Pastor’s Message for May 2026

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

“Therefore go…”

All good things must come to an end. In the United Methodist Church, pastors are appointed by the bishop for a season of ministry. We serve where we are appointed. Four years ago, that call came expectedly as we were called to leave the Johnstown and Windber area to come to this area to serve Jesus as your pastor. Sometimes that call comes unexpectedly. That is the case in this season of our lives. The bishop and her cabinet have discerned that it is time for me and my family to serve in a new place, in the Faith Fox Chapel and the Oakmont United Methodist Churches. At the same time, the bishop and cabinet have also decided on a new pastor for the Aliquippa and Monaca United Methodist Churches, Rob Hernan. Even as I type these words, I am praying for you and for your new pastor as you prepare for what God is up to in your churches and communities. Every pastor brings unique gifts and their own way of doing things. Rob will bless you in ways I couldn’t, and bring ideas I wouldn’t have thought of. In this way, you will have the opportunity to grow stronger in your love for God and each other.

As for me and my family? We’ll be okay. We’ve been through this before. We serve a good God who has seen us through tough times. We’re excited to see what God has in store for us in this new place. But of course, that excitement comes mixed with tears of sorrow. This appointment has been a good place for us. We’ve made many good friends and many happy memories. I remember baptisms and weddings, hospital visits, and funerals. Too many funerals. There are memories I will take with me for the rest of my life. There are moments I’d rather forget (like dropping the communion bread at Aliquippa…). Through it all, God has carried us through this adventure of life together. The promise of Christ to be with us always has been fulfilled in our time together.

And now the time has come for us to part. Change is not only inevitable but essential. Jesus did not command us to stay put, build big buildings, and wait for people to show up on Sunday mornings. Jesus told us to go and make disciples. Our comfort is one of the greatest challenges we face. The temptation to have things our way and to achieve our desires through earthly power is one which has faced the church since Christ’s time. It was one of the temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness. Jesus rejected earthly power and status, and our challenge is to do likewise.

As I depart, know that I will be praying earnestly for you and for your new pastor. I am excited for you as you begin the next leg of your journey with Rob. I pray that you will support him with the patience and grace which you showed me, as you grow in love with God and each other.

I will be forever grateful for the love and support Aliquippa and Monaca have shown to me and my family. The care you have shown to me, Kristen, Ryan, and Molly will not be forgotten.

Now therefore, I say to you “GO!” Go be the church in your beautiful community. Seek the peace of Christ, and see the image of God in everyone you meet.

God loves you, and so do I,
Pastor Jim