About Rev. Merlin H. Pratt

On Friday, August 15, 2008, Rev. Merlin H. Pratt began his service here at Cherry Hill UMC. His wife, the Rev. Kay Pratt also began service here in the Ann Arbor District, serving at the Denton: Faith UMC. They will reside in the Cherry Hill UMC parsonage.

The Rev's Pratt recently completed two years of Missionary service with Christian Service International in Highgate, Jamaica, West Indies. While there, they served as Ministry Development Coordinators, growing ministry opportunities between state-side churches and local congregations in the eastern third of the island.

Before their service in Jamaica, the Pratts served as co-Pastors at the Pilgrim United Methodist Church in Saint Johns, Michigan, West Michigan Annual Conference.

A native Michigander, Pastor Merlin grew up in NW Jackson County and is a lifelong Methodist. His home church and where his parents still attend is the Pope UMC.

Pastor Merlin's ministry has been a relational ministry from its early stages. He puts on a suit or robe when necessary but can be seen most often in a pair of shorts with a Hawaiian shirt and sandals in the summer and blue jeans with a flannel shirt come winter. "I just feel that in these days pastors need to be seen as approachable for everyone." says Pastor Merlin. On Sunday morning, it is common to see him with an old piece of fish net around his neck as a stole, reminding him and others that his job is to be a "fisher of people".

Pastor Merlin enjoys working with his hands and since his first parish has believed that God called him to use those hands serving more than the sacraments on Sunday. He has developed "hands-on helping ministries" in each of the congregations he has served, where people get involved in meeting real physical needs of congregants, neighbors and strangers alike. These ministries help people to feel that they are really making a tangible difference as well as giving them an opportunity to share their most important gift, the message of Christ and the salvation he offers to the whole world.

Rev. Pratt is excited about the opportunity to serve here in Cherry Hill Village and looks forward to restoring hope, encouraging the weary and loving God's people as together we build up the Kingdom of God.

Our pastor can be reached at either (734)495-0035 or at (734)233-4065. His email is cowtownpreacher@hotmail.com.