Magnolia Methodist & Deerford UMC Welcome New Pastor

    Rev. Susie H. Thomas of Baton Rouge is the newly-appointed pastor at Magnolia United Methodist Church, Central, and Deerford United Methodist Church, Zachary. Rev. Thomas, 52, served most recently as associate pastor at First United Methodist in Baton Rouge. During her five years at First UMC, Rev. Thomas directed the church's outreach ministries, as well as FUMC's support-group and singles ministries.
    Thomas is a native of Monkton, MD. She graduated from Drew Theological School in Madison, NJ in 2009, and was ordained in 2012. She and her husband, Britt, have lived in Louisiana for 15 years. They have two daughters: Olivia, 18, and Katherine, 13.
    Rev. Thomas says that she is looking forward to getting to know her churches, and the communities of Central and Zachary. "I really feel that God has called my family and me to serve at Magnolia and Deerford. We can't wait to help both of these congregations to build on their strengths and to grow in love and service to their communities," she says.