TAMPA — Two Tampa District United Methodist churches impacted by separate incidents of sexual misconduct by clergy have been assigned new, full-time pastors and are ready to move forward, according to David Brazelton, the district’s superintendent.

Although the healing process is an on-going one, Brazelton said he felt the churches had worked through some of the issues of forgiveness and "are ready to move on."

The Rev. Scott Brand has been appointed pastor of Cork United Methodist Church in Plant City, replacing former pastor James D. Hug, 29, who was arrested Oct. 26 on one count of sexual battery and 12 counts of lewd and lascivious behavior. Hug surrendered his credentials as an ordained deacon and probationary member Oct. 27.

Brand has been serving as associate pastor at Tampa’s Palma Ceia United Methodist Church since 1998.

The Rev. Stan Beatty has been appointed to Tampa’s Forest Hills United Methodist Church. He replaces Lawrence W. Kilbourn, 43, arrested by federal authorities Oct. 21 on one count of receiving child pornography via his computer after voluntarily turning himself in to police.

Kilbourn surrendered his credentials as an ordained elder Oct. 15.

Beatty transferred to Florida from First United Methodist Church, North Kansas City, Mo.

Brazelton said members of both churches are very thankful for the support they received from the district and conference while dealing with the crises.

Kilbourn pleaded guilty Feb. 2 to receiving the illegal computer files, according to a Feb. 3 story in the Tampa Tribune. He faces a possible 15-year sentence and $250,000 fine. The court had not set a date for sentencing.

Kilbourn also faces life in prison if convicted of a state child-sex charge of sexual battery on a child younger than 12.

Members at the Faith church, which Kilbourn helped found in 1986, are also ready to put the crisis behind them, said the Rev. Doug Pareti, the church’s pastor.

"A lot of individuals are still dealing with stuff," Pareti said. "The church as a whole is sick and tired…and wants to move on."

After the story about Kilbourn broke last October, Pareti said worship in the church declined by about 25 percent, and the youth ministry suffered a larger loss in activity. Although worship attendance has returned to its previous levels, the youth activity is still down.