My Next Appointment - Cornerstone Article This Week

This is an article that will appear in this week's Cornerstone.

Going Home, Sort of…

It has been a couple of years now since I lost my mother and as we approach another Mother’s Day, I find myself thinking about her quite a bit. My thoughts are filled with joy and a little sadness and are largely connected with the news of my new pastoral appointment.

In case you haven’t heard, I have been appointed to Grace United Methodist Church in Corpus Christi, where I will serve as associate pastor under John Wright. What many of you may not know is that, in some ways, it feels like going home for me. Although I was born and raised in Eden, New York, my mother was a native of Bayside, Texas. (For those of you not familiar with the coastal bend, Bayside is northeast of Corpus Christi, on the way to nowhere.) My mother dragged all of her children back to Texas every summer and I have a picture in my scrapbook of me, in diapers, sitting on Padre Island drinking a Coca-Cola.

Those of you who know me well know that I tend to by quite practical in my spirituality, not prone to major movements of emotion. However, the anticipation of this move to Corpus Christ is overwhelming spiritually and emotionally. I can’t help but feel the movement of the Spirit as I take the next step in my spiritual journey that has moved me personally and geographically.

I mentioned, in my last column, my interest in becoming the senior pastor of my own church. Instead, I will take the roll of an associate. I need to tell you, I feel no disappointment in that outcome. I have a deep love and respect for John Wright. He has been an important guide for me on the road I have traveled. I feel it is important that I continue to be a partner with him in ministry and I believe that, through that partnership, we may uphold and uplift each other and reach our full potential in the ministry of Jesus Christ.

John and I have such drastically different backgrounds. His passion for ministry comes from a lifelong relationship with the church. My passion comes from the new thing I have found in the church as an adult. Our differing points of view lead to a vibrant ministry that pushes us both to consider all the possibilities in sharing the glorious news of Christ that has shaped both of our lives. I am filled with anticipation and wonder about our continuing ministry together.

As I move toward my move in June and as we all look forward to our celebration of Mother’s Day, I like to think that my mom would be as excited as I am about what the future holds as I return to her home.

Grace and Peace be with you,

will