About Our Pastor
Pastor Schwarting and his wife begin their ministry with us at RRUMC on July 1st, 2025.
With a deep love for God and a heart for people, Pastor John brings over 30 years of ministry experience, a passion for teaching the Word, and a strong commitment to serving both the church and the wider community. We are thrilled to welcome Pastor John and Bonnie as they join us in walking alongside individuals and families in their faith journeys.
Whether you’ve been part of RRUMC for years or are seeking a place to belong, we invite you to be part of this new season. We look forward to how God will continue to grow and guide our church as we live out our purpose in the community—and we’d love for you to be part of it.
Below is a personal introduction from Pastor Schwarting himself.
My name is John Schwarting. I prefer to be addressed simply as “John.” If you wish to be more formal, “Pastor John” will do. My wife is Bonnie, and we have been married for 56 years this July 19. We have one son who lives with his wife in Portland, Oregon, and one grandson, unmarried, currently serving in the United States Marines.
I was born and raised in the mountains of Virginia. In 1969 I joined the USAF and found my way to New Mexico. I spent 17 years stationed at Kirtland AFB and retired in 1989. After retirement I enrolled at Duke University in pursuit of ordination in The United Methodist Church. I was thus ordained a Deacon in 1992 and then an Elder in 1995.
As a deacon I served at Western Hills UMC in El Paso, Texas. As an Elder I served at Mesa View UMC (1995-2005) then back to El Paso to serve Trinity-First UMC (2005-2013). I retired from pulpit ministry and was hired as the Executive Pastor of St. John’s UMC in Albuquerque (2013-2018). I have served twice as interim pastor for the Conference—the most resent at St. Paul’s UMC, Socorro. Also, I am currently a chaplain for Socorro General Hospital Hospice.
In my spare time I like to travel the world, study history, and remodel houses. I have made 15 trips to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I operate through a non-profit company I formed and serve as board chair.
Bonnie and I look forward to serving Rio Rancho UMC as your clergy couple.
Pastor Schwarting and his wife begin their ministry with us at RRUMC on July 1st, 2025.
With a deep love for God and a heart for people, Pastor John brings over 30 years of ministry experience, a passion for teaching the Word, and a strong commitment to serving both the church and the wider community. We are thrilled to welcome Pastor John and Bonnie as they join us in walking alongside individuals and families in their faith journeys.
Whether you’ve been part of RRUMC for years or are seeking a place to belong, we invite you to be part of this new season. We look forward to how God will continue to grow and guide our church as we live out our purpose in the community—and we’d love for you to be part of it.
Below is a personal introduction from Pastor Schwarting himself.
My name is John Schwarting. I prefer to be addressed simply as “John.” If you wish to be more formal, “Pastor John” will do. My wife is Bonnie, and we have been married for 56 years this July 19. We have one son who lives with his wife in Portland, Oregon, and one grandson, unmarried, currently serving in the United States Marines.
I was born and raised in the mountains of Virginia. In 1969 I joined the USAF and found my way to New Mexico. I spent 17 years stationed at Kirtland AFB and retired in 1989. After retirement I enrolled at Duke University in pursuit of ordination in The United Methodist Church. I was thus ordained a Deacon in 1992 and then an Elder in 1995.
As a deacon I served at Western Hills UMC in El Paso, Texas. As an Elder I served at Mesa View UMC (1995-2005) then back to El Paso to serve Trinity-First UMC (2005-2013). I retired from pulpit ministry and was hired as the Executive Pastor of St. John’s UMC in Albuquerque (2013-2018). I have served twice as interim pastor for the Conference—the most resent at St. Paul’s UMC, Socorro. Also, I am currently a chaplain for Socorro General Hospital Hospice.
In my spare time I like to travel the world, study history, and remodel houses. I have made 15 trips to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I operate through a non-profit company I formed and serve as board chair.
Bonnie and I look forward to serving Rio Rancho UMC as your clergy couple.
Links To Past Sermons
See the 'Archived Sermons' link for even more services
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