January 22, 2012
Dear Friends:
One of the benefits of our United Methodist connectional system is that pastors are able to be recognized and advanced when they perform well. I think we can all agree that Pastor Holly does an exceptional job at Horizons of Faith UMC. We have a thriving Thursday night program that helps many children with their classes; we have sermons with good theology and relevant topics and we have a pastor that cares about us and is with us during the joys and sorrows of life.
As with all things in life, change is a constant. Change is also constant in our United Methodist system. Our Bishop, Michael Coyner has decided to appoint Pastor Holly to Speedway United Methodist Church effective April 1. For her it is a larger church with more challenges and more possibilities.
For us it means that we will be receiving a new pastor with a target date of May 1. Six years ago, the Bishop and Cabinet sent Holly to us and we were blessed. With our connectional system, we can count on the Bishop and Cabinet being with us through this process and again sending us a pastor who will bless our congregation. I will keep the congregation advised on our progress as we go through the appointment process.
We may be without a pastor for a period of four to six weeks. You needn’t worry, the District Superintendant and the Staff-Parish Relations will be working to make sure we have pastoral oversight during that interim time and it will be in place long before Pastor Holly leaves.
We will have a time in March when we will be able to express our appreciation to Pastor Holly. Further details will be forthcoming about a celebration of Holly’s ministry at Horizons of Faith UMC and a chance to express our appreciation to her.
We are not alone during this process. We have the Bishop, Cabinet and our District Superintendant to guide us. We also have Jesus Christ to walk with us during this journey. We must trust in God that He will send a blessing to us once again.
In His Service,
Bob Fiers
Staff-Parish Relations Chair
