The Newest in a Long Line

Recently I had the pleasure of announcing to the Administrative Board the good news that both Jen Stuart, our Director of Membership, and Cathy Stone, our Director of Youth and Family Ministries have been accepted and will begin seminary this fall at Austin Presbyterian Seminary. We are delighted for them as they take this step in ministry.

They continue what has been the history of this congregation, and that is working to help produce new leaders in ministry for the United Methodist Church. Over recent years we have seen Mel Hazlewood, Jason Teague, and Kyle Toomire take steps toward ministry beginning here at FUMC. We also claim at least partial credit for Tina Carter.

It is hard to over estimate the importance of this particular portion of our ministry. The Church is always in need of new professional leadership, and for that leadership to develop, congregations have to model the faith, nurture growth, and encourage people in the development of their gifts.

Congratulations and best wishes to Jen and Cathy as they take this new step. They will continue working here and we will continue working with them to help them grow in their abilities. On behalf of the United Methodist Church I thank you FUMC. Your efforts, your nurture, and your faith development continue to help new leadership for the future emerge.