Members and Friends of Lamar UMC:

This past Sunday, Feb. 28th, I announced that after spending much time in prayer with God, council and conversations with my family, that I will be seeking a "retired" relationship with the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church effective at the close of this conference year, June 30, 2010.  It has been my greatest pleasure to have been sent into the ordained ministry from this wonderful church and to have been blessed by your prayers, love and support during all these years and the opportunity to be sent into another stage of my professional life from the Lamar United Methodist Church.  You folks are totally "awesome."  Love every one of you so much!

Together we have accomplished so much in a short period of time that I have served as your pastor.  Through your faithfulness to God and your love for this community and your local church, many positive changes have taken place that have enabled us to reach out further into our community with the "Good News" of Jesus Christ.  There is not ample space in this short column to list the many ways you have been faithful, generous and supportive of ministry through the Lamar United Methodist Church.  LUMC has a long rich faithful history within our community.  We have a shared "present" ministry touching hearts and lives.  We have an awesome and limitless future serving our God and our community.

The Bishop and Cabinet are currently praying and seeking to find a new pastor to fill this position.  Their announcement will be forthcoming.  Please be in prayer for them that God will once again guide the selection process.  LaMalva and I plan to stay in the area so our paths will cross many times.

Don