Dear Friends in the Stillwater District,
As part of the United Methodist Family we understand that our pastors are appointed one year at a time. Spring is near and that is the time Bishop Hayes and his cabinet review appointments and discerns where every clergy person needs to serve in order to be most effective for the coming year.
In recent cabinet meetings Bishop Hayes and his cabinet determined that it is best for me to serve as Senior Pastor in a local congregation again. The specific setting will be announced later as well as the one appointed to follow me as district superintendent.
It has been an honor and a joy to serve Christ with you and face the challenges of this modern day. You have been generous with me as I learned the specifics of the role of superintendency, willing to follow when I invited you to see ministry in a new way and faithful to the call of God upon your lives.
This time of being with you has been full of joy for me. I did not expect to “love” this type of ministry but I have loved it and enjoyed these five years more than you will ever know! I think that is because of the unique people spread throughout this district and the wonderful qualities Stillwater as well Oklahoma State University and The Wesley Foundation provide a family while living here.
I am sad to say good-bye. I will not participate with you in leadership or sacramental roles in the future but I will hold you in my heart and remain friends with you, always! Mickey and I thank you for the lovely parsonage you have provided, the district offices and staff, Kathy and Juanita, for they are exceptional, and the very talented elected leaders. I especially thank Frank Denney , the Superintendency Committee Chair who has been patient with my learning curve and supportive of my dreams and desire to be innovative and effective in ministry. I have never given in to status quo or doing things just because of tradition and I am grateful for all of you who have affirmed that kind of leadership, despite the personal sacrifices it might have meant for you. Both Stan Warfield and Michael Bartley , two major leaders in this district have shown remarkable support for new directions. Other leaders like Travis Hopper , the chair of our District Council and Derrek Belase the coordinator of our District Youth Ministry have been exceptional in moving ministries within the district to a new level of purpose and meaning. I am so grateful to the pastors who have served with me. Each one, I believe is anointed to his or her ministry and I have grown because of what we have shared together. And who could ask for more dedicated laity than those in this district? I have received affirmation and grace from all of them! From the United Methodist Women and Certified Lay Ministers to our delightful District Lay Leader, Earl Mitchell and his associates. What a great district this is!!!
I will be very busy these next three months, moving out of the parsonage early so it can be cleaned and prepared for its next family in residence and taking care of cabinet appointment making responsibilities. There will be time to share our personal farewells but for now please, let’s keep each other in prayer, remain focused on the “possibilities” of this new day and keep celebrating what is right! May the power of Christ give us strength and hope as we face the future before us!
Blessings Bert
Stillwater District Office of the United Methodist Church
Office: 405-372-0624
Fax: 405-372-1545
Office Hours:
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday through Thursday
Web: www.stwdsumc.org
