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"It is
Official... I am Coming!"
This past Wednesday
at 3:30 p.m., 1100 United Methodists gathered at Frazer Memorial
U.M.C. to celebrate their pastoral appointment for the next year. As
I sat in the pew, awaiting the Bishop to "fix" my appointment to
Hartford First United Methodist Church, I realized the importance of
my place in the pew. I was sitting between the lovely Opal Spikes
and the enthusiastic Betty Kelly. Likewise, I will be serving along
side you, among you, with you, and to you when I become your pastor.
I take this privilege seriously and will strive to earn your trust
and respect. I know that you will be grieving the move of Kevin and
his family. I am indebted to him for his faithful leadership and
ministry that have touched the lives of many and have certainly
prepared you for my arrival. I will pray with you for his new
ministry in Citronelle.
It is important to
me that I share my style and hopes for my ministry with you. Because
of the Great Commission's centrality in my call to ministry, I will
commit to keeping my focus on making disciples of Jesus by
preaching, teaching and baptizing in the name of the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
I will listen to you
and to honor confidences. What is said in private will stay in
private unless permission has been given to share the information. I
will respect the members of this great church. I will respect your
opinions, values, feelings, traditions, and employment. We may not
always agree, but I will not ridicule, devalue, or belittle your
perspective. I hope to be faithful as your pastor regardless of your
age, race, employment, sex, social standing, or financial
situations. I will be positive. I hope to celebrate your past, enjoy
the present, and envision the future. Let us claim what we are doing
right and strive to strengthen our weaknesses.
I am excited to come
and serve as your pastor. I have already met many of you and have
seen the warmth of the community, church and families. You have sent
us cards and taken time to call us on the phone. You have been
praying for us and we are grateful. If your hospitality is an
indication of our future together, then we will certainly have an
exciting and fruitful ministry. I look forward to meeting each of
you and hearing your visions, hopes, and concerns for our ministry
together. It is my prayer that we will make and grow disciples as we
grow together in the ministry of Christ at the great Hartford First
United Methodist Church. See you soon!
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