August 2016
As you all know by now, I have accepted a different appointment for pastoral ministry and August 7th will be my last Sunday here at Mora and Ogilvie United Methodist churches. I mean this when I say from the bottom of my heart what a delight and joy it has been to serve you these past three years. I have so many memories of my time here that I will cherish in my heart for the rest of my life. I want to say thank you to all those in the various positions of leadership and service in both churches for your ministry and willingness to serve. It has been truly a joy. Thank you also to you good folks for putting up with my “humor” J and my devotion to the Green Bay Packers! Thank you for embracing my children as you have and making them feel part of a larger family Thanks most of all for your willingness to grow in your faith in Christ and to serve Him in His church. I love and appreciate each and every one of you and my prayer is God will continue to grow our churches in faith and in numbers, as well as impact the communities we serve. Amen!
You will be receiving a new pastor soon. It’s very important that each of you begin praying for this extensive process of God calling the right pastor to shepherd your church. Pray for God’s high purpose and will to be accomplished and pray that hearts will be receptive to the pastor called and appointed to come. I would like to share a website with you that gives some helpful suggestions for the church in welcoming a new pastor.
It is: http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/were-getting-a-new-pastor-what-can-i-do
Give your new pastor your full support and loyalty. Pray for him or her regularly and express regularly your appreciation for the work and ministry he or she does. Don’t forget Pastor Appreciation Month in October. Remember birthdays and anniversaries for all family members of the pastor’s family and don’t forget to show hospitality to your pastor and his family.
It will be much appreciated. Be patient, kind, generous and supportive with him or her, and you will see God bless the ministry of your church, as he or she will be a happy pastor! Amen!
Thank you so much for the three years we have been together. Thank you for all of your support, love, prayers and help as we have sought to carry on of bringing Christ to our communities. Continue to be strong in faith, devoted in love and faithful in service to the Lord and to His church.
May the Lord richly bless you and keep you. It has been an honor and privilege for me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My prayer for our churches is that God will continued to be “turned loose” among you. Amen!
Your friend in Christ,
Pastor Rob