Pastor's Column

Since my announcement last January 17 that I am leaving Mt. Zion UMC this coming June 2010, many folks requested me (those who missed) if I can share again the announcement. And so, here it is!

We give thanks to God for giving us the great opportunity to serve God’s kingdom through Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. For the last four years, you journeyed with us in so many different ways. You opened your doors and welcomed us. You invited us at your dinner table for meal fellowship. You welcomed us into your lives. And you invited us into your hearts. And with that, each one of you will forever be a part of our lives—Judy, Kristina, Elaine and myself.

We laughed together, we cried together, we celebrated together, we wept together, we wrestled together through life’s challenges. And we embraced together in this amazing journey through good times and difficult times. We will forever love y’all because we have witnessed the love of God through each one of you.

The Bible says that in everything there is always a season. Now is the season for change. Now is the season for new beginnings. After much prayerful discernment that began as early as November of last year and up to this moment…together with my family, with the District Superintendent, and after sharing this decision to the Staff-Parish Relations Committee last Thursday, I shared this now to the entire congregation that I decided that I will be requesting the Cabinet to give us a new appointment come June 2010.  This decision was foremost driven by our love and faithfulness to God, constantly seeking His will for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for the advancement of His Kingdom-agenda.

For the next five months between now until June 20 which will be our last Sunday here at Mt. Zion UMC, I invite each one of you to pray for three things as we prepare our church for this pastoral transition:

First: Let us pray for the Bishop, the District Superintendent and the Cabinet as they prepare the process of identifying the new pastor called by God for Mt. Zion UMC. I am committed to give my 110% full support with integrity and humility, to the new pastor that is coming to this church.

Second: Please include us (including Judy, Kristina and Elaine) in your prayers as we begin to put stuff in boxes and embark in this new beginning of our ministry.

Finally: Let us join together in praying for our entire congregation— that we will focus our lives together towards our mission of “Sharing Christ, Making Disciples, Transforming our Community and the World.” The Prophet Isaiah promises us, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God…”