Pastor Larry E. Day has spent his life serving others and that did not change when he became the new pastor of the Fillmore Free Methodist Church in Fillmore, Minn. Pastor Day spent 15-plus years working for Christian radio stations KGLO AM 1300, KCMR FM 97.9, and KJCY FM 105.9 in Mason City, Iowa.
He also served as the district superintendent for the conference covering churches in Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota. He is currently serving as the annual conference secretary for the North Central Conference of the Free Methodist Church USA. For eight years he served at St. James Luthern Church and spent 15 years at Victory In Christ, Free Methodist Church in Mason City, Iowa. And now he has the pleasure of being the pastor at the Fillmore Free Methodist Church in Fillmore after being pulled out of retirement.
Since they arrived in November 2023 Pastor Larry and his wife Karen have been very excited to get to know their new congregation and the southeast Minnesota area. They are making a lot of new friends and welcoming more people into their hearts.
Larry and Karen have two daughters, one son-in-law, and three granddaughters, ages 11, seven and two.
Larry has a Camaro which he is very passionate about and keeps it tucked away in the garage. His other passions include his wife and family, grilling, and exploring the area. Karen travels between Mason City, Iowa, and Fillmore, Minn., so she can still babysit for their grandchildren.
Since arriving, Pastor Larry has dedicated three babies and has three baptisms coming up. The church has never done a Good Friday service until this year and they had 71 people attend. The Easter service was even better, with 125 people there, which filled Pastor Larry with so much joy.
Larry and Karen have been welcomed by the whole community and are enjoying dinners and visits with their new friends.
Larry is continuing the work the Fillmore Church and its members are passionate about like mission groups, a food shelf donation area, Christmas anonymous, outreach programs in the area, and the Bible study groups. Karen leads the women’s group. Larry is also helping to make the Vacation Bible School better than ever, with a jungle theme this summer. Bible School will run June 18-22 – every child is welcome.
Mike Cyphers, a retired veterinarian from Chatfield, Minn., is his congregation delegate and second in command. Mike has been a great help in Larry’s new role as pastor and getting to know the church. Together they are working to make the Fillmore Free Church a better place for everyone.
Coming up, the church will be offering a group titled Essentials of Marriage. This will be a six-week class starting on May 22 and running through June 30. Nineteen high school graduates will be honored this year. They are also working on a parking lot celebration with a carnival theme.
Larry always has a smile and loves to visit with people and tell stories. He even includes stories in his sermons. He wants everyone to be comfortable and have fun at church.
Larry said, “Parents always want to leave a better place for their children. And I want to leave Fillmore a better place after we leave.”
He also said that this area is an “ideal retirement place.”
Karen lovingly said, “Larry loves people and telling stories, and doing God’s work.”
Ron Reisner said, “Pastor Larry is the best thing that has ever happened to this church.”
If you’re looking for an amazing and unique church service, join Pastor Larry, Karen, and the rest of the congregation for worship, great music, fellowship and fun. Or if you’d just like to visit and hear some great stories, stop by Fillmore and Pastor Larry can help with that, too.
Pastor Larry is a very welcoming soul and can make anyone feel comfortable.
Pastor Larry can be reached at the Fillmore Free Methodist Church in Fillmore, Minn. You may call the parsonage at (507) 352-5455, or his cell at (641) 530-7504.
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