For pastors, the "new year" begins July 1, when we each return (or move) to our respective assignments. This new year for clergy in the United Methodist tradition has always been a part of the annual conference, the annual gathering of pastors and laity.
Having just returned from annual conference I can now say that I am appointed to Calvary (and so is Michelle) for yet another year. As I begin year number ten at Calvary it is also a good time to look back and reflect on how Calvary has endured, changed, grown, and remained faithful to God's call.
For example:
In the past ten years Calvary has grown in both size (membership and worship attendance), impact, and influence. This growth is the result of outreach, of being faithful to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, and to being good stewards of the resources that God has entrusted to us.
In the past ten years Calvary has also created new ministries and missions. We have allowed other ministries to die (which is also important). And we have prayed for each other. We have sent work teams to such places as Mountain Top, Puerto Rico, Belize, and next spring, to Guatemala.
In the past ten years Calvary has grown ministries to children and teenagers. We are reaching "down" in age. And many of our most cherished and impactful ministries are those that feed children, help with back to school, and create a safe learning environment for kids.
In the past ten years Calvary has filled our available space, which has required us to think in new and creative ways. We've learned that we can do ministry through involvement, helpfulness, and resourcefulness.
Calvary's best days are ahead. And YOU make God's work possible through your commitment and faithfulness.
So . . . thank you for making a new year exciting for this pastor. I'm ready to lead Calvary through even more exciting ventures in the near future.
Having just returned from annual conference I can now say that I am appointed to Calvary (and so is Michelle) for yet another year. As I begin year number ten at Calvary it is also a good time to look back and reflect on how Calvary has endured, changed, grown, and remained faithful to God's call.
For example:
In the past ten years Calvary has grown in both size (membership and worship attendance), impact, and influence. This growth is the result of outreach, of being faithful to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, and to being good stewards of the resources that God has entrusted to us.
In the past ten years Calvary has also created new ministries and missions. We have allowed other ministries to die (which is also important). And we have prayed for each other. We have sent work teams to such places as Mountain Top, Puerto Rico, Belize, and next spring, to Guatemala.
In the past ten years Calvary has grown ministries to children and teenagers. We are reaching "down" in age. And many of our most cherished and impactful ministries are those that feed children, help with back to school, and create a safe learning environment for kids.
In the past ten years Calvary has filled our available space, which has required us to think in new and creative ways. We've learned that we can do ministry through involvement, helpfulness, and resourcefulness.
Calvary's best days are ahead. And YOU make God's work possible through your commitment and faithfulness.
So . . . thank you for making a new year exciting for this pastor. I'm ready to lead Calvary through even more exciting ventures in the near future.
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