Pastor Dan Patrick has taken up the role as pastor for Friendship Baptist Church in Thayne since the beginning of April.

Patrick said, “Over the past 20 years, the Lord has allowed us to serve in several places—including Florida, Virginia, California, Georgia, and Pennsylvania—and to travel overseas for ministry.”

After pastoring in Pennsylvania for 11 years, the pastor and his family decided to move closer to loved ones in Star Valley. His wife, Christina, is a local and the daughter of Earl and Judy Kinslow.

Pastor Patrick said, “We have three children—Luke, Katie, and Nathaniel—and we enjoy getting to know our neighbors, especially by sharing experiences and learning about their hobbies and interests.” He also said they enjoy community groups and events like 4-H, as well as exploring the outdoors.

When moving to the area, Patrick did not expect to become the pastor for the church, “but that is often how the Lord works,” Patrick said. “We simply wanted to be where God placed us and serve faithfully. After serving for about four months as associate pastor and walking through a transition, the church called me to serve as pastor.” He now holds a position that was filled for the past 20 years by Pastor Jay Sprecher, who started the church in Thayne and will be moving with his wife to be closer to their children. “They genuinely loved people and served the church and even many in the community selflessly,” said Pastor Patrick.

Pastor Sprecher passed the torch in way of a coffee mug that said “Fueled by faith” with smaller words saying “and coffee.” Pastor Sprecher spoke on March 29 to the Friendship Baptist congregation, focusing on how Pastor Patrick and his family was “an answer to their prayers.”

Pastor Patrick said he has experienced several highlights so far in his role. He said the congregation has a ‘desire to follow Christ and serve others’ and that he continues to build friendships within the community and mentioned how he has seen God provide encouragement as he has taken on his new role.

He highlighted the positive experience his family has had in getting to know those around him and how kind people have been. “Star Valley has a ‘small-town, big-heart’ feel, and we have appreciated listening to folks’ stories, learning names, and sharing experiences—both in the congregation and in the wider community.”

Pastor Patrick is looking forward to continuously building positive relationships with the community as he said, “We look forward to loving our neighbors, strengthening families, and continuing to build a healthy, Bible-centered church in the valley. We also look forward to learning the rhythms of life here and serving in ways that bless the community.”

Friendship Baptist Church meets weekly. Pastor Patrick shared the message: “All are welcome. If you visit, we would be honored to meet you and hear your story.”

Sunday School (all ages): 10 a.m.

Morning Worship: 11 a.m.

Sunday Evening Bible Study: 6 p.m.

Wednesday Prayer Meeting: 7 p.m.

A message To Readers from Pastor Dan Patrick:

“In our community, there are many sincere and religious people, and we respect that. More important than any religious practice is the Bible’s teaching that salvation is received by faith. This grace is God’s gift—“not of yourselves,” that is, “not of works”—so there is nothing we can do to earn it or secure it. We can only receive it (Ephesians 2:8–9).

“Beyond that, we believe the Bible—God’s sufficient Word for our lives—provides all things necessary for life and godliness. Its wisdom shapes the way we think, speak, work, and relate to others. It speaks to every question, decision, and crisis. Even for someone still sorting through questions about eternity, learning and living God’s wisdom brings clarity and stability for today.

“I would encourage any reader to open the Bible, consider who Jesus is, and seek the Lord with an honest heart. Our desire is to be good neighbors and to help people know Christ and grow in God’s Word.”