On behalf of the Resident Ministry Work Group, we are thrilled to announce that two wonderful new Resident Ministers will be joining our staff in August 2025! Please join us in welcoming Hanna Richards and Sarah Rutherford, who will bring their gifts, experiences, and passion for ministry to our congregation.
Hanna Richards (she/her) hails from Bowling Green, Ohio. After earning her Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, she moved to Southeast Michigan with her husband, Nasir, and their rescue Beagle mix, Peaches. Hanna is currently completing a year-long chaplaincy residency at U of M Hospital and is in the final stage of ordination in the PC(USA). She is thrilled to begin her ministry at First Pres! In her free time, Hanna enjoys walking her dog, traveling, and playing golf.
Sarah Rutherford is originally from Dallas and is finishing her Master of Divinity at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Texas A&M University. Sarah has worked at Casa Marianella, a shelter for asylum seekers, and has served in congregations in the Church of Scotland. She also completed Clinical Pastoral Education at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. Sarah enjoys running, traveling, and trying new ice cream flavors.
We are excited for the gifts and perspectives Hanna and Sarah will bring to First Pres as they continue their formation for ministry. Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare for this new chapter, and join us in giving them a warm First Pres welcome when they arrive in August!
We are also deeply grateful to the Resident Ministry Work Group, Sandra McDonald (Resident Ministry Program Administrator), and our staff for their time, discernment, and support throughout the selection process. Their dedication ensures that this program continues to thrive and shape the next generation of pastors.