Marysville pastors swap places in spirit of cooperation

Published 10:53 pm Saturday, June 13, 2009

MARYSVILLE — Four Marysville pastors will step down from their pulpits on Sunday to make room for leaders of other churches. Two more pastors will exchange congregations in August.

It’s the third year the group of Marysville ministers will swap pulpits. They say the annual event, which this year occurs while the churches are planning their joint Summer Jubilee program, energizes their congregations and inspires them to work together.

“We have so many amazing pastors,” said Mike Villamor, pastor of Turning Point World Outreach Center. “I consider myself middle of the road compared to some of their preaching ability.”

Steve Schertzinger, former pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship, is scheduled to speak at Villamor’s church today. Schertzinger does not currently lead a congregation. That means there weren’t enough churches for all the pastors involved in the swap, so Villamor will take the Sunday off, said Judi Johnston, an events coordinator for Turning Point.

Victor Rodriguez of Marysville Free Methodist Church will speak at Allen Creek Community Church, Rich Thiessen of Allen Creek will speak at Marysville Christian Church, and David Carnes of Marysville Christian will speak at Marysville Free Methodist.

In August, Tom Albright of Marysville United Methodist and Mary Allen of St. Philips Episcopal will switch churches. An exact date has not yet been released.

The pastors participating in the pulpit swap are among those involved in the annual Summer Jubilee, an event that kicks off the local school season with free school supplies, concerts and games. That event is scheduled for Aug. 10 and will be held at the Tulalip Amphitheatre. The Tulalip Tribes, owner of the amphitheater, donated the venue, Villamor said.

Krista J. Kapralos: 425-339-3422, kkapralos@heraldnet.com.