Pastoral Announcement
Bishop Laura Merrill is pleased to announce the appointment of Corey Shirey to Stillwater First United Methodist Church as associate pastor, effective July 1, 2025. Please see Corey's letter of introduction below.
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
My name is Corey Shirey, and I am beyond excited to be joining you as your new Associate Pastor beginning July 1st. It’s both incredibly humbling and an incredible honor to step into this role. I’m looking forward to getting to know you, to worship alongside you, and to partner in ministry with you!
A little about me: I was born in West Texas then raised in Hydro, Oklahoma virtually my entire adolescent life. As I hope you will come to see, I’ve been shaped by both small-town roots and big dreams for what I believe the church can and should be. My call to ministry was born out of youth and college ministry, and I carry a deep passion for working with youth, college students, and young adults. I am always trying to create spaces where all people feel seen, heard, and deeply loved by God.
I’m currently finishing up my Master of Divinity with a specialization in spirituality and prophetic leadership at Saint Paul School of Theology, graduating this May. Before seminary, I earned my bachelor’s degree at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva in 2020 and graduated Weatherford High School in 2014. While in college I was very civically engaged, having served as the Governor of the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature from 2019-2020. I also became an Eagle Scout from Weatherford Boy Scout Troop 355 in 2013, which is one of the highlights of my life. Within our United Methodist Church connection, I have been very active in both the local, annual conference, general church levels.
Outside of titles and degrees, however, I’m just someone who loves people. I’m extroverted, fueled by iced coffee and sweet tea, and always ready for either a deep conversation or some spontaneous fun. I’m a proud dog dad to an Australian Cattle Dog mix named Ellie, who’s just as energetic as I am. I also love finding some good food to eat, hiking, and camping—really anything that gets me out in God’s beautiful creation. Please give me a good restaurant recommendation or a state/federal park I need to go see, once I arrive!
I want you to know that I believe Stillwater First UMC has a rich legacy of faith, mission, and community, and I’m so very eager to join you in continuing that legacy. Whether it’s assisting in worship, supporting you all in any way that I can, or just in sharing a cup of coffee and conversation, I hope to walk alongside you in ways that deepen our discipleship and widen our welcome!
Please know that I’m already praying for you, and I can’t wait to meet you this summer. Until then, may God’s love, grace, and peace be with you—and go Pokes!
In the love of Christ,
Rev. Corey Shirey
My name is Corey Shirey, and I am beyond excited to be joining you as your new Associate Pastor beginning July 1st. It’s both incredibly humbling and an incredible honor to step into this role. I’m looking forward to getting to know you, to worship alongside you, and to partner in ministry with you!
A little about me: I was born in West Texas then raised in Hydro, Oklahoma virtually my entire adolescent life. As I hope you will come to see, I’ve been shaped by both small-town roots and big dreams for what I believe the church can and should be. My call to ministry was born out of youth and college ministry, and I carry a deep passion for working with youth, college students, and young adults. I am always trying to create spaces where all people feel seen, heard, and deeply loved by God.
I’m currently finishing up my Master of Divinity with a specialization in spirituality and prophetic leadership at Saint Paul School of Theology, graduating this May. Before seminary, I earned my bachelor’s degree at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva in 2020 and graduated Weatherford High School in 2014. While in college I was very civically engaged, having served as the Governor of the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature from 2019-2020. I also became an Eagle Scout from Weatherford Boy Scout Troop 355 in 2013, which is one of the highlights of my life. Within our United Methodist Church connection, I have been very active in both the local, annual conference, general church levels.
Outside of titles and degrees, however, I’m just someone who loves people. I’m extroverted, fueled by iced coffee and sweet tea, and always ready for either a deep conversation or some spontaneous fun. I’m a proud dog dad to an Australian Cattle Dog mix named Ellie, who’s just as energetic as I am. I also love finding some good food to eat, hiking, and camping—really anything that gets me out in God’s beautiful creation. Please give me a good restaurant recommendation or a state/federal park I need to go see, once I arrive!
I want you to know that I believe Stillwater First UMC has a rich legacy of faith, mission, and community, and I’m so very eager to join you in continuing that legacy. Whether it’s assisting in worship, supporting you all in any way that I can, or just in sharing a cup of coffee and conversation, I hope to walk alongside you in ways that deepen our discipleship and widen our welcome!
Please know that I’m already praying for you, and I can’t wait to meet you this summer. Until then, may God’s love, grace, and peace be with you—and go Pokes!
In the love of Christ,
Rev. Corey Shirey
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