Rev. Dr. Susan Hitts to leave Manchester UMC for Lansing Central UMC
Rev. Dr. Susan Hitts. Courtesy photo.
submitted by Manchester United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr. Susan Hitts, pastor of Manchester United Methodist Church, has been appointed to serve Lansing Central United Methodist Church beginning July 1, 2026. As an elder in The United Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. Hitts serves under appointment by the bishop. These appointments are part of the connectional ministry of the church, where pastors are called to serve where they are needed, trusting God’s guidance through each transition.
During her three years in Manchester, Pastor Susan has shared in many of life’s most meaningful moments. She has celebrated weddings and baptisms, offered comfort during funerals and times of grief, and walked alongside families through both joyful and difficult seasons. Those moments, along with the many quiet conversations and shared prayers along the way, have made her ministry in Manchester especially meaningful.
While in Manchester, Pastor Susan served on both the Community Resource Center Board and the SRSLY Manchester Board. In 2025, she collaborated with others in order to help launch a community grief support group, creating space for healing, hope, and connection for those walking through loss. Her love of reading and bringing people together inspired the launch of Manchester UMC’s Free Little Library through book donations gathered during a Reader’s Tea hosted by the church. That effort has since grown into a monthly book club. When church members shared their desire for a gathering time together, she also started a monthly potluck meal that has continued over the last few years. Additionally, Pastor Susan has especially loved taking part in Manchester UMC’s annual Christmas in the Village events and seeing the church filled with joy, conversation, and community.
Pastor Susan developed a special affection for Manchester’s senior community and was grateful to help open the church building to the senior lunch program while construction was underway at the new senior center. Some of her happiest memories include sharing meals, playing cards, and enjoying conversations with the seniors who welcomed her so warmly.
As Pastor Susan prepares for this next chapter, she does so with deep gratitude for her time in Manchester and great confidence in the future of Manchester United Methodist Church. She believes the congregation’s generous spirit, strong commitment to community, and willingness to serve others were firmly rooted long before she arrived and will continue to bless Manchester for years to come. Throughout her time here, she has seen again and again the kindness, compassion, and faithfulness of the people of Manchester UMC as they cared for one another and reached out to their neighbors. She leaves this appointment offering prayers and blessings for Manchester United Methodist Church, trusting that the church will continue to thrive in ministry and remain a strong, caring presence in the community.
Manchester United Methodist Church will host a community dessert to thank Pastor Susan and her husband, Randy, for their ministry and service to Manchester. The reception will be held on Sunday, May 24, from 12:30pm to 2pm at the church. Friends, neighbors, and community members are invited to attend and offer their blessings as Pastor Susan and Randy prepare for their next step in ministry.
Dr. Hitts led her first worship service here in Manchester on July 2, 2023. Photo courtesy of Manchester United Methodist Church.
Dr. Hitts receiving her doctoral hood on May 16, 2026 in recognition of her recently earned Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Courtesy photo.
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