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The Estill Springs United Methodist Church congregation recently welcomed its new pastor, Daniel Phebus of Memphis.

Having started at Estill Springs United Methodist Church on July 1, Pastor Phebus says he is already thoroughly enjoying living in Estill Springs and Franklin County and has been kindly welcomed by all.

“Such a warm, radically hospitable welcome has been possible in large part due to the lovely, fun, Christ-loving people of Estill Springs United Methodist Church,” Pastor Phebus said. “From driving me around the county, taking me out to lunch at Lulu’s Café, inviting me over for dinner, cooking the best church potluck anyone’s seen this side of glory, and much, much more, the people at Estill Springs UMC are truly remarkable and truly embody the love of God in common life together.”

In addition to the people of the community, Pastor Phebus is impressed with the surroundings in Franklin County.

“The lake is idyllic, the farmland is picturesque, and the atmosphere is generally peaceful in what might only be labeled with the moniker, ‘God’s country.’ However, in my experience, the beauty of the place is far surpassed by the beauty of the people,” he said. “The warm welcome I have been graced in receiving, the delicious food and the gracious hospitality are helping me feel at home in the county.”

Pastor Phebus welcomes everyone to come and worship at the Estill Springs UMC.

“If you or someone you know is looking for a place to worship, a place to ask questions or simply a loving community, please come on by,” he urges.

Everyone is invited to attend weekly gatherings on Sunday mornings for Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 10:30 a.m. as well as Monday night Bible study at 7 p.m. and choir practice on Tuesdays at 6 p.m.

Fellowship and fun is held on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. when everyone is encouraged to gather and play cards and dominos, share food and simply enjoy the lively community together.

“I am so greatly thankful to be living in Estill Springs, and I look forward to seeing you around the county and hopefully enjoying community and love at Estill Springs United Methodist Church,” Pastor Phebus said.

The church is located at 215 Eastbrook Road in Estill Springs. The church’s office number is 931-649-5561 and its email is estillspringsumc.com.

For more information, visit the church’s website at estillspringsumc.com orfacebook.com/estillspringsumc.

About Pastor Daniel Phebus

Pastor Phebus is 22 years old and is the oldest of three brothers born to loving parents Jay and Jean Phebus.

He describes himself as “a cradle United Methodist, born and raised at Christ Church Memphis.”

He graduated from White Station High School in May 2019 and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in French from Middle Tennessee State University in May 2023.

During his four years at MTSU, he was very active in the Wesley Foundation of Middle Tennessee where he served on the student leadership council as the discipleship coordinator and president, planned worships, preached sermons, led Bible studies, organized discipleship bands, created devotional materials, made lifelong friends and much more.

He has participated in mission teams to Chicago, Illinois, Port St. Joe, Florida, Martin, Dresden, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala and the Bidi Bidi Refugee Camp in Uganda.

In his free time, Pastor Phebus enjoys reading (in particular the short stories of Father Brown by GK Chesterton), traveling, studying theology and languages, eating tacos, walking in nature, talking with friends, spending time with his girlfriend Barbara and an occasional round of golf.

Pastor Phebus says he is a committed United Methodist and Wesleyan theologian with a strong emphasis in the importance of community, the Sacraments, liturgical worship, spirituality and caring for the poor and forgotten.

In addition, he is a brother in the Order of Saint Luke.