When the youth pastor at First United Methodist Church left that position, church member Janell Lockhart was one of the parents who stepped in to help fill the gap, said pastor Rick Cabot.
But the pastor never expected the church to have the good fortune of tapping Lockhart to permanently fill the post.
"She had a tremendous job in human resources, a high-paying job with good benefits," Cabot said. He didn't expect Lockhart to be interested in the job because churches, as a rule, simply can't pay people what they are worth.
So, when she expressed an interest, Cabot was thrilled.
"She has the safety of the kids constantly on her mind and their spiritual well-being," Cabot said.
Lockhart wants to help the youth of the church develop into leaders, he added.
She has already demonstrated her leadership, he said. As Tropical Storm Fay approached last week, Lockhart offered to have the church youth group assist any church member who needed help to prepare for the storm.
The church, at 960 W. Lutz-Lake Fern Road, has an active youth program. Students in grades six and higher are invited to join in youth activities:
7 p.m. Wednesdays: Bible study
6 p.m. to midnight Fridays: Fun Friday Activities
9:30 a.m. Sundays: Sunday school
11 a.m. Sundays: Worship
3 p.m. Sundays: Youth band or Servant's Heart Ministry
5 to 8 p.m. Sundays: Youth meal, recreation, fellowship, devotion and worship
For information about the church or youth programs, call (813) 949-1751.
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