Every year in April, the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church designates one Sunday as Announcement Sunday. On that day, every pastor in the Florida Conference announces their appointment (at which church they will be serving) for the coming year, beginning July 1st. This year Announcement Sunday is April 27th.
I am scheduled to be away on April 27th. I’ll be heading out to Kansas City to attend the Lead(Her) Conference at the Church of the Resurrection (Rev. Adam Hamilton’s church) and spending a few days with my Covenant Group! So, I will not be here for announcement Sunday. My boss, Rev. Dr. Simon Osunlana, has given me permission to announce my appointment early. So, with no further ado, I announce that I have been re-appointed to Key West United Methodist Church for my third year!
I am personally ecstatic that I am staying! First, because I absolutely love it here. I love this church and all of you. I love this community, and I love this way of life! So, I am taking a few minutes today to go to God in prayer, with gratitude for this amazing appointment! I hope that you are all happy also (although I am sure a few of you might be thinking, “Oh boy! We just can’t get rid of her” – I still love you if you are thinking that!).
The second reason I am overjoyed to be staying his that I feel like we are just getting started and God has such wonderful plans for all of us and for this church!
This Sunday, we will rejoice in the empty tomb, praise God for the resurrected Jesus and celebrate new life in Christ. It is that new life that is calling us as individuals and as a church. I am so impressed with the way the leaders of this church have faithfully listened to God and are finding new and innovative ways to reach people for Christ, while positively impacting our community. We need everyone to be a part of this mission!
So, over the new few weeks and months, ask yourself. How can I help to grow this church and share Christ with others? Maybe you can volunteer help with Vacation Bible School, help cook dinners on Wednesday nights, Volunteer Sunday mornings in the Coffee House, help in the office, serve on the Missions team or on the Worship Committee. Pray about it and write on your Connect Card, “I think God is calling me to…….”And we will reach out to you to get you connected and serving!
I am looking forward to seeing you all on Maundy Thursday at the Seder Dinner, Good Friday at our Musical Drama, Easter Sunday at the White Street Pier for Sunrise Service, at our Easter Brunch in the Old Stone Coffee House or at our Traditional Service in the Sanctuary. And, I am looking forward to another wonderful year here at The Old Stone Church. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for all of us!
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Grace and Peace
-Pastor Madeline
