Pastor Jody Topping has taken on the role of pastor at First United Methodist Church, 9849 N. 105th Ave.

New to the Sun City community, Topping holds a master’s of divinity with distinction from the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. She completed her internship at Gold Canyon United Methodist Church and most recently served at Pahrump United Methodist Church in Nevada.

Before her calling to ministry, Topping had a full career in human resources with the city of Mesa. She has now been an ordained pastor for more than a decade, bringing strengths in ministry, organization, discipleship and teamwork to her new congregation.

Topping is eager to focus on outreach and community engagement. She plans to collaborate with the Church Leadership Team to introduce new initiatives this fall. Among the plans are a Performing arts series under the guidance of the music director and a “Snowbird Coffee – Welcome Back” event aimed at fostering a hospitable and friendly atmosphere. Additionally, there are plans to establish a support givers group to visit members who are ill or hospitalized, a responsibility previously managed solely by the pastor.

Outside of her ministry, Topping enjoys hiking, scrapbooking and history. She has developed an interest in the history of the church, founded in the 1960s, and looks forward to learning more about it through historical documents she has discovered.

Family is deeply important to Topping and her husband David. They recently celebrated the birth of their new grandson, welcomed by their daughter and are excited about their new roles as grandparents.

Topping lives by the uplifting reminder: “You never retire from being a Christian.”

Join the church 9:30 a.m. Sundays.