Let All Mortal Flesh/Sound of Silence/You Are Mine “Mashup”

I enjoy leading singing at Annual Conference and using my creative juices in the planning and selection of songs.

The theme of opening worship moments was “Silence” on the Saturday morning of Annual Conference, May 31, 2025. I enjoyed blending three “songs of silence.”

Thanks for the retirement luncheon!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the wonderful retirement luncheon at Jax First UMC today (most of you know that though I’m not retiring from the Annual Conference yet, I’m stepping out of itinerant ministry into a chaplaincy position to take care of family).

Thanks to the SPRC for gently insisting on doing a luncheon when I resisted! Brooke’s, Nathan’s, and Father Robert’s words were so very kind. Thanks for the food, the flowers from your gardens, the basket of cards, and my favorite strawberry cake. Thanks for inviting some of my pastor friends, too.

I shared some numbers today:

- I’ve worked 42 years in the local church (36 as pastor)

- I’ve served 10 local churches (8 as pastor)

- Of the 8 pastorates, 6 grew numerically while I was there, and I’m happy to say that 5 are still in the UMC

- When we first went into ministry, Sandy gave me a log. Over the years I recorded 64 weddings, 184 funerals, and 345 baptisms.

- What delights me most is that I recorded 501 Professions of Faith, Confirmations, and Restorations (restoring the membership of someone who hasn’t been a church member for many years).

Thanks to our amazing staff (you are a “dream team!”), and to an awesome, healthy church with great lay leadership. With Covid, mold remediation, and the great schism, we’ve been through a lot together. And yet we’ve had so many new members join, the church is in great shape, and you shine with the light of Christ.

Sandy has loved being a grant writer, Toyland organizer, and “Little Needs” creator for JCOC. She loved being part of Warm Hearts and launching GriefShare. She has loved living here!

For me, I’ve also loved the college vibe. I’ve enjoyed JSU Civic Chorale, JSU Trombone Choir, and Exchange Club. I’ve enjoyed doing music with YOU too. Those who came to my classes and book studies were a joy. I love doing chapel with K1A and was thrilled to go on our mission trip to Uganda. And I loved starting up Wednesday Night Suppers.

If there are those reading this from previous churches, thanks to all of you for making pastoring a joy over the years!

To close with a Star Trek reference, when Captain Kirk was dying, his last words were “it was … fun.”

To all of you I’ve got to spend time with in my 42 years of ministry, I want you to know that. It was … fun!

Thank you.