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It is with a heavy heart that I write this, my last newsletter article for the Hartford Messenger.  The few words that can fit on this page cannot begin to describe the feelings that are bursting from my heart.  I will try to share those feelings most faithfully during my last sermon here on June 15.  Until then, I would like to share some of the details surrounding my leaving and our new pastor's arrival.

On March 17, Dr. Herb Sadler invited me to prayerfully consider going with him to Gulf Breeze U.M.C.  After much prayer and reflection, I have agreed to go.  I never thought I would be leaving this paradise so quickly, but I do feel that God is calling me there.  I have felt this strongly about God's call at three other times in my life (my call to ministry and marrying Sandra are two of them.)  I have found peace in Hebrews 13:23 that explains that the writer of Hebrews and Timothy were "going together" to the church community.  I have felt a relationship with Herb that resembles that of Timothy and his mentor.  This scripture has affirmed with me what God was telling my heart.  Even so, I do not presume that this calling is painless.  It hurts.  It hurts you.  It hurts me.  For that I am deeply sorry.  Yet, I still feel that this is God's design for my service.  I believe that God called me here.  Now, I believe that I am being called to serve in Gulf Breeze.  I hope you will bless my departure as you blessed my arrival.

We have had some amazing times together as we have worked in Christ's vineyard.  We have seen lives changed, marriages saved, addictions broken, faith professed, life passing and life coming.  We have seen the institution of the church at its best and at its worst.  You have seen me at my best and at my worst.  (I add with a smile, that for some of you I've seen your best and worst, as well!)  I will always cherish our time together and count it as one of my greatest honors as having served as the pastor of the Hartford First United Methodist Church.  Thank you for receiving me.  Thank you for loving me.

Now, I would like to let you know about a few dates to consider over the next month.  June 2-5 Annual Conference in Montgomery, Paul, Myself, Opal, Betty and Beverly will go as delegates.

June 8th, Goodbye dinner for the Kale Family, following Sunday morning worship service...(again, thank you).

June 15th My last Sunday here.

June 22nd, Paul preaches-Isn't he great!

June 29th, Rev. Jimmy Cook's first Sunday.

Rev. Jimmy Cook comes to us from Fairhope UMC, where he has served as the associate pastor for three years.  Jimmy and I went through licensing school together back in April of 1995 and I consider it great fortune that he can come to Hartford.  His strength, spirit, discipline, and faith are exemplary.  You are sure to grow to love him as I have.  He has bought the house on the corner of Rose and Commerce and will be moving in soon.  If you receive him as you did me, then you are both destined for greatness.  May God bless your future together.