David's Harp
Reflecting on Appointments
In preparing my accounts reimbursable forms I realized again the many places the month of May took me – cabinet meetings, introductions for new pastors, conference meetings as well as opportunities to worship in several district congregations including the joy of preaching in one charge. Each time I share in a cabinet meeting I give thanks for the privilege that is mine to serve in the Southeast District. Each time Mary and I worship in one of our churches we are reminded of the blessings we receive from the pastors and laity in this district.
As we gather as the Missouri Annual Conference we give thanks for the ministries of those pastors that will be moving to new appointments:
- Kurt Schuermann will move from Poplar Bluff First to become the Gateway Central District Superintendent.
- Dwight Chapman will move from Eastwood Memorial, Caruthersville, to become the Ozarks South District Superintendent.
- Mike Hargraves will move from Steele-Cooter to Prairie Chapel, Ozarks North District.
- Michael Kelpe will move from Marble Hill to Bonne Terre: Centenary, Gateway Regional District.
- Roger Jespersen, Charleston, will retire.
- Ray Hartbarger will move from Kennett: Faith-Sumach to Blue Eye, Ozarks South District.
- Danny James, Craig Petzoldt and Gene Speight will not be serving churches as we begin the new appointive year.
We welcome to new appointments:
- Charles Buck will serve Poplar Bluff First, coming from King’s Way in Springfield, Ozarks South District.
- James Coffer will serve Eastwood Memorial, Caruthersville, coming from Mount Washington, Independence, Heartland Central District.
- Jan Dillard will serve Steele-Cooter, coming from Montgomery City – United Methodist/Presbyterian – Gateway Regional District where she was associate pastor.
- Michael Lockhart will serve Marble Hill, coming from Sedalia: Wesley, Heartland South District.
- Dan Faust will serve Charleston, coming from St. Peter’s, Blue Springs, Heartland North District.
- Bob McNabb will serve Senath-Coldwater Chapel. He has been serving as interim at Millersville.
- Thomas Beeler will serve Hayti-Deering, coming from the Louisiana Conference.
- Stan Hargis will serve Millersville. He has been serving Hayti-Deering.
- James Brice will serve Old Appleton: Zion. Jim is a retired elder serving his first appointment since retirement three years ago.
- Stella Turner will serve Scopus-Old Union. Stella has been serving as co-pastor with her husband at Dogwood.
Two appointments are yet to be announced: Ellington and Kennett: Faith-Sumach.
As I reflect upon the appointment process I am thankful for our bishop who continually reminds us that the “mission of the local church comes first.” This is one of the guiding principles as churches and pastors are discussed. There are two challenges that will continue in the near future.
The first challenge is an adequate pool of clergy to serve our fulltime appointments. The second challenge is an adequate pool of persons willing to serve in part-time appointments. What persons in your congregation are you encouraging to consider pastoral ministry? How are you helping persons discern God’s call in his or her life? If your congregation had to provide someone for ministry in order to receive a pastor would you be on the list to receive?
I’m grateful for those in my home church that encouraged me and helped me discern God’s call in my life. Those who become clergy come from local congregations.
David D. Norbury
District Superintendent
