Pastoral Announcement

 

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