It’s only been less than a year and the response to the news was emotional for everyone.
The Patagonia Community United Methodist Church’s popular new pastor Losi Koloto and its congregation were caught off-guard last month by an unexpected announcement from the Methodist Church bishop for Arizona that Pastor Koloto has been appointed to another position…away from Patagonia.
The Pastor’s position here in Patagonia is half-time. “Pastor Losi,” as he is warmly known, will move to a church in Show Low, which provides a full-time opportunity.
The Kolotos’ 14-year-old daughter, Marion, said she’s loved attending Patagonia High and had been looking forward to her second season on the volleyball team. Her mother, Nikki, had been commuting from California and was eagerly anticipating living full-time in Patagonia.
Pastor Losi is known to his 3,000 Facebook friends for posting regular videos of walking through town from the parsonage to the church.
“I was called to serve,” Pastor Losi said. “Serve God, my first love, and my family. Then Patagonia became a love that found a home in me and became part of who I am, my experience, my reward. [Patagonia is] full of peace and beauty. I’m leaving the town, but not that love.”
A new pastor for PCUMC, Katrina Pahulu, will arrive July 1 from Mesquite, Nevada. This will be her first pastoral charge.
A farewell potluck for Pastor Losi will be held at Thurber Hall on Sunday, June 22 at 11:30am. Everyone is welcome to come help send off the Koloto family as they head off in their car named “Blessing” to their new adventure.