In last week's Chimes, I promised to write this week about my upcoming move. So here we go. After living and serving in the Kansas City area for 3 years, Rebecca and I will be moving east in late June, just a little more than 2 months from now. Beginning July 1, we will start serving churches in the St. Louis area. I will be pastor of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. Mt. Zion is located on Craig Road not far from the intersection of MO-340 and I-270, in the vicinity of Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights.
For the first time since 2012, I will be returning to full-time pastoral ministry. I will no longer need to hold a second job. Although I have appreciated the opportunity to minister through the various teaching positions that I've held over the years, it will be a nice change to devote all of my efforts to pastoral ministry. As an added blessing, Mt. Zion is less than 5 miles away from where Rebecca's parents live in St. Louis. I look forward to being near family again.
Rebecca will be pastor of two churches: St. Clair UMC in St. Clair, and Fairview UMC in Grubville. St. Clair is a city of just under 5,000 people. It is located southwest of St. Louis along I-44, about 6 miles south of Union. Historic Route 66 runs right through the town. Grubville is an unincorporated community in western Jefferson County. Grubville is about 15 miles east of St. Clair along MO-30. We will live in the parsonage owned by the St. Clair Church. We've already had a chance to see the house. It's very nice and has lots of room. If you're ever in the St. Louis area, be sure to stop on by and visit. We'd love to see you!
In case you're wondering, here is Rebecca's Sunday morning schedule. Folks arrive at Fairview church around 8:30 a.m. for coffee and treats. Worship begins at 9:30 a.m. After preaching at Fairview, Rebecca will drive to St. Clair for worship at 11 a.m. I, on the other hand, will only have one service to preach at 10 a.m. I reckon there will be coffee and treats either before the service or after. I don't know which it is yet, but I can guarantee you that I'll be there!
I am experiencing a mix of emotions right now. There are exciting days ahead, but it's hard to say goodbye. I truly have been blessed by our three years together at McMurry. I have enjoyed getting to know each of you and journeying alongside you through all the milestones of our lives.
We have done some wonderful ministry together and made some great strides for the Kingdom of God. I will cherish all the memories I have of the wonderful folks at McMurry.
I will pray for you and for the pastor who is to follow me. I don't know who that will be yet, but I hear V&S will get to meet the new pastor soon. Stay tuned for more details. I pray that you will form a great ministry partnership with your new pastor that will continue to bless people in the Village of Claycomo and beyond. Until that day, let's make the most of our remaining 2 months together as we continue our Easter celebrations. See you in church!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Clayton