Heath, TX (July 2, 2025) – Peter McNabb has been appointed by Bishop Ruben Saenz to become the new pastor of First United Methodist Church of Heath effective July 1. Rev. McNabb served most recently as pastor of First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs and before that as pastor of First United Methodist Church of Terrell.
“It is a great honor to be asked to come serve this church and community as we seek to grow as our mission statement says, ‘Helping people grow to love Jesus and each other.’ I am excited about the possibilities for the future!”
Pastor Pete is an Elder in the Horizon Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church and a graduate of the Course of Study and Advanced Course of Study of Perkins School of Theology at SMU. He serves on the Board of Ministry.
First United Methodist Church of Heath is located at 140 Smirl Drive in Heath. The church is very involved in the community and is known for its Li’l Voyagers Preschool, as well as its support of local schools, Scouting and C.O.A.C.H. home-school programs. The church also hosts H.A.T.S. (Heath Area Terrific Seniors.)
Before going into the ministry, Pastor Pete had a long career in news and advertising as well as many years of experience as a Disciple Bible School teacher and lay leader at his home church in Irving and as a Cubmaster and Scoutmaster.
He and his wife, Daria, have been married 42 years. They actually played in the band together in elementary school, junior high and high school but did not start dating until they met each other afresh at a Halloween party at Texas Tech University. They went on to write on the staff of The University Daily and attended lots of Red Raider football and basketball games before getting engaged and married after graduation.
They later settled in Irving and became very involved in the United Methodist Church there. They have two grown sons, Reagan and Austin. Austin and his wife, Sarah, have two adorable daughters, Alice and Stacy, who frequently work their way into sermon illustrations.
In addition to time with his granddaughters, Pastor Pete enjoys riding his bicycle, reading, playing pickleball, watching movies, and going out to eat with friends.
He believes the Lord’s Prayer is our guide not just for prayer but for life. “Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” is a call to action for the church today.
Submitted press release, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photo.
First United Methodist Church of Heath welcomes Reverend Peter McNabb added by Melanie M on
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