This is the first in a series focusing on clergy in the Ada Icon community. Darlene Bowers compiles the interviews.

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient and accept each other with love.” Ephesians 4:2.  Pastor Courtnie Morton’s favorite Bible verse tells a lot about her life, work and passion. Read on to learn more about this Ada pastor and Sugar Grove Church.

Pastor Courtnie Morton
Sugar Grove United Methodist Church
4945 State Route 81, Ada

What degrees have you earned and from which institutions?
I graduated from Caldwell High School, from Muskingum University with a Bachelor's of Arts and a, currently in the United Theological Seminary Course of Study Program.

How long have you served in the ministry?
Five years.

Where have you served?
Derwent United Methodist; Byesville Trinity United Methodist; Bethlehem United Methodist Byesville; and now at Sugar Grove United Methodist.

How did you come to be a clergyperson?
I felt God calling me into ministry in high school. My pastor mentored me by taking me to meetings, showing me the administrative side of churches, and helping me to learn visitation and funeral etiquette. During college I began speaking in other churches and felt God calling me to go into pastoral ministry. My senior year of my undergraduate degree, I began serving three wonderful churches who were gracious in teaching and guiding me in ministry.

What are your favorite roles, duties and tasks of being a clergyperson?
Hospital visitation and end of life care.

What is the most challenging part of being a clergyperson?
Preparing a sermon every week.

What do you feel is the greatest strength of your congregation?
There are so many wonderful strengths of Sugar Grove, but their greatest strength would probably be their love for the children of God. The faithful servants in the congregation will drop anything and everything if someone needs help or is struggling. There are the embodiment of the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to neighbors, friends, and children of God.

What makes your congregation unique or different or special?
Whenever I hear anyone outside the church speak about Sugar Grove, they say they make the best pies. This is true, but I would say Sugar Grove is unique and special for the food, for their servant hearts, but also for the wonderful music in worship to the Lord.

Our fantastic piano player, Connie Crouse, is so Spirit-filled when choosing and playing the worship music and we have a great Worship Team that brings in new and old music to reach a wide range of interests.

During the Lenten and Advent seasons we have a brass band (and a couple other instruments) that fills our worship with joy and thanksgiving.

Share some of your best or most memorable clergy moment?
During the sermon on a Sunday morning, I asked a rhetorical question and a 2- year-old little girl shouted, “NO!” It is a constant reminder that no matter our age, we are all God’s children, loved, accepted and, welcome in the body of Christ. It is also a reminder that even little ones hear the message of God’s love and are an important part of the church.

In what hobbies, interests and activities do you enjoy?
Running, hiking, disc golfing, playing “Ticket to Ride” with my husband and family, memorizing the soundtrack to the musical “Hamilton,” going to musicals and sporting events, meeting my group of friends for fun nights, and spending time with my family.

If you weren’t a clergyperson what would you be doing?
Most likely, I would be working in a funeral home.

What is your favorite Bible verse?
Ephesians 4:2 - “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient and accept each other with love.”

What qualities would your congregation say are your strengths?
Hopefully, compassion and grace.

What would your congregation be amused to learn about you?
My 10-year-old brother and I like to learn the newest dance crazes and sometimes make dance videos!

Thank you, Pastor Courtnie Morton for sharing your grace and compassion with us!