Published: May 01, 2009 11:25 pm         

Citizen of the Week: Roger Vest

Pastor Roger Vest of First Methodist Church in Chatsworth has his secretary wondering if he ever sleeps.

Vest wasted little time getting heavily involved in his new community after his arrival last June. In addition to starting a local chapter of Habitat for Humanity, Vest is a member of the Whitfield-Murray Rotary Club, the Murray County High School Band Boosters and the Chatsworth Chamber of Commerce, and he volunteers for United Way. He’s also one of the main organizers of the county’s National Day of Prayer Celebration on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Murray County High School auditorium and a volunteer fair on May 22 at Gladden Middle School.

But don’t think Vest lets his church congregation off easy.

Under his leadership, First UMC collects food for the Red Cross, formed an American Cancer Society Relay for Life team and feeds 1,100 students each week through the Saturday Sacks program. Members pack sacks each Thursday night and deliver them to area schools on Fridays so kids will have a sack lunch to enjoy on Saturdays. When school is out this summer members will also feed area children at the church.

All this keeps Melissa Sneads amazed at her boss’ energy … and busy.

“I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “The congregation is all into it, too. They jumped right on board.”

And as far as the sleep thing?

“I don’t know,” laughed Sneads. “His wife (Bonnie) says he’s just as hyper at home. He has lots of ideas.”

One idea Sneads is particularly impressed with is Vest’s efforts to reach out to other denominations to get them on board so they can help more people.

“He’s like a magnet, not just for finding things to do but for finding ways to do them,” she said.

For his eagerness to help Murray County residents, The Daily Citizen names Roger Vest Citizen of the Week.

     

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