Russell W. Hamilton began serving as pastor at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Gallatin, MO, on Sunday, June 6, 2004.
     Russ Hamilton was raised on a farm in northwest Missouri graduating from Cainsville High School in 1985. In 1989, he received Bachelor of Science degrees in accounting and business management from Missouri Western State College, St. Joseph, MO. His first job was with the Missouri State Auditors office (1989-1994); he has also worked in the accounting field for the Department of Natural Resources (1994-1999), and the Department of Health (1999-2001). While working for the state he attended the Missouri School of Religion Center for Rural Ministry and received a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry in 2000.
     Russ served Mokane Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1999, and in November 2000 he began serving part-time at Ozark Highlands Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Rolla, MO--while continuing his state job. In May of 2001, the Hamilton family moved to Rolla from Jefferson City where they had lived for 10 years. While serving the church in Rolla, Pastor Hamilton was involved with many community organizations and activities. He served on the boards of GRACE, United Ministries in Higher Education (UMHE), Rolla Ministerial Alliance, and the Phelps County Regional Medical Center Chaplains Association. He was a member of the Breakfast Kiwanis Club, a volunteer chaplain at Phelps County Regional Medical Center, and was involved in organizing the first Rolla Ecumenical Area Youth Lock-In.
     In addition to serving as pastor of the Rolla church, Russ worked as an accountant at Auxi Home Health from 2001-2002. He also drove a school bus for the Rolla Public School District for two years.
     Russ and Theresa Hamilton were married in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Cainsville, MO, on January 12, 1991. Theresa was raised in San Diego, CA and moved to Missouri in 1981. She graduated from Conway High School (1983) and later received a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from Lincoln University (1994), Jefferson City, MO. Here writing has appeared in Missouri Conservationist Magazine, JAKES Magazine, Highlights for Children, Josephine, Jefferson City Senior Times and other publications.
     Theresa has been very involved in church work. She began by helping Russ (then property chair at FCC in Jefferson City) remodel all the office space and library. She was later hired to be the church's part-time Director of Volunteers, and at the same time served as part-time Community Development Coordinator for the Rickman Center (a Christian conference and retreat facility in Jefferson City). From there, she became the Communications Coordinator for the entire Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America, and the editor of the newsletter, The Messenger (circulation of 17,000). In addition to creating all the brochures and fliers for Regional events, she designed the Region’s first Website (and one for the Rickman Center). At the same time, she ran a home-based business, Brainstormers, doing freelance writing and graphic design. Currently, Theresa is writing, substitute teaching, and serving as the Chair of Christian Education at FCC.
     Russ and Theresa’s 9-year-old son, Sam, is in fourth grade this year. He enjoys doing crafts, learning programs on the computer, and spending time with his dog, Angel.
     The Hamilton’s two adult daughters, Meghan and Rachel, live in Lebanon, MO area. Meghan Thomas will graduate in 2006 from Drury University with a degree in elementary education; she is married to Cale and they are expecting their first baby in September 2005. Rachel and her husband, Josh Sloan, are enjoying their little girl, Brandi Taylor, born December 22, 2003.

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