Pastor James Mitchum retires after 25 years at Petoskey United Methodist Church

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PETOSKEY — The Petoskey United Methodist Church said farewell to its longtime pastor James Mitchum on Sunday following 25 years of service to the church.

Mitchum started with the church in 1997 and has since made an impression on the local community by not only serving his congregation but for having such a long tenure as the church's pastor.

"He's our longest serving pastor at the church," said human resources committee member and longtime church member Lonnie Woodward.

"There are other pastors around that have had long tenures but it's amazing he's been with us for so long," she said.

Mitchum attended seminary at Asbury Seminary in Kentucky and his doctorate from United Seminary in Ohio before serving as an associate pastor at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids from 1987-1997 before coming to Petoskey.

He's since served on the conference board of ordination and the conference Youth Leadership Camp and has taken seven trips to Africa, is part of the leadership for South African Medical Expeditions and has participated in many community events including working on the community garden at the church that provides goods to the Manna Food Project and others.

"Being a clergy is a 24/7 job but he loves both the church and the congregation and is always working on the next thing," said the church's youth director and director of ministries Doug Mantha.

"He also gets out frequently to do personal visits and counseling and, if you think about it, think of all of the baptisms, weddings, membership adoptions and everything else that comes through the church. He's touched and served lot of people in our community," he said.

The News-Review reached out to Mitchum, who declined an interview but did provide a statement sharing his gratitude toward the church and community.

It reads: "... there is so much to be grateful as the pastor of Petoskey United Methodist Church for the past years. The church has enriched Michelle and my lives and the lives of so many people in the communities served and the world. I am grateful that the church follows Jesus’ example in investing in the potential of people. Grateful for the church’s commitment to missions locally, around the state, nationally, and across the globe. The church is full of people willing to give of their time, talents, witness, prayers, and resources to reach out to a weary and divided world.

" ... Petoskey United Methodist Church embraces and practices that the world is their parish to share the love of Jesus Christ and heal the world in small ways. I am indebted to many praying and supportive people. I am grateful to God, the people of the church, the Petoskey community and the surrounding area for the opportunity to serve these many years."

Mitchum didn't note his plans for retirement but Mantha and Woodward believe he will enjoy more time with his wife Michelle and his kids Caleb and Meghan and take more time to bike and read.

"It's sad to see him and Michelle go but my goodness, they deserve this. Michelle has served as our praise band leader and has given piano lessons for years and James has certainly left his mark on the church and community," said Woodward.

The Petoskey United Methodist Church will welcome in pastor Julie Greyerbiehl in June and will have guest speakers — including Mantha — until her arrival.

Contact reporter Sean Miller at smiller@petoskeynews.com. Follow him on Twitter, @seanmillerpnr, and Instagram, @sean_everest.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Pastor James Mitchum retires from Petoskey United Methodist Church