A LETTER FROM THE ..............PASTOR

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

It’s very difficult to put into words how grateful I am for having served with and among you these past four years. Over the 1,460 days of my pastorate with you all, God’s grace has been at work in you, in our community and in my own life of faith, and for that I am eternally thankful.

The flood of cards, gifts, honorariums, face-to-face hugs and well-wishes received by email and Facebook have often times brought me to tears. As I often say, “Tears are a gift from God that allow us to express things too deep for words.” Thank you for demonstrating your love for me in so many thoughtful ways. To Vicki Kellum and the SPR Committee, I appreciate the beautiful farewell reception held on my last Sunday. You all went above and beyond, offering Jimmy and I the perfect send-off. From beginning to end, it felt like a hug from heaven.

To the staff, I can’t begin to express how much I will miss you. It’s not only been a joy, but a privilege to share the hard, yet fruitful work of ministry.

And to Rev. Whitton and my pastoral colleagues, you have blessed me more than you can imagine. Through days of joy and laughter, and those of frustration and exhaustion, our journey together has shaped me into a more Christ-like servant. I am grateful that the special bond we share as clergy persons will remain.

To each of you who are a part of the FUMC family, keep growing in faith; keep cultivating love for others and for the world; keep praising God; keep serving in Christ’s name; and by the power of the Holy Spirit, keep sharing the Good News that you have heard and that you know in your own life.

With much love,

Rev. Pattye Hewitt

In July, the Louisiana Annual Conference appointed Rev. Dr. Jane Riecke as an associate minister at FUMC. Please join us in welcoming her into our congregation!

Dear Members & Friends of First United Methodist Church,

These past two months have been as wonderful as they’ve been hectic. I’ve had a great time getting to know FUMC and its people while acquainting myself with the newly formed Connect Ministry of the church. I even think I am making some headway in getting to know Small Group Leaders and Sunday Morning study groups, but there are many more visits to come.

As Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Spiritual Formation, I have the opportunity to fulfill a lifetime's ambition to bring individuals into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, create small groups that transform and strengthen that relationship and see lay ministry flourish through spiritual formation. I’m so excited about all the possibilities and the challenges of my ministry here. I hope you will feel free to connect with me soon. My office door is always open!

In Christ,

Rev. Jane Riecke