This morning at the 8:10 and 10:50 worship services, Jenny and I announced that, at the end of June 2013, we will be moving to Abilene, Kansas to serve as pastors of the First United Methodist Church there. Last December, when we completed our annual appointive recommendation (the “should we stay or should we go form”) we checked the option that this appointment (to Coffeyville First) “appears to be a match that effectively utilizes [our] gifts and graces.” We believed that then and we believe it now.

However, we had also discerned that our time here was coming toward an end and so when it came to the part of the form called the “Appointive Continuum” we placed our mark closer to the “move” than to the “remain” end of the spectrum.* We did this in the hope that a new pastor might be better able to assist you in moving forward and continuing the excellent work you have been doing as a church. Of our time here as your pastors, one of the moments that touched us most deeply was when the PPR Committee wrote on our evaluations that they believed we had always acted in the best interests of the church. We believe we are doing so now and trust that God has great things in store for you.

We will continue to be your pastors through the end of June and we will do everything we can to ensure a smooth transition and the success of your new pastor. After that time we will no longer be your pastors, but we hope to remain your friends. We have enjoyed our eight years here with you and we cherish the friendships we have made. Thank you.

*If you find this confusing, it might help you to look at Clergy Appointive Recommendation.