MY LAST APPOINTMENT BEFORE RETIREMENT was to my home church, Nickelsville United Methodist Circuit, where I went in June, 2009, and served through June, 2011. The three churches that compose the circuit, Culbertson, New Hope and Nickelsville, are prominently located in their three communities. I was honored and privileged to be pastor of my homefolks, including lots of relatives. And in spite of what Thomas Wolfe says, you CAN go home again. I got to live in the old home place and took my pastors pay and used it to restore and refurbish it. Diana, my first wife, who knew her cancer had come back and her life was not expected to be much longer at the time, really wanted me to take this unusual appointment and she loved living on the farm. And looking back now I can see how much it meant for her. It was her Waldens Pond. She went with me every Sunday morning to all three churches on the circuit. She died November 18, 2010; and I shall always be grateful for the kindness and care and love extended to her and me during her illness and death by the parishioners of Nickelsville Circuit! Some other memories were singing in the Community Choir (even at the 2010 Annual Conference and the August, 2010 Sulphur Springs Campmeeting), homecoming services, Disciple Bible Study, Church on the Creek, Fifth Sunday Circuit Joint Services, Community Easter Sunrise and Thanksgiving services, childrens time, the weddings, baptisms and yes, funerals. Physical improvements and additions were made in all three churches, including sound booths at Culbertson and Nickelsville. Our membership grew at all three churches during both years. After Dianas death the wind was out of my sails and after much prayer and thought I decided it was time to retire. In June, 2011, I retired after 44 years of active ministry in the United Methodist Church, having come back home literally to where it all began, where I made profession of faith, was baptized in Copper Creek, and was called to ministry.
Posted on: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 21:09:23 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015