DAVID’S HARP . . .
In January 1966 the Reverend Jeff Marsh, superintendent of the Fayette-Marshall District, visited me at Central Methodist College. It was the beginning of my second semester as a sophomore. He asked me if I would be available to go as a lay speaker to the Higbee Methodist Church for two Sundays. Their pastor was ill and had requested two weeks away. I knew as a college student that I could use some extra money and I did have two sermons I had used previously so I agreed. Within two weeks the pastor resigned due to health and I was the new student pastor at Higbee, a small community near Moberly, Missouri. The time I spent sharing ministry with the members confirmed my call to ministry. A year later I was asked to move to the Pilot Grove Circuit – Pilot Grove, Wesley, Pleasant Green – where I served until I graduated from college. The year 1968 included my graduation from Central Methodist, marriage to Mary, and beginning seminary at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. I was ordained a Deacon in the Missouri West Conference in 1969; an Elder in 1972.
It is now January 2012 – 46 years from the time I took the first step toward ministry. And again January brings change to my life. I have sent my official letter to Bishop Schnase and the Board of Ordained Ministry requesting the retired relationship at the 2012 Missouri Annual Conference session. In that letter I expressed my appreciation to Bishop Schnase for his trust in me and support during the seven years it has been my privilege to serve as superintendent of the Southeast District. It is not my privilege alone for the time for serving has been shared with Mary to whom I have been married for almost 44 years. It has been our privilege to serve with you in ministry in the Southeast District. Over the past year we have been involved in building a retirement home in the Blackwater/Arrow Rock area (west of Boonville, east of Marshall) in Central Missouri. We purchased seven acres from our youngest daughter and son-in-law. We will live one-half mile from them and an hour from our older daughter and her family. Our house is to be finished by the end of March. We will begin the moving process in April so the district trustees have time to handle maintenance issues before a new superintendent arrives in mid-June. We will still be very much involved in the district in the months between now and June as appointment season begins in February. I will continue to serve as superintendent until the newly appointed one arrives in mid to late June.
As we begin a new year we know that one chapter in ministry will bring an ending while the next chapter will offer new beginnings and possibilities. And in the ending and the beginning we will experience God. For this and for all God’s blessings we are grateful.
Praying with you and for you,
David D. Norbury, Southeast District Superintendent
Southeast District Superintendent
