It was announced in church yesterday that Bishop Hopkins intends to appoint me to First United Methodist Church in Cambridge, Ohio, effective July 1 , 2007.
It will be quite sad to leave the wonderful folks at Smithville, but we are looking forward to getting to know the good people at Cambridge First.
12 comments:
May God bless you in your transition.
Many blessings as you prepare to move on
that's crazy fast findin' out, there. Missouri Conference takes FORVER and I know that North Texas is still figuring things out. Like the hymn says, "Where he leads me I will follow." Blessings to you as you follow.
Blessings on your move, Allan.
I wonder why the United Methodist denomination moves pastors around like they do.
At Thornapple Evangelical Covenant Church in Grand Rapids, Pastor Steve Armfield has been there from the start (around 28 years), and this humble servant and man of God has had a wonderful ministry there, at this, very much alive, engaging church.
Could such a thing occur in the United Methodist denomination? (forgive me for asking!)
I was surprised to hear that the announcement was made this early. In my Conference (Mississippi) the appointments are not shared until the end of April or beginning of May.
But anyway, congrats and may God bless your continued ministry where you're going and make it possible for you to continue to be fruitful where you are at present.
May God's blessing go with you as you transition to your new charge.
Thanks to everyone for your good wishes.
Stresspeng and Greg:
The announcement was made so early because it is one of the larger churches in the Conference.
Ted:
I certainly hear your point. I think the itinerant system when it is done right can truly serve that purpose. Yet there have been times, no doubt, when it has hindered the mission of the church.
The problems with the decline of Mainline Protestantism are more complex than whether or not bishops appoint or pastors are called by individual congregations.
I have a real love/hate relationship with itineracy. It can mean for a certain amount of emotional distance for the pastor and their family -- but that distance isn't particularly a bad thing.
Best wishes, Allen!
Congrats Allan, on the new appointment. This will be an exciting time of transition, no doubt. As someone still in her first appointment, I'm always interested to hear from people how the process of moving goes. I imagine it is so many mixed emotions all at once.
Blessings!
Allan, Thanks so much for your answer. In no way did I mean that to be a slam against the Methodists or their system. And I certainly realize that mainline Protestantism church problems stem from other issues.
Good luck in the new appointment! Tomorrow I am receiving into membership a transfer from that church (they moved here from there), but her parents are still active at Cambridge.
Thanks to everyone for your encouragement and prayers. I take great comfort in the support of the Christianblogosphere!
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