The Escalon United Methodist Church has welcomed Pastor Peggy Bosch as its new pastor.

Originally from Texas, Pastor Peggy moved to California in 1976 and spent most of her career in public education.

“In the last decade or so, though, I just felt a need, a desire, to focus on serving God by loving and serving His children through the ministry,” she explained. “I am a firm believer in working together and am excited about possibilities and opportunities with the congregation, as well as joining forces with other local churches and members of the community.”

She is now a conference lay minister (ClayM) and finished her licensing coursework at the Claremont School of Theology in July 2015.

Pastor Peggy lives in Valley Springs with her husband, Pastor John Bosch, who is the minister for the Valley Springs First United Methodist Church. They have been serving congregations southwest of Fresno, with Pastor Peggy as the minister of the Corcoran First United Methodist for the last two years. They moved there, however, four years ago from Jackson in Amador County where they had lived for over 30 years. They have three adult children.

Their oldest child, a son, lives in Lemoore and their middle child, another son, is in the Coast Guard, married with three children. Their youngest child, a daughter, recently finished college in New York City and has stayed on there, living and working on the East Coast.

“My favorite things are reading and playing with my grandkids,” Pastor Peggy said.

She also has been active in the Red Hat Society.

Pastor Peggy led her first Sunday service at the Escalon United Methodist Church, 2000 Jackson Ave., on Sunday, July 3.

“We had a nice showing from the congregation,” Pastor Peggy noted. “They were very kind and warm and welcoming.”

Upcoming events at the church are scheduled to include the annual ice cream social on Aug. 6 and a concert by pianist John Nilsen, also scheduled next month.

The pastor said she is also looking forward to meeting many new people in the community.

The motto of the Methodist church is Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors. For more information, call the church office at 209-838-2792.