April 20, 2008
Today at Arborlawn, Stephanie and I announced that we would be leaving the Fort Worth area. The Bishop has appointed me the pastor of Discovery United Methodist Church of Hutto. Hutto is a community north east of Austin and about 5 miles east of Round Rock. Population estimates place it as the fastest growing city in the state. Here’s a google map link to it.
Now the work of getting a house ready, moving, and all the infinite details that will need to be worked out begins. We appreciate your prayers.
Stephanie and I are excited about the future as we believe that God is certainly leading us to Hutto. We will miss Arborlawn tremendously. The following is what I said in worship after the announcement was made:
Philippians 1:3-7a
3 I thank my God every time I
remember you, 4constantly praying with joy in every one of my
prayers for all of you, 5because of your sharing in the gospel from
the first day until now. 6I am confident of this, that the one who
began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus
Christ. 7It is right for me to think this way about all of you,
because you hold me in your heart,
As Stephanie and I prepare to transition to the extremely
fast growing community of Hutto, Texas,
just outside of Austin, know how
much we love and cherish each and every moment here at Arborlawn. Arborlawn has shaped my ministry in ways that
I could never have imagined. Luke was
baptized here. I have been able to be
mentored by who I believe is one of, if not the best, senior pastor in Methodism. I have been able to work with a staff that is
second to none. I have served a
congregation that is inspiring.
God is moving here, and I am thankful that I have had the
chance to be a part of it. Stephanie and
I are confident that God has moved us in this direction. But, it’s one of those bittersweet moments,
knowing we’re going where God has sent us, yet loving Arborlawn all at the same
time.
We have a few more weeks yet to say our “see you laters.” But, in the meantime, know that I believe God
is moving here, and I pray that nothing will stop that – Like the apostle Paul,
I am confident that the one who began a good work in you will bring it to
completion. Thanks for an incredible
ride.
April 20, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Congrats Paul! I know that saying goodbye is an important part of the process, but really difficult to do. I hope you are richly blessed over the next few months as your congregation expresses their gratitude to you and your family!
April 27, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Paul,
When I got the paper in Thursday’s mail, I was initially shocked. It is one of those events that everyone knows will happen and they are still staggered when it does.
As a 42 year Methodist, I have seen many ministers come in and out of my journey. It is always a personally sad thing to say goodbye to someone who has had an affect on your personal journey. But, we also come to realize what the appointments can mean to the appointee.
This is another amazing opportunity that God has presented to you, Stephanie and Luke. I could not be happier for you and your family. I am sure it will come as no surprise to you that I visited the web site for Discovery UMC. I watched the news footage of the sanctuary being moved to the new location. It is very clear to me that God sees you as a builder in His kingdom.
He placed you in the path of the merger that created Arborlawn and has given you a place as an integral role-player in Arborlawn’s incredible success. Your presence has been felt here by many and I’m sure I won’t be the first or last to say that you will be sorely missed. I walked by your Sunday School classroom today and saw it overflowing with participants. This is a testament to your success in the Young Adult ministry. When I think back on my first few years at Arborlawn, you will certainly be in my thoughts. I will remember most your constant enthusiasm for everything I saw you do at Arborlawn.
You have a seemingly unending endurance to serve your faith and your church. I’m excited for the people of Hutto to be receiving such a faithful pastor. As they are growing, your enthusiasm will surely be at the helm of something special at Discovery.
Ande, Mallory, Gates, Briar and I wish you nothing but the best in your new appointment. Yes, we will miss you at Arborlawn. But it is such a joyous event to see God present you with such an important task. Your faith in Him has obviously been returned as His faith in you to be grower.
You, Stephanie, Luke and your new church will be in our prayers. God bless you, your family and your new journey.
Your friend in faith,
Trent