During our visit to the Charleston UM Church I was so impressed with the church building facility itself. It is obvious to me that the members of the church do indeed love the church, and you have certainly made it both beautiful and functional. I look forward to working in that environment. Your appreciation  for the 175 year history of the church is so evident. To think that I might have the opportunity to simply add a chapter to that impressive history is humbling to me!

I gave my heart to Christ as a freshman in college at Oklahoma State University after reading the verse printed above. To think that one could “know Christ” in a way that actually made a difference in the way one lived from day to day has changed my life! I taught school for 4 years and then entered seminary in Kansas City in 1976, where I “fell in love” with the writings/teachings of John Wesley. I have served United Methodist Churches for the past 32 years and absolutely love the rural area!

I hope to meet you in worship and individually over the summer months and am anxious to become involved in your lives and in your community. And I would like to add a word of thanks to the Trustees of the church for all their work at the parsonage in preparation for our arrival. You have provided a wonderful home in which to live and we are very grateful for that.