Kerry's famous!

I was interviewed for our local paper:

Issue Date: June 8, 2007, Posted On: 6/8/2007 In the Bluff: Kerry Sumpter Smith Kerry Sumpter Smith has joy that’s contagious. An interviewer once asked her why she was such a happy person. It could be she was just born that way or because she’s got the love of the Lord in her bosom. Either way it’s safe to say Smith, one of the associate pastors at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, is possibly the most chipper person we’ve had the pleasure of introducing via this column. Smith has taught in Japan and pastured churches in England. Recently, we probed the peppy preacher to find out more about the woman in the pulpit. — Tricia Scruggs Courtesy photo Kerry Sumpter Smith shares her joy as an associate pastor at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church. Where did you grow up? In Houston. I’m making the Texas tour. I attended Trinity University in San Antonio and now I’m in Dallas. What was it like growing up in H-town? It was great. And it was muggy. You know how people in Alaska have lots of names for ice? We have lots of words for humidity. Tell us about your family: My husband, Lee, and I have been married for seven years. We have a daughter, Madeleine, and a little boy due in October. Do you have name picked out yet? No, I need help. I have a last name though. How did you find your way into ministry? I grew up in the church. It was always a safe place where no one screamed at each other. I felt like I was at church more than I was at home. I was in choir as soon as they would let me. Growing up, I was president of the youth group, and I preached senior service in high school. When I went to college I took a biblical studies class because I thought I could make an A. Instead I made a B. I was intrigued so I took another class, called Religion in America. Every week we would go to a different church. One Sunday we went to a small Presbyterian church and then out popped this young, blond woman. I had seen a woman preach from the pulpit. I turned to my boyfriend, who is now my husband and said, “I could do that.” And he said, “You could.” How did you land at LLUMC? I served in Krum and loved it, but after four years I wanted something part-time and closer to Dallas. I feel like I have the best of both worlds. I spend two days at home and three days a week and Sunday at the church. How far would you travel to conduct a wedding ceremony? I keep trying to convince people to get married in Hawaii. I’d go anywhere. Being a pastor you get the privilege of being a part of people’s most intimate moments. I really love doing weddings. It’s just such a privilege to be there, representing God. But I’d go anywhere, especially the islands. We hear you went to Jackson Hole last summer for a ceremony. What was that like? It was so much fun. We made a vacation out of it. We went to Yellowstone National Park. It was really fun. What would you say is your best personality trait? I guess my joy. When you have some Kerry-time how do you spend it? It’s hard now with a child because usually you spend time with the family when you’re not working. But I love to read and I love to go on walks or doing anything where it’s quiet. What’s the last book you read? I’ve been reading this really good book; it’s called the Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer. I love exciting books where things happen really quickly. Where’s your favorite Dallas hang out? I love going to the Dallas city parks. There’s a spray park by our house in Lake Highlands. It’s so much fun. We’re having my daughter’s third birthday party there. I love to drive around Dallas. I’ll see a park and go “Ooh a slide,” and pull over.