Our Pastor: Rev. Maria Penrod

Hi! My name is Pastor Maria. I grew up in the country outside Overbrook, KS, and went to Santa Fe Trail schools (Go Chargers!) and then on to K-State (Go Wildcats!). I received my call to ministry in college, through an internship with the Great Plains United Methodist Conference and a fellowship at the General Board of Church and Society. I went to seminary at Garrett in Evanston, IL (Sadly no mascots in seminary), where I graduated with my Master of Divinity in 2021.

From 2021 to 2024, I served at Aldersgate UMC in Wichita. I was ordained as a deacon in the Great Plains Conference in 2023. Deacons are ordained to word, service, compassion, and justice, qualities that I strive to embody in all I do.

My husband, Jacob, and I were married in March of 2024. We love serving Paola UMC and the Paola community! In my spare time, I enjoy reading, getting coffee with church and community members, tomatoes from the garden, board games, our dog Sasha, and long walks across the prairie. I would love to learn more about you!

Email me at maria.penrod@paolaumc.org, call me at 913-294-3475, or stop by the church!