Pastor's Message

Recent Sermons

• June 18, 2017: New Rules   (Audio)
  Guest Speaker: Terry McIntyre
• June 11, 2017: The Gospel According to Jane   (Audio)
  Celebrating the ministry of Pastor Jane on her last Sunday with us
• June 4, 2017: One Spirit   (Audio)
• May 28, 2017: To Be Remembered   (Audio)

Pastor Jane Schlager's Message for June

I have had the Picasso print of "Flowers in Hand" on my wall for close to 40 years. It has always been one of my favorites. I like the use of primary colors and I like them being presented from one to another. Looking at that print makes me smile.

The time left of my ministry with you is short. When I came here eight years ago, the Bishop said to me, "Go find your joy." And I have. You have brought me joy just as the bright colors in the Picasso print have brought me joy all these years. And I am grateful. Thank you.

As many of you, being long-term Methodists, have heard as pastors come and go, I will not be coming back to perform any ministerial duties—no baptisms or weddings, funerals or memorial services, worship or celebrations. This is not because I don't care about you or want to celebrate these special moments with you. One of the blessings of being a pastor is to be invited into people's lives at these significant moments. It is now time for your new pastor to be invited in as you have invited pastors before.

You have been a blessing to me and my family. And soon it will be time to bless your new pastor, Mariellen, and her family. As I came, you gave me the gift of your trust, friendship and love. That gift enabled me to pastor with and to you. As in the picture where the flowers are given to another, so these gifts you can now give to Mariellen.

We will have more time to give each other good-bye hugs, share a meal, have a personal conversation and always time for a cup of coffee (of course!)

With love and in joy,

Pastor Jane