As you have likely read or heard, it was announced on Sunday, January 31 that Bishop Mark Webb will appoint me to serve the Queensbury United Methodist Church effective July 1. It is part of our United Methodist system that clergy itinerate – that is, move from place to place. This is rooted in the early Methodist practice of circuit riding preachers, who traveled to reach the people where they lived. Clergy are appointed on an annual basis, and I am in my tenth year at Newtonville.
We have been blessed by our time here, and by the opportunity for all three of our children to graduate from Shaker High School. Having been here longer than the average for United Methodist clergy, and being at a place where our family can more easily move, I had informed the District Superintendent that I would be willing to move if there was a congregation that was a good fit and was as close or closer to our parents who still live in the north country. We were asked and I have agreed to go.
While there are challenges in our United Methodist appointment system, one of the advantages is that churches are never without a pastor. Our DS, Rev. Debbie Earthrowl, has already had conversations with our Staff Parish Relations Committee about the mission and ministry needs and opportunities at Newtonville and the gifts needed in the next pastor. Another advantage of the appointment system is that congregations benefit from pastors with a variety of gifts and talents.
While goodbyes are always difficult, this is an opportunity for each of us to serve God and experience the multitude of Spiritual gifts in new ways. And while I will no longer be your pastor on July 1, we can maintain friendships. I will continue to pray for you the fruitfulness of your ministry, and hope that you will do the same for me. In the months ahead we will have opportunities to say goodbye, as you prepare to welcome your next pastor and I prepare to serve with the people of Queensbury.
Peace for the journey,
Pastor Steve
We have been blessed by our time here, and by the opportunity for all three of our children to graduate from Shaker High School. Having been here longer than the average for United Methodist clergy, and being at a place where our family can more easily move, I had informed the District Superintendent that I would be willing to move if there was a congregation that was a good fit and was as close or closer to our parents who still live in the north country. We were asked and I have agreed to go.
While there are challenges in our United Methodist appointment system, one of the advantages is that churches are never without a pastor. Our DS, Rev. Debbie Earthrowl, has already had conversations with our Staff Parish Relations Committee about the mission and ministry needs and opportunities at Newtonville and the gifts needed in the next pastor. Another advantage of the appointment system is that congregations benefit from pastors with a variety of gifts and talents.
While goodbyes are always difficult, this is an opportunity for each of us to serve God and experience the multitude of Spiritual gifts in new ways. And while I will no longer be your pastor on July 1, we can maintain friendships. I will continue to pray for you the fruitfulness of your ministry, and hope that you will do the same for me. In the months ahead we will have opportunities to say goodbye, as you prepare to welcome your next pastor and I prepare to serve with the people of Queensbury.
Peace for the journey,
Pastor Steve
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