Greetings from the hub of all things Holy Week for the people of First Church. I truly hope each and everyone of you will participate fully in all the opportunities for worship and centering around the last days of Jesus's earthly ministry culminating in the celebration of new life in the resurrection. I pray we will all hear this amazing message and receive it in a new way this year in our lives. I pray the narrative we hear of Jesus 2000 years ago will awaken your heart to the abiding and transforming presence of Christ in you.
In the midst of preparation for Holy Week and Easter the Rambo family has received some sad yet exciting news. We all know that this time every year there is always the possibility I will get the call from our District Superintendent that Bishop McAlilly has projected that we will move to a different church. No such call has come the last 10 years and we have been able to enjoy season of ministry at First Church that is longer than you normally see in a Methodist Church.
Well, this year I did receive the call from our District Superintendent Autura Eason-Williams notifying me Bishop McAlilly has projected me to leave First Church (Projected is the Methodist way of saying it's going to happen but the Bishop could change his mind before Annual Conference). Due to a delay in finalizing all the appointments in the conference, I am unable to say where we are going nor can there be an announcement about what is next for First Church. That information should be able to be announced in worship on April 24th.
I'm sure you will hear from me over the next couple months different insights I have as we experience this transition. Big life changes tend to force a focused look inside about both where you are leaving as well as where you are going. Initially a few things have stood out in my heart I'll share now.
- The path Jesus leads us down is always the right path. God has been preparing the people of First Church and the Rambo family for this transition way before we knew it was coming. While I did not seek to move churches this year, mine and Molly's hearts were strangely at peace when we were told we were leaving. God often gives us a Holy peace when we are open to His guidance and are faithful to go where He says go. This peace does not replace the sadness of leaving but it does give us confidence the fruit of this transition is in God's hands.
- God's plans are best for all who are involved. God never enacts his plans in one person's life at the expense of others. I truly believe that what is best for the Rambo family is also what is best for First Church and what is best for First Church is best for the Rambo family. While this will be a season of transition and change for us all, I am absolutely confident these are the steps towards the future God desires for us all.
- The future of ministry for the people of First Church is exciting and full of hope. I truly believe God desires to use this time of transition as a catalyst for change and growth far beyond just receiving a new pastor. I feel the people of First Church will need to decide if you are going to move boldly forward in ministry beyond the walls of the church or become satisfied watching the ministries fade away. I have known that coming out of the pandemic we would have to move boldly and faithfully into the future with an even greater effort and energy than we had getting the sanctuary built. I didn't realize until now I would not be the one to lead you through it. I do know that God will provide a way towards a dynamic future for First Church if each of you will commit to following God wherever He leads no matter the cost.