Tuesday, January 25, 2022
For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is overall, in all, and living through all. - Ephesians 4:4-6
Beloved in Christ,
In consultation with the Bishop and Cabinet, and after much prayer and discernment, I write to announce my transfer to a new ministry appointment effective July 1, 2022.
As Methodists pastors we covenant to an itinerant appointment system: to go where we are called. Our unique system of deploying clergy has its roots in the earliest days of Methodism. The goal of the appointment process is to match as much as possible the gifts and graces of the particular minister with the ministry needs of a particular congregation or ministry setting. It can be a difficult time for a local church and for a pastor when there is a change of appointment. This is especially true when it comes sooner than anyone hoped or expected. However, in Methodism, no pastoral appointment is permanent but our bond as the Body of Christ is.
I am thankful for how we have grown in love and ministry together over the past eight years. Lake Mills UMC is unique in how we reflect the love of God by maintaining the bond of Christian love within a diverse community. It has been a pleasure to work with the LMUMC leadership, past and present. Through our membership’s continued faithful offering of time, talent and gifts we have been able to continue G.R.O.W.ing in ministry and service – even throughout the pandemic. Therefore, while there is still work to be done, we can be “confident that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished” (Phil. 1:6).
In the meanwhile, please commit to praying for our SPRC, for our church and for the next minister that will serve our beloved Lake Mills community. Belinda, Vanessa, Edwin Jr. and I do love you and are so appreciative of the many, many ways you have expressed your love for us.
In Christ,
Pastor Edwin