Hey folks, Connor here with an important announcement.
As many of you know, I serve full time as an Elder in the United Methodist Church here at Glenn. This means I get some special privileges as a minister here- I get to preside over communion for our congregation, and I also have the privilege of being able to baptize members of our congregation into the fullness of new life in God’s family.
Being an Elder also means that I am what is called an “itinerant” minister. This means that rather than me choosing where I serve on my own, I serve at the discretion of the District Superintendents, the Bishop, and the cabinet of the North Georgia Conference. These leaders prayerfully and thoughtfully look at the big picture of United Methodist churches, assess where the needs are, and determine which ministers are best equipped and called to fulfill those needs for the growth of the church as a whole.
I tell you this because, as an itinerant minister, I have been appointed to serve at another church. Beginning in July of 2022, I will be the Associate Pastor at Newnan First United Methodist Church in Newnan Georgia. It seems like a great church with wonderful folks, and I have no doubt that they will show as much grace and welcome as I have received here at Glenn (which is an overwhelming amount.)
As you can imagine, I am feeling lots of different things- excitement, trepidation, and a preemptive sadness for having to say goodbye to a congregation full of wonderful members of the body of Christ. I am sure that some of you will have a mix of feelings, too. The other Pastors and I are here to listen to any questions, concerns, or thoughts that you need to talk through. SPRC will begin a search for a new youth minister soon, and rest assured that they are passionate about ensuring a strong future for the youth ministry.
But this is not yet goodbye! I am still here for a few months, and I intend to do everything in my power to serve and shepherd our congregation before I make this transition.
That being said, I will take a moment to say that I am so immensely grateful for the ways that Glenn has been a safe space for me to grow in my calling as I began my full-time ministry. Specifically, I would like to thank our youth for allowing me to learn alongside you for the past few years. It has been my honor and my privilege to laugh, learn, and journey together in faith with you.
The time for goodbyes will come. For now, we will continue to run the race together.
Amen.
- Rev. Connor Bell