You welcomed me with wide open arms, wholeheartedly. I’ve been overwhelmed with your hospitality right from the start. It feels like I’ve been here for years, that we’ve known each other forever— and I mean that in the best way possible. The evidence is in the relationships that I have been able to cultivate with families and individuals in this church. And I want to say thank you.
The first year of being in ministry is usually pretty hard, from what I’ve heard. It is filled with a lot of uncertainty, often a lack of support, and difficult circumstances.
Not for me.
You gave me the freedom to be me in this new position. You said “this is the way we used to do it, but please try something new!” and that gave me a sense of having wide open doors to try new things. So I did, and many things worked, and some things didn’t. But you didn’t criticise, you just supported me. You came along side me and were willing to help. Youth leaders and parents of youth were especially supportive, and I appreciated that so much. I love working together as a team.
I’m eager to head into this next year of ministry. I’m looking forward to seeing what God will do among us and through us this year. I’m excited to keep watching God work in the lives of our youth and young adults. (And in all of us, really.)
Let’s keep walking this road together, shall we? Praising God in Fleetwood, serving God in Fleetwood, and participating in His work in this world. You, me, and everyone else, with Jesus Christ right in the center.