Recently, Rev. Andrew Thompson informed Bishop Janice Riggle Huie and our Staff Parish Relations Committee about a request for a change in appointment status. Below is his letter... My Theme Scripture “Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously. Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.” (Matthew 10:5-10, The Message) These verses have been my theme-Scriptures recently. I resonate with Jesus’ call to action for his disciples – calling us to start making disciples right where we are – no need to move to some distant “far-off” place. I am convicted by Jesus’ challenge to his disciples to minister to the lost and confused people right in my own neighborhood. My Confession I confess, though, that I haven’t done a very good job of making disciples in my own neighborhood in years past. In fact, over the past 9 years, my family and I have been living in Pearland. Eight of those years we’ve been commuting to Clear Lake to minister in this great church and community. Our church has been in one neighborhood while our home has been in another. My Conviction But the conviction of this scripture and the persistent calling of God is compelling me minister to the people in my very own neighborhood. So, beginning July 1, I will no longer serve as pastor at this incredible church as I begin a new adventure as a missionary in my own neighborhood. I plan to develop new discipling relationships, home Bible studies, neighborhood outreach, and a new church in Pearland. Much prayer and discernment have led to this decision. My Thanks And though I am ecstatic about the new ministry, I will greatly greatly miss Clear Lake United Methodist Church. From the very first day Nikki, I, and our two-week-old daughter, Laney, experienced worship here, we knew it was home – it was exactly where God was calling us to serve. And we have loved our ministry with you. You are such a generous and loving congregation. I have been extraordinarily blessed to be in ministry with such incredible pastors and staff. And I cannot express enough gratitude for Tony’s leadership, trust, and grace. Even in this new journey for me, he has been nothing but supportive and gracious. This congregation is truly blessed to have this staff and pastoral leadership. Of course, I’ll still be around through the end of June, but I can’t say this enough: Thank you. Thank you for your love, your prayers, your encouragement, and your support. Gratefully Yours, Andrew Thompson In Contemporary Worship this Sunday, March 9, Andrew and SPR Leadership will announce our future plans for Contemporary Worship during the service. - Rev. Tony Vinson
Posted on: Sat, 08 Mar 2014 01:47:55 +0000
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