A reception to welcome the Rev. Ralph P. Cotten will follow the 10:30 a.m. blended worship service Sunday in First United Methodist Church, 148 E. Shenango St.

The Beaver area resident was called into ministry at an early age and had his first appointment at age 19. He has served in three annual conferences of the denomination.

Rev. Cotten earned a bachelor of arts degree from Clarion University and a master of divinity degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He has served on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, District Committee on Ministry in the Pittsburgh area, United Methodist Foundation of Western Pennsylvania board of directors, and Samaritan Counseling of Western Pennsylvania board of directors.

He enjoys music, plays several instruments and integrates these talents into worship services.