Saturday, September 7, 2024
As Hood County prepares for a new chapter in its spiritual journey, Reverend Angela Madden Scott steps into her role as the Pastor and Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church (FPC), Granbury. Her tenure will commence on June first, with her first Sunday service on June second. Reverend Scott brings a wealth of experience and a profound sense of duty and love to her new position. About her calling, Scott considers it “…a holy privilege to love people in all circumstances.”
Regarding Granbury’s First Presbyterian Church, she says, “God is here and doing many important things through the people who gather weekly at 10 a.m. in person and online and through their outreach, educational opportunities, and fellowship.”
JOURNEY TO MINISTRY
Scott’s journey to Texas is marked by a deep-seated commitment to ministry, which began with her ordination 18 years ago and has since taken her across various regions to serve in churches from Kentucky to Kansas, Ohio, and Missouri.
Growing up in Wichita, Kansas, she felt the stirring of a call to ministry at a young age. “I did what most of us do and I said 'No' to God,” Scott says.
After graduating college, she went to law school and though she toured seminaries, again, Scott deferred the call. “Upon graduation from law school, I quit my job to move home to care for my mom who had ALS Lou Gehrig's disease,” Scott says. Through the next six years of her mother’s challenging medical journey to becoming a quadriplegic, Scott began to “really listen to God in a much more 'open' and less resistant manner.” Her mother died on June 16, 2002 — Father's Day.
Then came the pivotal moment in Reverend Scott's life when she heeded the call that had long been nudging her towards ministry.
With the unwavering encouragement of her husband and ministry partner, Jack Scott Sr., she found the courage to pursue her path. There were only two seminaries at that time that allowed students to have pets on campus (in the US). That narrowed the decision down. Scott was given ample scholarships. “My husband quit his job as a stockbroker and he sold our home in five days,” She says, “I quit my six-figure job and found a home for my third pet (a bunny) since we could only have two pets on campus.” With Scott’s dad’s help, the family was relocated within three weeks. “The Penske truck broke down in Okawville, Illinois,” Scott says, “about 250 miles from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. It had to be towed the rest of the way.”
Scott’s first call to preach was with the greater church of the PCUSA in their headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. Reverend Scott was an Associate for Ecumenical and Mission Partnerships for Europe and the Middle East. With an undergraduate degree in International Studies and a law degree from Washburn Law School, Scott’s first sermons after ordination were in Egypt and Lebanon. She appreciates the diversity of God’s world as well as the opportunity to find common ground through mediation, communications, and mutual partnerships.
FAMILY
Scott’s unique path to marriage was prompted by her mother’s involvement and creativity, and it all came together like a romantic comedy with a happy ending. “I knew instantly he was the one,” Scott says. “My husband — Jack Scott Sr. is a partner in ministry. He is a soulmate who understands that when God calls us, we cannot deny what beauty God is creating.” Together, they have a son, Major Scott, age 14, but are a blended family that includes two grown children and two grandsons.
VISION AND MISSION
As part of her mission, Reverend Scott is eager to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment at First Presbyterian Church Granbury, where all are embraced and accepted. “FPC has a robust music program led by Dr. Priscilla Allen, Jane Seley, and Emily Graham that includes The Chancel and Bell Choirs and children's voices. Special music is also provided. The IT Team and Sound team take seriously their roles of enhancing worship and broadcasting it for anyone around the globe.”
PCUSA is a Christian Church of the reformed tradition. Congregants can expect sermons filled with wisdom and warmth to uplift and inspire. Scott’s message for the June second sermon is called, "Play the Ball Where the Monkey Drops It!" The children's message is "Builders Together for Jesus." Congregants can look forward to special fellowship events following worship services, as well as upcoming gatherings like the church picnic on June 28.
“As a curious and non-judgmental leader, I love that this church (PCUSA) throws wide open the doors to illustrate the character of God's own heart: open and loving,” Scott says. She looks forward to walking with families through all moments of their life stories: baptisms, confirmations, transitions, death, sickness, and yes even stress. “In life and death, we belong to God.”
For Reverend Angela Madden Scott, her arrival at First Presbyterian Church Granbury represents not just a new chapter, but a sacred opportunity to weave her unique gifts and experiences into the rich tapestry of faith and community. As she steps forward with humility, grace, and a deep sense of purpose, she invites all to join her in the journey of faith, love, and service.
