|
BOB AND JOYCE COLEMAN
Retiring July 1, 2011
|
Over the years Grace Church has experienced many blessings. One of those blessings has been the leadership of Pastor Bob and Joyce Coleman. Their service to our congregation has brought much joy and love, and their ministry has been much appreciated.
To celebrate their ministry and to honor their service to Christ and the church, you are invited to one of the following events:
| Friday, June 17th |
Retirement Dinner and Program in Price Hall |
6:00 p.m. |
| Monday, June 20th |
Reception at the Franklin United Methodist Community |
2:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, June 25th |
Reception following Worship Service in Church Lobby |
6:30 p.m. |
| Sunday, June 26th |
Reception between Services in Price Hall |
10:00 a.m. |
Tickets for the Colemans' Retirement Dinner will be sold before/after the church services and in the Church Office. Adult tickets are $16.00. Child (10 and under) tickets are $8.00. You may join us for the program at 7:30 in the Sanctuary even if you do not attend the dinner.
As a congregation, we will also be presenting the Coleman’s a love gift. If you and your family would like to participate and give toward this gift, or give toward covering pending expenses for the events above, please mark contributions “Coleman Love Gift” and bring or mail to the Church Office.
We look forward to this time of celebration in the life of our church. We are always grateful for the opportunities to share in our common ministry together and for those who have been faithful to responding to the love and grace Christ.
The following is a letter Pastor Bob:
| AS I LEAVE |
|
I give God the praise and thanks for the privilege of serving Grace United Methodist Church these past five years. July 1, 2011, I will no longer be an appointed pastor for Grace, due to my retirement. When I came as senior pastor in March of 2006, it was with awareness in my mind this would be my last appointment in full time ministry. I shared with leadership then we should plan for a smooth transition at my eventual retirement. It is clear to me this transition has been accomplished. Even though I was the initial architect there have been many lay people and staff involved in shaping where we are now. With Pastor Andy Kinsey now senior pastor and Pastor Jenothy Rather assuming the associate position July 1, this is very much a shared victory.
Many kind and gracious words have been shared with Joyce and me, and they are deeply appreciated. It is my joy to leave a strong and vital congregation to move foreword serving in the name of Christ, sharing the good news of God’s love and grace known through God’s Son. Using the three simple rules of John Wesley, I know and trust you all:
1. To do no harm to this ministry, of Grace
2. To do only good, through support of this ministry
3. To each stay in Love with God.
Even though we will be staying in our current home in Franklin, because I will no longer be appointed Pastor to Grace United Methodist Church, I will not be performing weddings, or other pastoral duties such as funerals and hospital calls. The positive side of this protects the ministry of Andy and Jenothy and does not bring confusion to the scriptural role of those who are called to be pastors. For clarification, since I will be working part time for the district with the responsibility of relating to retired pastors and spouses and widows, I will occasionally make contacts with those who are also retired from ministry. Thank you for understanding.
This change in our lives has brought opportunity for God’s Holy Spirit to lead Grace United Methodist Church forward based on a strong foundation. Keep your eyes upon Jesus and follow him faithfully. Our blessings and prayers will be with you all and after a break you may see us at one of the services at Grace.
Yours in Christ,
Bob Coleman
|
|
