The Union Church of La Harpe has a new Associate Minister that is very familiar to the congregation and the community.

Rick Goettsche has joined his father on the pastoral staff at the Union Church.

Rick has been called to be the associate pastor of Outreach and Education. He began working in August.

Rick is a graduate of La Harpe Elementary and La Harpe High School. He graduated with honors with a BA in Pre-Med from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.

While at SIUE he served for three years as the president of the Baptist Student Ministries and was responsible for developing many different programs for the ministry. Upon graduation he worked for Stephen Ministries in St. Louis, MO.

Rick returns to La Harpe with his wife, Sarah and their son,Gabriel Quayle. They live at 802 W. Main in La Harpe.

The younger Pastor Goettsche will be responsible for overseeing the educational and youth ministries of the church and will be developing several outreach ministries.

He is organizing the new INTERACT alternative worship service which will meet on Saturday nights at 6:00 p.m.The first meeting will be October 21st.

Rick is also serving on the technology committee for the new high school and is serving as a mentor.

If you see Rick, Sarah or Gabe around the community, please extend them a warm welcome.