Great Plains Annual Conference 2019 is in the books. Clergy appointments were fixed on Saturday by Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr. at the close of our plenary session. This seems to be a good time, if you hadn’t heard before, that I have been appointed to serve the Beaver Crossing, Utica, and Ebenezer United Methodist Churches beginning July 1.
This means that I have already met with some of the leadership from the churches, in early April and again last week. I have asked if it would be possible to fence in the back yard at the parsonage for Arapahoe and Xian. And the trustees are working on that. The Rev. Tamara Holtz, their current pastor, and I got together one day for a drive and conversation … to get a lay of the land. Reminded me of our seminary days when we shared rides to and from Kansas City. This also means that our church leadership and I are working toward smooth transitions for the churches as they form new parish alignments and welcome new pastors. Milligan and Exeter will align and welcome The Rev. Murray Johnston as their pastor. Fairmont and McCool Junction will join in welcoming The Rev. Seung Li You as their pastor. There has been a fair amount of sorting, deciding whether to save or share, and handing off of important documents and materials. This will likely continue right up until we begin loading the U-Haul … if this move is like the last two have been. This means also that we are saying goodbyes in stages. Cheering on faithful disciples to keep on and finish strong. Remembering together how God called us to break out of our ruts in order to show, teach, and share God’s love in new ways. Sharing a meal, as Jesus did, with dear ones for the last time. Before my last Sunday … June 23. There is a whole lot more sorting, decisioning, and packing to be done between now and move day, whenever that is. Thankfully, and I mean this sincerely, Kids ROCK in Fairmont and Kool Kids Camp in Milligan will be welcome diversions. Fun and laughter amid the work. Keep the faith. Finish strong! Grace and peace … --Pastor Pat
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Pastor
|