New pastor begins at Christian Church

Sunday, June 6 marked the first Sunday for Pastor Russ Hamilton at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Gallatin.

Russ Hamilton is a native of northwest Missouri, graduating from Cainsville High School in 1985. In 1989, he received Bachelor of Science degrees in accounting and business management from Missouri Western State College, St. Joseph.

His first job was with the Missouri State Auditor’s office (1989-1994). He has also worked in the accounting field for the Department of Natural Resources (1994-1999), and the Department of Health (1999-2001). While working for the state he attended the Missouri School of Religion Center for Rural Ministry and received a certificate of Pastoral Ministry in 2000.

Rev. Hamilton served Mokane Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1999, and in November 2000 he began serving part-time at Ozark Highlands Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Rolla while continuing his state job.

In May, 2001, the Hamilton family moved to Rolla from Jefferson City where they had lived for 10 years. While serving the church in Rolla, Pastor Hamilton was involved with many community organizations and activities. He served on the boards of GRACE, United Ministries in Higher Education (UMHE), Rolla Ministerial Alliance, and the Phelps County Regional Medical Center Chaplains Association. He was a member of the Breakfast Kiwanis Club, a volunteer chaplain at Phelps County Regional Medical Center, and was involved in organizing the first Rolla Ecumenical Area Youth Lock-In.

In addition to serving as pastor of the Rolla church, Rev. Hamilton worked as an accountant at Auxi Home Health from 2001-2002. He also drove a school bus for the Rolla Public School District for two years.

His wife, Theresa, is a freelance writer. Her work recently appeared in the February issue of the Missouri Conservationist Magazine. She was raised in San Diego, Calif., and moved to Missouri in 1981. She graduated from Conway High School (1983) and later received a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from Lincoln University (1994), Jefferson City.

Russ and Theresa’s 8-year-old son, Sam, will be in third grade this year. He is already involved in summer school and baseball. The Hamiltons’ two adult daughters, Meghan Stevens and Rachel Sloan, live in Lebanon, Mo. Meghan is attending Drury University pursuing a degree in elementary education. Rachel and her husband, Josh, are enjoying their new baby, Brandi Taylor, born Dec. 22, 2003.

Members of the Gallatin First Christian Church are delighted to welcome Pastor Russ, Theresa and Sam into the congregation and community. They invite you to help welcome the Hamilton family into our community by joining us for worship on Sunday morning.

Contemporary worship services are held at 8:45 a.m. Sundays in the Fellowship Hall, located at Highway 13 and Prospect; traditional worship service is held at 10:45 a.m. each Sunday in the sanctuary located at 111 East Grand Street.