The news has been announced in both congregations. The appointment has been published and fixed by Bishop Scott Jones. And so tonight while watching the US Women play a group stage game, I finally found the time to make it social media official…as of August 1, I will be the senior pastor at Rosenberg First Methodist Church.

First, let me begin with Sweeny Methodist. I struggle to find the words to express my love and gratitude and so I will turn to the apostle Paul, a man who loved so many churches during his ministry.

³ I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

⁷ It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. ⁸ God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰ so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Paul in his letter to the Philippians, Chapter 1:3-11

This is how I feel about this gifted, dedicated, and joy-filled group of people. They told me that if people in Sweeny need something done, they ask the Methodists. They are the hands and feet of Jesus, spreading his love through their service, hospitality, and witness. I pray these words of Paul over them as they continue to be a light in the world. And I look forward to hearing stories of how God continues to use them! Sweeny will always hold a precious place in my heart!

Rosenberg First Methodist Church joined the GMC on July 1st and I am thrilled to be part of their next chapter of ministry. As I said, I begin on August 1st. My first Sunday, August 6th, will be a sweet passing of the mantle from their interim pastor to me. My first sermon will be on August 13th. Join us in person or online!

I look forward to partnering together in ministry and bringing the love of Jesus to Rosenberg! To God be the Glory!