Lamarla Cook
I grew up in Moore, Oklahoma. After high school moved with my family to Bedford, Texas, but I moved back to Oklahoma City one year later and began a secretarial career at Stockyards Bank. My husband and I met while employed at the bank and in 2021 we will celebrate our 43rd wedding anniversary. God has blessed us with two beautiful daughters, two wonderful sons-in-law and four precious grandchildren. I had the privilege of witnessing the miracle of the birth of three grandsons.
I left the bank and became a legal secretary for 20+ years. I will always remember the day while sitting at my desk, I asked myself this question, “Is there more to life than this job?” God spoke to my heart and said, “Yes there is. Come follow me.” I proceeded to get my priorities in order, starting with God first, family second, and career third. Six years later I left my secretarial job and took a staff position at my church.
There were many significant signs from God that confirmed my journey into ministry. After a 23-year gap to raise my children, I returned to college finishing my bachelor’s degree at Oklahoma City University in 2006. In that same year, I received my first church appointment and began fulfilling my ministerial educational requirements at Perkins School of Theology and Duke Divinity School.
My call remains strong to serve in the local church to preach, teach, provide pastoral care and counsel, and administer the sacraments, welcoming all to our faith community. First United Methodist Church is very involved in community outreach, which is one of my passions. Another is seeking opportunities to partner with schools to help children and youth succeed and thrive reaching their full potential. I am excited to get involved in the community of Seminole and look forward to see how God‘s plan for ministry here will unfold.
Shalom,
Pastor Lamarla
