Oak Grove
United Methodist Church


Decatur Texas

Reverend Fredric L. Utz


Reverend Fredric L. Utz was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He received both a BA and a BS degree from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Theology degree from Perkins School of Theology at SMU. He has served churches in the Dallas area, including Lovers Lane UMC and Plymouth Park UMC in Irving. He has also served in Nocona, Montague, Denison, and Wichita Falls before retiring from full time ministry and coming to Oak Grove on a part-time basis.

Fred and his wife Paula have recently celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary. They have two children John Utz and Laura Lee Utz McCartney. They also have three granddaughters -- Rachel, Emily, and Elizabeth--and one grandson Luke.

Fred’s favorite Bible verse:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3: 16

Fred’s favorite hymn:

Just As I Am

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Hath broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!