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| April 20, 2007
Dear Northwest Hills UMC Family,
It is with great excitement, and at the same time deep sadness, that I
tell you of my new appointment. The Bishop and the Cabinet of the
Southwest Texas Conference have graciously offered me the position of
pastor-in-charge at Island in the Son UMC on Mustang Island in Corpus
Christi, TX. Last night I met with their Pastor Parish Committee and
we agreed that this was a good match. So, moving day is June 14th and
my first Sunday at Island is June 17th. I have asked for and been
granted renewal leave beginning May 14th. So my last Sunday worship
with you will be May 13th.
I have loved my seven years as your Assoc. Pastor. I have learned so
much about a pastor, mentoring, administration and the list just goes
on and on. Thank you so much for all the love and support, for the
encouragement and affirmation over these years. I shall always
treasure my time in ministry here and pray you come to visit when you
come for Beach Head Retreat in September.
I am in constant prayer for Northwest Hills UMC in this time of
transition as I hope you are in prayer for me and Island in the Son
UMC. I look forward to seeing each of you Sunday in worship and
Sunday School.
Blessings and Shalom,
Dana L. Hamilton
Assoc. Pastor
From the Pastor
April 23, 2007
Friends,
You may have known already, via our Yahoo News group, worship recently, or reading page two of our recent newsletter. You may have known, I mean, that Rev. Dana Hamilton has accepted an appointment to Island in the Son UMC, beginning in June. This came as a surprise to her and me because we were told recently that, almost certainly without a doubt, she would be with us again next year. Only if "pigs could fly" would there be a change. Well, somehow the bacon escaped the refrigerator!
A favorite aphorism comes to my mind in reflecting on this sad and glad news of hers. From Dag Hammarskjold comes the words, "For all that has been, Thanks! For that is to come, Yes!"
I would say "Thanks" to God for these seven years with Dana (actually 10 for me) here at Northwest Hills. She, Jody and I go back a long ways. She was in college with my wife and me, even pledge sisters in a sorority with Jody. Dana's mother was a member of my congregation 34 years ago and a good friend ever since. As a district superintendent I brought her into ministry as one of my pastors even while she was in seminary. And we have greatly enjoyed our partnership in ministry here. We've worked so closely here together that we can finish each other's sentences — but then that has been the way we even began here 7 years ago. I deeply appreciate sharing in ministry with her here as we have served you in Christ's name. I rejoice that she has a new and exciting challenge before her in what I think will be a wonderful fit — in a church I began as district superintendent ten years ago!
I would also though say "Yes" for that which comes next. God and Bishop Joel Martinez will provide! I know that we can trust that "all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." Just as Dana (and I) came as strangers among you in 2000 and she became a friend and pastor, so another stranger will come — and become beloved and effective here in ministry with you. He or she will become a part of our life and close to our heart.
We are already working closely with Dr. Kim Cape, our district superintendent, on an appointment of a new associate to begin in June. I say "we" because members of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee (chaired by Mei Beth Shepherd) are already in consultation with Dr. Cape. She has provided a list of possible associates and we have begun praying over these names. We'll have a recommendation for her to carry to Bishop Martinez as soon as possible.
Keep Dana in your prayers — prayers of celebration and concern. She loves you and does not care to leave. On the other hand, she loves you and she is still excited about new adventures as pastor/preacher for this wonderful congregation on North Padre Island.
Yours in Christ,
Bill Henderson
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