My, have the last few months been a whirlwind! I’ve been working through all of the transitions of moving and learning new software and electronics while also tending to a myriad of personal issues and renewing old friendships.  

Change happens; it’s a part of life. We encounter twists and turns, but they are all a part of the journey. The journey of faith is filled with excitement and joy, but also challenge and pain. I invite you to journey with me through my new role of assistant to the bishop (or as we United Methodists, who like to abbreviate things, say, the A2B.)

So how did I get here? some may ask. A number of congregations taught me lessons on this journey—some good and some challenging. I am grateful for the countless number of people who gathered week in and week out for prayer, study, and worship. And for those who tried to maintain challenging as well as promising church properties and strategize on how to reach their neighbors or make sure that basic expenses were met. You made the journey what it is: faith-filled.

Many laypeople who have since joined the Church Triumphant taught me that there is so much more to the world called The United Methodist Church—people like Jack Ryder,  Rod Osbourne, Jack McCabe, and Liz Okayama. Others taught me to stand for who I am, including Lillian Lane, Lillie Childs, and Vivian Matthews. And countless others opened doors and encouraged me learn what it meant to be a part of the world-wide UMC.

Thank you to the clergywomen who look over the balconies of heaven and taught me the joy of serving. Rev. Margaret Ann Williams, your words are eternal! You broke the glass ceiling for me. Rev. Tallulah Fisher Williams and Rev. Barbara McEwing, I stand here on your shoulders. 

We are just at a new fork in the road of this journey! So, come and join me. The journey is long but we take it together.