When Shannon Greene first arrived in Excelsior Springs in 2022, she had little familiarity with the community she was appointed to serve.Less than three years later, the First United Methodist Church pastor has become a familiar face across the city through her involvement in local organizations, volunteer efforts and community initiatives extending far beyond Sunday morning services.Before Greene’s appointment to the church in November 2022, she served as an associate pastor and confirmation pastor at Resurrection United Methodist Church in Leawood, Kan.Although Greene still lives in the Kansas City area, she emphasized both the church and the Excelsior Springs community welcomed her quickly after she accepted the position.“I fell in love with the people and with Excelsior Springs,” said Greene.Getting involved in the community came naturally after she recognized the strong ties many congregation members had. She said many m...