May 2008

FROM PASTOR BILL

(1) TRANSITIONS: Being asked by the District Superintendent, Rev. Larry Hukill, I have agreed to be on part-time duty for a while again, as Interim Pastor of “Mulberry” for April – June. It is a joy and privilege to serve Christ by serving you. We are indeed all indebted to the Rev. Irwin Jennings for the capable leadership given us in the past October-March. Sometimes we get into these interim leadership periods when a pastor dies or retires, or is disabled, AFTER annual conference, at an “odd” time in the annual cycle. If the upcoming change is known in the spring, it is easier for the Bishop and Cabinet to make a smoother transition. Let us continue to lift Dr. Rod and Sue Buchanan up in our prayers in their new phase of life, as Rod is in the retired relationship to the Annual Conference. Obviously, it has been an unusual year or so for Mulberry Street U.M. Church. There was an unusual number of staff changes in the second half of 2007, and it is time to move forward for Christ. While we miss those who have left, we have been blessed with capable and energetic new paid staff persons: Sarah Yoakam in the office, Matt Diffenderfer as Outreach Director, and Elizabeth Boskovich as Music Director. We really appreciate all that Mike and Robin McKinley are doing as capable volunteers in leadership of Youth Ministry, assisted lately by Dustin LeMaster, our intern from MVNU, “The Naz.” I also want to say a word of thanks to Phil Boyette and Rev. John Hood in their leadership in the worship services, etc., in a Lay Leader function. Every musician and singer is making a wonderful contribution to the worship life of the church, in both services. And there are too many other hard workers, teachers, and leaders to list here. But we do say thanks to Yvonne Clutter for subbing for Linda Boyette at the piano and organ during Linda’s recovery from surgery. The small group life of the church is good. I’d like to see even more people in these fellowship-study groups. Thanks to all the leaders and hosts. THANKS TO ALL who are making a positive contribution to the church. Pastor Irwin mentioned money in his last article, and that was appropriate. I remind the church that with a new full time pastor, the giving needs to come up substantially. We have not seen enough pledges (or estimates of giving) to meet the budget. And the giving is not up to the level needed to meet all of the obligations of the church after July 1. For the past six months, and until July, the expense to the church for pastoral leadership is only about a QUARTER of the regular full time pastoral support, counting housing. So, if the giving does not come up from some who are not yet committed financially to the church, there may need to be adjustments in the budget. Will you pray about this, and follow God’s leading? It would be a sad day if we have to cut back on any of the wonderful ministries of the church, which benefit from staff leadership. I believe the state of this church is good (in fact, the envy of many), and will get better in the pastorate of Rev. Warren Outhwaite, which begins here about July 1. He and his wife Betsey and their daughter Abigail expect to move into the new parsonage on Beech Street in the last week of June. I’ll let them tell you about their other children. I believe that Pastor Warren O. is a wonderful match for Mulberry Street, as I have known him for the past 30 years, since a time when we were both serving in Delaware County at the same time. I don’t think we have been in the same district at the same time since then, but we have been in touch from time to time. I think his appointment by the Bishop and the Cabinet is a good thing for Mulberry Church. And, of course, I think the Outhwaites will soon love the congregation. I am looking forward to Warren being MY pastor, as, barring the unexpected, Ginny and I hope to be in the Mulberry congregation in the coming years. We will probably be visiting some old friends in previous parishes during this summer, so we will not be so visible in that season. That will encourage you to get to know the Outhwaites better. And we hope to rejoice to come back to the congregation in the Fall, under Warren’s capable leadership.

(2) NEW MEMBER CLASS: Last Sunday of April, first three in May In the meantime, I, with some helpers, will be offering another NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION CLASS in the Sunday School Hour, 10:00 AM, in the Conference Room (205), which is just down the hall from the secretary’s office, in the Education Building. In case I am not aware that specific ones of YOU have an interest in joining Mulberry Street Church, or in learning more about our beliefs and history, etc., YOU ARE INVITED to be in this class. It is open to adults and Senior High school students. The homework load will be light. We will delay the receiving of new members until May 18, final day of the course, because of this HISTORICAL COINCIDENCE on May 11: Due to the lunar calendar affecting the date for Easter and Pentecost, this year both Mother’s Day and Pentecost come on May 11. You will probably not see this again! Of course, Mother’s Day in the USA is fixed on the second Sunday of May. Pentecost is the 7th Sunday after Easter. The Worship planning team is planning a special tribute to Mothers in the earlier part of the services, and the sermon will be focused more on Pentecost.

Blessings to all of you from the One God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.

William E. Norman, Interim Pastor. (Retired Elder)