Yesterday in worship I announced I will be retiring in June, the close of this conference year. My last Sunday in the pulpit will be May 18. It is a strange moment for Kathy and me, of course, an end and a beginning. Counting back to my earliest days as a student pastor, I have been in ministry for almost 44 years now. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine life away from the pastorate, but it’s also exciting to move forward and discover what the years ahead will hold. I’m grateful for this unique life in ministry I’ve known and for my seven years here at Glenn.
We’re not done yet, of course. I will continue in my ministry here, while also working closely with you to prepare the way for your next pastor. The day will come for goodbyes, but we’re not quite there yet.
We’re United Methodists, and we have a way of handling these moments of transition. Ours is an itinerant system, which means elders are appointed to their parishes by the bishop and cabinet of the annual conference after consultation with the church’s staff-parish relations committee (SPRC). Unlike churches with call systems, there is no congregational vote and no congregational meetings.
You are, of course, welcome to share your thoughts on Glenn’s future with the members of the SPRC. You’ll find their names below. No system is perfect, but through the years our Methodist process has served well both my family and the churches I’ve served. Please pray for our bishop, cabinet, and SPRC, as well as for all the churches and pastors who will experience changes this year. And do this: Pray for your new pastor, though unnamed, and pray for Glenn as you move into a new chapter in the history of this great church. How will you help build that future? The possibilities are breathtaking.
And one more thought: If you haven’t been in worship lately, now is the time to return. We’re approaching Lent, always a good time to add a new holy habit, AND you can get ahead of those folks who will show up later to check out the new preacher.
I love you all with the deepest, highest love of Jesus Christ. Kathy and I will be praying for you and, in the years ahead, will watch with joy as you continue to love God and neighbor here at Glenn. Between now and June, I look forward to continuing the holy and joyous work we share in Christ.
With love and profound gratitude,
Mark
Members of the Glenn Staff-Parish Relations Committee:
Mackay Asbury, Mary Lou Boice (chair), Tom Arthur,
Sara McKlin, Jane St. Clair, Dan MacFarlane,
Kyle Olson, Gena Morgan, Lynn O’Neill
Lay Leader: Alison LaGree
Lay Delegation Representative: Ginger Smith