Tag: Charge Conference

Pastor’s Report for Nashville UMC (1999)

dorean elabote, dorean dote. Given Gifts – Give Gifts. (Matthew 10:8b).

The above quote in Greek is the motto of the Theological School of Drew University. Our hymnal translates Jesus’ teaching as “freely you have received, freely give” (The United Methodist Hymnal: 1988, #389). Dr. Robert Bull, my advisor and Patristics professor, intimidated us by translating the motto “those to whom much is given, even more will be expected.” I am most comfortable with a reading offered by the late Dr. Jack Beaudean and Dean Thomas Ogletree: “given gifts – give gifts.” Most importantly for this meeting tonight, I offer you what is my statement of mission at NUMC. As a person gifted for ordained ministry, I am privileged to work among a people who are growing in faith, in fellowship, in service, and in Christ. One of my discoveries in four months of ministry is that we are indeed “blessed to be a blessing.”

In the four months since I arrived in Nashville I have visited in over 65 homes, have made numerous other pastoral visits, presided at two weddings, a funeral, and one raucous baptism. Our worship life is enhanced by a gracious people and a bevy of gifted musicians – organists, pianists, and choir members. Our growth in faith is enhanced by a strong Sunday School program. I am excited to have 30 people in Cokesbury’s new Christian Believer program. The Wednesday night meals is providing a needed place for folks to fellowship together and help our children and youth mature in the Christian life. Missions and community outreach make a distinctive mark for NUMC. Whether we are welcoming children from Belarussia, hosting folks overnight with the Interfaith Hospitality Network, or responding to the victims of Hurricane Floyd, we see our church growing in our love for neighbor. Our witness team is following up with first time visitors and I am beginning to make headway with this list as well. Look for some fresh ideas in advertising to come into view in the coming weeks as we lead to our special Advent and Christmas services. I do not have to mention our youth program – you know of its strength.

Growth also brings many challenges to us. The finance committee is in the midst of making a difficult journey as we make a transition to Bradley and Berry, P.A. as our treasurer and financial secretary. I celebrate Raymond Batchelor’s careful stewardship of our resources. You will begin to discover in the coming weeks how careful he was as the Trustees lead us in considering the cash purchase of the Van Dorp and Davis properties on the other side of Hilliard Street. Our building committee is making headway on a facility that allows us to grow into the next millennia. We anticipate that many will challenge us to make our new fellowship hall, child day-care space, kitchen, and administrative areas something that enhances the “streetscape” of Washington Street. Finally, we will be beginning a new worship service in the coming year and we need the gifts of many of NUMC’s saints to launch this new ministry.

Within the Methodist connection I serve as a member of the Conference Commission on Congregational Development. With Jim Boehm and Anne King (First UMC, Rocky Mount), I teach DISCIPLE I Bible Study at Fountain Correctional Institute for Women. I also serve as the spiritual director for the Heart of Carolina Chysalis Community, was the spiritual director for a Chrysalis flight in July, and anticipate serving as an assistant spiritual director for the Heart of Carolina Walk to Emmaus in the coming year.

I am blessed to join in service in this community with a minister of youth and education who is growing in her calling to the ordained ministry. If the equation E=mc² is true then she is the speed of light squared that balances my mass. Cindy Pike is pure contagious energy. Our raiding party to First UMC (Rocky Mount) found success when we met Adonna Dickerson. She brings a marvelous gift and tremendous passion for excellence to our music program. Cindy, Ann, William, and I are blessed to serve in ministry with Cindy, Bob, Casey, Bryce, and Aaron Pike and Adonna, Den, and Taylor Dickerson. To their names, I add the great blessing I receive from retired colleagues Lester and Henrietta Jackson and Sidney and Katherine Boone. We also continue to pray for Scott Smallwood and his family as they serve the Red Oak UMC.

I am truly blessed to live among the saints and sinners of Nashville United Methodist Church.

Associate Pastor’s Report for Swansboro UMC (1997)

dorean elabote, dorean dote. Given Gifts – Give Gifts. (Matthew 10:8b).

The above phrase taken from the Greek New Testament is the motto of the Theological School of Drew University. Our hymnal translates Jesus’ teaching as “freely you have received, freely give” (The United Methodist Hymnal: 1988, #389). Dr. Robert Bull, my advisor and Patristics professor, intimidated us by translating the motto as “those to whom much is given, much more will be expected.” I am most comfortable with a literal reading offered by the late Dr. Jack Beaudean and Dean Thomas Ogletree: “given gifts – give gifts.” Most importantly for this meeting tonight I offer you what has become my statement of mission at SUMC. As a person gifted for ordained ministry I am privileged to work among a people Growing to Serve the Crystal Coast as we grow together in faith, in fellowship, in service, and in Christ. One of the great discoveries this past year is that we are empowered to serve the Crystal Coast because we are a people blessed with many gifts (I believe the phrase was “blessed to be a blessing”).

Among our DISCIPLE graduates we find folks gifted as teachers of DISCIPLE and Sunday School, administrators, healers, helpers, prophets, counselors, construction workers, and even a parish nurse or two. Within our congregation we have discerned God calling us to: (1) be concerned for our community and the environment, (2) care for the elderly and those living alone in fresh ways, (3) create more activities for 20-somethings, (4) continue our active involvement in the White Oak Ecumenical Outreach Ministries and The Hem of His Garment, and (5) assist those needing help in life transitions through Stephen’s Ministry and by facilitating other support groups. This represents the continuing maturing of a congregation that knows itself to be in mission to this community and to the world. This discerning of gifts and service opportunities has taken place against the backdrop of a Growing to Serve capital campaign that has raised over $170,000 to date and pledged an additional $770,000 by June of the year 2000. Additionally, the education program coordinated by Louisa Ringo grows with our average Sunday School attendance growing to over 150 persons and over 60 persons taking part in DISCIPLE studies, youth and children’s ministry have expanded under the leadership of Cindy Bingham and Melissa Broadwell, and our missional outreach continues to advance under the leadership of Sue Redfearn.

In connection with my responsibilities for youth ministry I served on the staff for Conference Summer Breakaway program in June. I am also a member of the Conference Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns. My responsibilities are limited to the United Methodist – Episcopal dialogue and forging conversations with the AME Zion Church through my contacts with Dean Albert Aymer of Hood Theological Seminary (Livingston College, Saulisbury, NC). I also assisted the Heart of Carolina and Cape Fear Emmaus communities by serving as spiritual director for the July boy’s Chrysalis, and as an assistant spiritual director for the January boy’s Chrysalis, January men’s CYAC (Carolina Young Adult Chrysalis), and September men’s CYAC. I anticipate participating on the Board of Directors for Carolina Chrysalis and CYAC in the coming year in my capacity of working with the youth ministry.

My continuing education came at a “First Things First” event sponsored by our district, a Conference PLAY (Preparing Leaders – Adult and Youth) retreat, and serving on the staff of Summer Breakaway. I continue my practice of taking a monthly retreat day with eight sisters and brothers in ministry. My spiritual renewal is further enhanced by my regular reading of Richard Foster’s Devotional Classics, Eugene Peterson’s Living the Message, and Henri Nowen’s Bread for the Journey.

I am blessed to serve with a senior pastor who offers wisdom from the pulpit and sage advice in private conference, and who models spiritual maturity, a gracious wit, and great pastoral integrity. Cindy, Ann, and I are blessed to serve in ministry with Ray, Melissa, Kristin, Leah, and Lauren Broadwell.