After 46 years as an active United Methodist Pastor, I am retired as of today. Oh, I officially retired this past July 1, 2017 at the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference meeting in Peoria, Illinois. However, Bishop Frank Beard, the Staff-Parish Relations Committee of the Troy United Methodist Church, and the incoming pastor, Rev. Dr. Andy Adams, gave permission for me to serve as Pastor Emeritus during the past three months. During July, August, and September, I helped with the transition of the pastoral change at Troy.
On October 1, 1988, I was appointed pastor of the Troy United Methodist Church by Bishop Woodie White. So when yesterday rolled around, I literally completed 29 full years associated with that congregation! I'm grateful for the unusual opportunity to be at one place for such a long time.
I hoped the three month transition period would be helpful to the new pastor and to the church. I believe it was. But, it was also good for me. Even though I retired in July, I still had some connection to Troy and still spent several days there as a staff member and still had things to do and still knew what was happening with the church.
The three months were up yesterday. Today, I'm really retired!
As for now, I will just say I'm grateful to God for my calling to serve as a pastor and a messenger of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was a great 46 years!
Congratulations on really being retired. Have fun on the farm. Miss you and pray for you to continue to minister to all who need it. Gail and Jack Joyner
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