July 2008

WELCOME
Rev. Warren and Betsey Outhwaite, and Abigail!

 Dear members and friends of "Mulberry":

My friend Pastor Warren Outhwaite [just two syllables: [OUTH-wait] is a seasoned pastor and I believe he is a great match for "Mulberry", being Biblical in his theology and collaborative in his leadership style. I believe our prayers for a good match have been answered.  His duty here begins officially July 1. In the last week of June, the Outhwaites will have moved into the new parsonage on Beech Street that quite a number of you good people have been "fine-tuning". The basement is now finished, except for eventually adding a bathroom. THANKS AGAIN, to all those who have been working on the house.  You have saved the church a lot of money on labor!  I would guess it will take a little while longer for our new pastoral family to really get "unpacked" and "moved in." Please be aware that they are dealing with the usual sorrow that comes from leaving another congregation that they love: Grace UMC, in Warren, Ohio. The first Sunday in July, Mulberry Street Church will NOT have Holy Communion, as it is the first Sunday that our new pastor is with us. Pastor Warren says he intends to resume the "first Sunday" Communion Schedule in August. For all of you who are mobile, I hope you make an extra effort to be in church during the first months the Outhwaites are here, if you do not have plans to be out of town.  Many thanks to those of you who have increased your giving in the past two months.  We are getting closer to meeting the budget that includes the staffing level we will have when the new FULL-TIME pastor is on duty.  This is important for the future growth (reaching souls for Christ) and faithful ministry of our church. Ginny and I eagerly look forward to seeing you again after we have a couple of "months of Sundays" of visiting friends in former parishes.  I am NOT hoping for any calls from a District Superintendent to serve in another church.  We want to be with you again in the autumn, the Lord willing. I'll tell you what I told Pastor Warren:  "If I were ten years younger, I'd envy you coming to be the pastor of Mulberry Street Church.  As it is, I look forward to you being the pastor of 'our church.'" I am confident that as we work with Pastor Warren, serving Christ together, a fine new season in the life of "Mulberry" is about to begin.  I am excited about the possibilities, as we seek to be faithful to our stated purpose:  Grounded in the Word, reaching out in Worship and Service. Thanks for being so good to Ginny and me in the past year. God bless you, every one!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Bill (William E. Norman) Interim Pastor through June 30