St. Joseph First United Methodist Church            
3003 Leco Court, Saint Joseph, Michigan 49085
Phone: (269) 983-3929
Fax: (269) 983-1973

Wade Panse
Senior Pastor

In 1968, Wade Panse married Patti Schardt when they were both only 19 years old.  During their first year of marriage, Wade volunteered to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force.  He served from 1968 until 1971 attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.  During his enlistment he was director of music for the base chapel and was assigned as Base Engine Manager in Thailand during the Vietnam Conflict.

Wade graduated from high school in Kalamazoo where he played percussion in the band. Then he spent two years at Michigan State before joining the Air Force.  He completed his BA at Asbury College in 1975 after his discharge.  He then continued his studies at Asbury Theological Seminary, receiving an MS in Divinity in 1978.  In that year Wade became pastor of the Burr Oak United Methodist Church near Sturgis, then on to Robbins United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids and then to Mount Hope UM Church in Lansing. 

At this point Wade experienced a mid-career respite by becoming Director of Alumni at Asbury Seminary. 

Following that was an assignment to pastor the UM church at Mount Pleasant and then here to Saint Joseph where he has been since 1997. 

Wade was assigned to this pastorate in St. Joseph by the Bishop and described his assignment here as a most rewarding one. He expressed delight in the many cultural and educational opportunities in the Twin Cities area and his and Patti's enjoyment of the waterfront views and concerts and community experiences.

Wade’s home and office are filled with his collections of miniature antique Bibles and hymnals and a collection of more than 80 fountain pens.  He further enjoys his involvement with small woodworking projects and he and Patti both share a unique gift for interior decorating and restoration as well as a mutual interest in landscaping.

Patti has been a dental assistant for several years, but today is working in interior design which gives her much greater satisfaction.

Wade is trained as a mediator and was president of Central Michigan Christian Conciliation Service (an organization dedicated to the practice of dispute resolution).

Wade and Patti have hosted trips to Israel, Jordon, Egypt, Greece, Italy, India, Honduras and Thailand as well as Western European countries significantly broadening their understanding of world affairs. They have also hosted many 350-mile youth bicycle trips earlier in their careers.

Their children are Michelle Oisten who has two sons (Andrew and Matthew) with her husband Ben…Julie Shepherd who has two daughters (Madison and Avery) with her husband Alan, and Jeremy who is single at this time.  Wade and Patti personify friendliness and their example of a harmonious life together is an inspiration to many of our congregation.

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Contact St. Joseph First United Methodist Church @ stjoefumc2@juno.com