I didn’t have a chance to give my pastor’s report at Charge Conference. I am using my Newsletter article space to do so now. My reading list is posted on the Bulletin Board outside of the Sanctuary.

May God continue to bless us as His church.

I report the following, as of September 30, 2009:
preached 54 times
made 281 visits
conducted one (1) wedding and eight (8) funerals
baptized

This report is added to the statistical report. In this we see new members.....and children.

Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone who helps make Old Hickory United Methodist Church a vital and vibrant local church! Sunday School teachers of all ages, nursery attendants, our excellent choir with accompanist and director, the many who volunteer in the summer children’s program and in tutoring/Kid’s Café, those who direct the children’s choir, those who keep the building going, those who plan and implement programs and activities, those who oversee and work with the finances, and the many who help “grease the wheels” for ministry. Thank you to all of you.

I help tutor and participate in tutoring/Kid’s Café. I have taught/preached from the Apocrypha on Wednesday nights, and am now in the midst of teaching the Ten Commandments on Wednesday. I am also teaching the Confirmation class. I have participated with Dr. Bill Miles and Rev. Jim Clark in book discussions on The Shack and Mere Christianity (current).

I have been accepted into the Pastoral Care Specialist Program offered through Pastoral Counseling Centers of Tennessee, Inc. The starting date has been postponed until January 5, 2010.

I plan on attending a continuing education class on eating disorders on October 20. Also, I plan on attending part of the DuBose Lectures at Swanee at the same time. And Savannah First UMC is having Dr. Fred Craddock for the last weekend in October. On Monday, October 26, I plan on attending a special session for preachers.

I continue to study a lot for my preaching and teaching.

I am in my 34th year of ministry and still find ministry a daunting, challenging, and rewarding experience. God is always with me, and to Him be the glory.