By Patsy Brown and Alyce Walcavich
Special correspondents
The Palmyra United Methodist Church community welcomed the Rev. Daniel H. Burch as its new pastor Sunday, July 5, when he preached at both the 8:30 and 11 a.m. worship services.
“Pastor Daniel,” as he is known, follows the Rev. Sung W. Yoo, who has retired.
Burch brings an extensive background in serving rural churches in both Kentucky and Virginia. He was ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church and holds a Master of Divinity degree and a Master of Theology degree from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond.
Burch is a lifelong Methodist who grew up on a family farm in Stafford County. As a child, he was active with his family and the United Methodist Church. His first job, from ages 10 to 15, was as a farmhand. As a teenager, he refereed soccer and worked at a golf course.
After high school, Burch was offered both soccer and golf scholarships to Randolph-Macon College in Ashland. He turned down both scholarships and majored in religious studies and ethics.
He later pursued religious studies at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond. In seminary, he balanced his passion for theological education with his growing relationship with God through ecumenical studies.
After completing his Master of Divinity degree, Burch was accepted into the Clinical Pastoral Education program and served for 10 weeks as a clinical chaplain at VCU Medical Center, formerly the Medical College of Virginia, working mostly in pediatric trauma and women’s health units. He said the experience led him to ask hard questions, which compelled him to continue his studies and earn a second master’s degree. His focus was on the Old Testament book of Job and its relation to human suffering.
Since completing his studies, Burch has served four churches through three appointments. He served as a minister at Warsaw United Methodist Church in eastern Virginia for three years. After his marriage, he relocated to Kentucky with his wife, Linda, who was serving as a Presbyterian minister there. In Kentucky, Burch served the Carlisle-Owingsville Charge for two years. His second post was at Mount Sterling First United Methodist Church, where he served for four years.
Two years ago, Burch was ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church, giving him full rights to administer all sacraments.
When asked about his leadership style, Burch said empowerment and communication are at the top of his list. He believes God’s grace empowers people to change the world. His preaching style involves research, study, and planning.
His wife, who is also a pastor and now serves Cove Presbyterian Church in Nelson County, enhances his preaching. They are best friends and partners in life and ministry. Their shared understanding of church dynamics and culture makes his ministry more fulfilling.
Burch brings energy and vitality to the congregation and the community. He plans to reach out to people and communicate by text, phone and email, as well as in person. He will schedule office hours and appointments and plans to meet people throughout Fluvanna as he checks out local coffee shops and golf courses.
Outside the church, Burch is an avid golfer and enjoys fishing. He and his wife enjoy hiking and playing with their dog, Maker, a flat-coated retriever. Burch also likes to read and research. His musical talents include guitar and mandolin, and he is learning the banjo. In a pinch, he can also play the trombone. In addition, he can play handbells and may sing bass in the church choir and perhaps ring in one of the church’s two bell choirs.
Burch is eager to serve not only Palmyra United Methodist Church but also the wider Fluvanna community.
