Farewell to Rev. Ron

Welcome to the New Year. In addition to the problems associated with turning the calendar to a new year - like learning to write 2011 rather than 2010, there are also wonderful opportunities to make fresh commitments and see new possibilities. As you think through your resolutions for 2011, I hope you will consider some of the great learning and service opportunities offered. Consider joining the Choir, or signing up for one of the great classes of Bible studies we offer, or helping with the food pantry. Certainly you will want to make plans to be a part of our One Great Day of Service on March 26. Let's all take advantage of the opportunities that the New Year will present for spiritual growth and service.

A New Year brings us the reality of inevitable change - some of which we expect, some of which we control but most of which we must come to accept. Ron Preuss has served this Church in an exemplary fasion as Associate Minister since June of 1998. Prior to his appointment here, he served churches in Kentucky, Florida, and Georgia. His specialty was Christian Education bringing this skill and background to each of his appointments along with being active in the Annual Conference and across Conference lines as a resource in Christian Eduation. In 2002 he and I began discussions about moving his focus from Christian Education to Pastoral Care and Ministry to Older Adults. He made this transition and has grown enormously in this new focus and we are grateful for all he has done. Ron has decided to retire in May of this year. He has served the United Methodist Church with great energy and skill for 44 years and has decided that it is best for him to retire while he can enjoy his years of retirement. I prefer that he remain with us, but I also respect his judgment about what is best for him. Ron will continue to work in his present capacity until his retirement when he will begin his transition back to his home in Kentucky where his family resides. Ron will have an opportunity on May 15th at the 8:45 and 11:00 services to say his farewells to our Church. I am deeply grateful to Ron for his service to all of us at CFUMC and I can only respect his decision and wish him well as he makes this transition. I know that you will want to have this time to express your appreciation to Ron. The Staff Parish Committee, in conjunction with the Bishop and Cabinet of the North Georgia Conference will begin the process for finding his replacement.

See you in worship this Sunday as we remember and renew our baptisms.

In His Love,
John