From The Desk of Rev. Chris Sams
Senior
Pastor of Adrian United Methodist Church
April 7,
2024
Dear
Beloved Family of Adrian United Methodist Church,
Grace and
peace to you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is with a heavy heart
yet an unwavering faith in God’s plan that I share some important news
regarding our journey together as a community of faith. Bishop Bob Farr has
reached out to us with a new assignment, calling our family to serve North
Cross United Methodist Church in the coming months. This news was unexpected
and has filled our hearts with a deep sense of sadness, as the thought of
leaving this incredible community weighs heavily on us.
Over the
years, we have witnessed the mighty hand of God move within and through the
Adrian United Methodist Church family in ways that have truly exemplified His
love and grace. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones that speak
volumes of your dedication, love, and faithfulness to God’s work.
Our
collective efforts have led to an increase in worship attendance, a
testament to the vibrant spirit and welcoming nature of our church. We have
seen our financial situation stabilize, enabling us to extend our
mission and ministry in significant ways. Our commitment to serving the least
among us was manifested through providing shelter for the homeless, a
true reflection of Jesus' call to care for the needy.
One of our
proudest accomplishments has been the establishment of a preschool,
laying a foundation of faith and learning for the youngest among us. Our senior
adults ministry and children and student ministries have flourished,
becoming vibrant expressions of our community’s life and hope for the future.
The renovation of our sanctuary and basement, along with the addition of
a new playground, have not only beautified our church grounds but have
also enhanced our ability to welcome and serve others.
We have
been blessed to witness countless lives transformed through baptism, a
sacred moment of beginning anew in faith. Moreover, we have come together in
both joy and sorrow, celebrating the lives of loved ones lost, and in doing so,
have experienced the comforting and unifying presence of God’s love.
As we
prepare for this transition, I urge you not to view this moment with
disappointment in the Methodist itinerant system. Remember, we are part of a
sent ministry, and this move is a reflection of God calling us to embrace new
challenges and opportunities. It is a reminder that God needs us to do
something new, to spread His word and love in new ways and places.
Adrian
United Methodist Church is a beacon of hope, love, and faith in Jesus. I have every confidence that this
community will continue to lead people to an active faith in Jesus under new
pastoral leadership. The seeds we have planted together will continue to grow
and flourish, guided by the same unwavering faith that has brought us this far.
As we look
to the future, I want to express my unwavering belief in each and every one
of you. The journey we have shared has shown me the strength, resilience,
and deep faith that resides within the Adrian United Methodist Church
community. Your dedication to living out the mission of Christ has been evident
in every act of kindness, every service rendered, and every soul touched by our
collective efforts.
I am
confident that your future will be prosperous, not just in worldly measures,
but in the richness of spirit and the depth of impact you will continue to have
on the lives around you. Your commitment to leading people to an active faith in Jesus will
forge new pathways for growth, fellowship, and service. The seeds we have
planted together in this community will blossom into lasting legacies of hope,
love, and transformation.
It is
important to remember that as United Methodists, we are part of a connectional
church. This connection is not merely institutional; it is spiritual, bound
by our shared commitment to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world. Though my family and I may be moving to serve
another part of this vast and beautiful body of Christ, our connection will
remain strong. Our bonds will live on through the connectional church,
transcending geographical distances and reminding us that we are indeed part of
something much larger than ourselves.
Let us hold
fast to this connection, supporting and uplifting one another as we continue to
serve God’s kingdom. Our shared mission and ministry in Christ’s name are what
unite us, and these bonds of fellowship and purpose will endure, no matter
where we are called to serve.
As we
navigate this period of transition, let us do so with hearts full of gratitude
for the time we have spent together and with eyes fixed on the future, trusting
in God’s guidance and providence. May we always cherish the memories we have
created and look forward to the new ways in which God will use us to accomplish
His work.
In
closing, remember, the story of Adrian United Methodist Church is far from
over. It is simply
entering a new chapter, one that I am confident will be filled with further
acts of faith, hope, and love. I believe in you and in the prosperous future
that lies ahead for this community, as you continue to live out your mission
with passion and purpose.
May God’s
peace and blessings be with you always, and may our connection in the United
Methodist Church continue to strengthen and inspire us, wherever we are called
to serve.
As we
embark on this next chapter, let us hold fast to the promise that the
goodness of God is with us all. Let this transition be a testament to our
shared belief in a God who guides, provides, and calls us to greater purpose
beyond our understanding.
We will
carry the memories, lessons, and love we have shared here at Adrian United
Methodist Church in our hearts forever. Our prayers and support will remain
with you, even as we answer God’s call to serve elsewhere. May God bless you
and continue to work through you in mighty ways.
In Christ’s
Love and Service,
Chris,
Becky, Lauren and Cooper Sams
