Dear Members & Friends of Zachary UMC:
As my season of pastoral ministry with you comes to an end, I would like to share a few things with you.
First, I would like to offer gratitude for our season together. There have been many people and moments that have been a blessing to me. It has been an honor to preach the Word to you and serve as your pastor. I wish you the best in the next chapter of your congregation’s life and ministry.
Second, I would like to express regret that my health has been such a factor over the last 18 months. I regret that there hasn’t been a day since I've been here when I have felt like my best self. PVCs of the heart, bradycardia, three seasons of recovery from two cases of covid and a severe respiratory infection with asthma, shoulder surgery and seven months of physical therapy, busted ribs on the youth mission, and ultimately a voice injury have made me physically unfit for pastoral ministry at this time. Thank you for being gracious and kind through my struggles.
Third, Allison and I are leaving Zachary to move to Baton Rouge. I have been granted a medical leave, and we will live in one of the homes of the Retired Ministers Home Board. We will get to be near our children as they study at LSU.
Fourth, moving forward I will no longer be your pastor, and I will no longer be available to perform baptisms, weddings, funerals, preaching engagements, pastoral care, or counseling. Moving forward I am just your brother in Christ and a friend. As friends we are free to share news of life events like births, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, retirements, and holidays, but the truth is there is a good chance that we will not see each other again this side of eternity. Knowing this I wish you farewell.
I hope you will stay strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray you run the race, and I pray you keep the faith.
In Christ,
Josh
As my season of pastoral ministry with you comes to an end, I would like to share a few things with you.
First, I would like to offer gratitude for our season together. There have been many people and moments that have been a blessing to me. It has been an honor to preach the Word to you and serve as your pastor. I wish you the best in the next chapter of your congregation’s life and ministry.
Second, I would like to express regret that my health has been such a factor over the last 18 months. I regret that there hasn’t been a day since I've been here when I have felt like my best self. PVCs of the heart, bradycardia, three seasons of recovery from two cases of covid and a severe respiratory infection with asthma, shoulder surgery and seven months of physical therapy, busted ribs on the youth mission, and ultimately a voice injury have made me physically unfit for pastoral ministry at this time. Thank you for being gracious and kind through my struggles.
Third, Allison and I are leaving Zachary to move to Baton Rouge. I have been granted a medical leave, and we will live in one of the homes of the Retired Ministers Home Board. We will get to be near our children as they study at LSU.
Fourth, moving forward I will no longer be your pastor, and I will no longer be available to perform baptisms, weddings, funerals, preaching engagements, pastoral care, or counseling. Moving forward I am just your brother in Christ and a friend. As friends we are free to share news of life events like births, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, retirements, and holidays, but the truth is there is a good chance that we will not see each other again this side of eternity. Knowing this I wish you farewell.
I hope you will stay strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray you run the race, and I pray you keep the faith.
In Christ,
Josh