Tomorrow is the first Sunday in a new pastorate for several in my district. Please pray for the following this week as they begin anew, and some for the first time. I have marked (+++) those who will be serving under appointment for the first time(mostly students), many presiding at the communion table for the first time tomorrow. FYI: I will be on vacation with Cana Ruth Monday through Saturday of this next week (Garcias, here we come!!), and may thusly not be blogging, but, hey, who knows.

Arley-Travis Reames

Camden-Renae Watt +++

First UMC, Blue Springs-Steve Campbell

First UMC, Braymer and Breckenridge-Barron Willer

First UMC, Excelsior Springs-Jonathan Cooney

Hardin/Henrietta Charge-John Hackmann II +++ (has been serving at Smith Chapel since 4/07)

Liberty UMC, Associate-Scott Beard +++

Mt. Tabor-John Churchill

Napolean-Jamie Gehrke +++

Orrick-Emily Carroll +++

Platte City, Associate-Julie Bogart +++

Platte Woods, Associate-Curtis Olsen+++ (first full time appt after seminary, first under appt.)

Polo/Cowgill Charge-Amanda Ross+++

Smith Chapel-Barry Baugh (first full time appointment after serving 14 years part time)

Smithville-Court Fischer (first full time appointment after seminary)

Turney-Judy Frost +++

Wellington-Jill Daniel

Wesley (Sweet Springs) charge-Tim Biesemeyer (now is local pastor for the first time, was supplying for the past 3? years)

That's eighteen, counting Tim. My prayer for them:

God of new beginnings, as each of these pastors begins a new field of ministry, grant them ears to hear the needs of their people; eyes to see the glory of your presence in the youngest and oldest there tomorrow; and a heart that is willing to risk loving those whom they do not yet know. As each of these churches receive the gift of new pastoral leadership, grant them ears to hear tomorrow your word proclaimed; eyes to see their pastor as you see your children, with love and mercy; and hearts willing to open again, to love yet another pastor, and to begin this holy relationship between church and people with a spirit of hopefulness and joy. For the good of your kingdom Lord, we trust each of these, pastor and people, to you. Amen