani Missirian-Dill is the new lead pastor at First United Methodist Church in Modesto, taking over the role in July.
Missirian-Dill was born and raised in Nashville, Tenn. According to a biography from the church, her mother’s family originates from Armenia, including some relatives who fled the Armenian genocide. Her father’s family lives in Mobile, Ala., including paternal grandfather the Rev. Dr. Stephen Dill, a retired Methodist district-superintendent and pastor.
Missirian-Dill has degrees from Birmingham Southern College and Vanderbilt University Divinity School in Nashville. Her experience includes leadership in urban ministry, community development, nonprofit administration, community organizing, public relations, fundraising and education.
In Birmingham, Ala., she worked with Harris Early Learning Center, BSC Bunting Service-Learning Center, and the nonprofit Urban Kids and Church Without Walls, a community-based Methodist congregation. In Tennessee, Missirian-Dill ministered to Christ Quest Community Church of Memphis, Christ Quest Kids and Center for Transforming Ministries, a “Communities of Shalom” partnership ministry.
During her time in Nashville, she was part of a team that began Harvest Hands Community Development Corporation, a community ministry. Missirian-Dill also lived briefly in Armenia, working with a nongovernmental organization focused on local development.
She has served as lead pastor of La Trinidad United Methodist Church in San Jose and currently is a provisional elder in the Cal-Nevada Conference.
Upcoming faith-related events:
Music
LILLIE KNAULS – 10:50 a.m. Aug. 21, Richland Faith Assembly of God, 1201 Richland Ave. in Ceres. Free with an offering. 209-538-3838.
Classes
SELF HEALING WORKSHOP – Noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, Center for Spiritual Living Modesto, 2125 Wylie Drive, Modesto. Ways to live a more balanced life. $20. 209-606-1582.
BOOK STUDY – 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 23, Center for Spiritual Living, 2125 Wylie Drive, Modesto. “Discover a Richer Life” by Ernest Holmes. 209-648-3495.
NEW CREATION IN CHRIST – 7 p.m. Fridays, Calvary Chapel, 4300 American Ave., Modesto. Faith-based ministry for men who are struggling against addiction and/or life-dominating sin. 209-545-5530.
COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY – 10 a.m. Sundays, Healing Word Christian Fellowship Church, 950 Oakdale Road, Modesto. 209-450-6612.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES – Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; call for times. Shelter Cove Church, 4242 Coffee Road, Modesto. 209-567-3200.
MOPS – 6 to 8 p.m. first and third Wednesdays, Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 1600 Carver Road, Modesto. Trinity United Modesto Mothers of Preschoolers. 209-529-3228.
Miscellaneous
FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY — 12:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15, St. John Bosco Catholic Church, 1606 Imperial Ave., Modesto. Catholic Latin Mass and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. 209-599-6242.
MASSES FOR THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY – 8 and 9:30 a.m., noon, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. (Spanish), St. Joseph’s Church, 1813 Oakdale Road, Modesto. 209.551.4973
PIONEER CLUBS – 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays starting Aug. 17, Centenary Church, McHenry at Norwegian avenues, Modesto. Midweek program for preschool through fifth grade that combines solid Bible teaching with fun life-skill activities. Fee for materials. 209-527-5441.
FILM “CONVINCED” – 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27, State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto. Considering his own journey into the Catholic Church, filmmaker Don Johnson traveled around the country visiting with interesting and articulate Catholic personalities. $5 at church office only; no tickets at the door. 209-551-4973
KINGDOM MEN SHOW AND SHINE CAR SHOW – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, The House, 1601 Coffee Road, Modesto. Family event with DJ, food and vendors. Fundraiser for The Crest Men’s Retreat. Free. 209-613-6723.
Send events by noon Tuesday to pclark@modbee.com.
This story was originally published August 12, 2016 at 10:42 AM with the headline "New pastor takes over at Modesto’s First United Methodist."