Brothers and Sisters, as I sit here and think of you, I know I must write this letter with love in my heart:

As you are aware, my status with the Illinois Great Rivers Conference as an ordained Elder in full connection in the United Methodist Church unites me with other United Methodist pastors in a covenant community whose calling first and foremost is to serve God and Christ in the world. <!–split–>

The covenant also calls us to serve Christ and the world where we are sent. United Methodist pastors are always prepared to itinerate as the Holy Spirit, working through our Bishop and Cabinet of our Annual Conference, directs that we should.

The purpose of this letter is to share with you in writing that Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton has appointed me to serve as the Senior Pastor of Greenville First United Methodist Church in the Mississippi River District, beginning July 1, 2015. I will be moving to Greenville IL where I will continue the ministry of Christ in a new setting and with a new congregation of United Methodists. I am, of course, still processing my own emotions about this move; emotions which range from excitement as I anticipate this new adventure, to the fear and trembling one feels in the face of a new challenge, to the enormous pain and grief that always comes when we must leave the people we’ve come to love and know and the place we’ve all come to call home.

The changes ahead will naturally include a new Pastor appointment to Bethel Wesley; l  assure you it will be a smooth transition.

In the midst of chaos and change, one thing remains the same: Jesus Christ! Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is at the helm of this ship we call the church. He is able to lead us safely through storms into calmer seas and to get us where we need to go. Let us lean into him for our direction and care in this time of change.

I love you all!

Your servant, Flo