Methodist church welcomes new pastor
By Suzanne Werre
Editor
A director of spiritual care. That’s what Turtle Lake’s United Methodist Church’s new pastor will be.
That’s not his official title now, but that’s what it was recently at Sanford Health in Bismarck. Before his recent retirement, Dr./Pastor Preston VanLoon was officially the Director of Spiritual Care at Sanford. He’s bringing his expertise to the congregation at the local Methodist Church, hoping to provide spiritual enlightenment and growth.
“My goal is to just provide caring and compassionate pastoral leadership,” said VanLoon, who when asked if he prefers to be called Dr. or Pastor, laughed as he replied, “You can call me doctor, or pastor – just don’t call me late for dinner.”
Recently retired from his position at Sanford, VanLoon says his new position at United Methodist just seems like a good fit.
