When our Parchment United Methodist Church celebrated its 100th Birthday in September of 2024, I was so glad that our then new District Superintendent, Dean Prentiss, could be part of that event. Some years ago, both Dean and I and the churches we were pastoring were part of a process called VCI (Vital Church Initiative). Pastors involved in the process would get together regularly to discuss possible ways to get their churches reaching out with God’s Love in their respective communities. I grew to greatly respect Dean’s heart for wanting his church to reach out and seeing his church experience vitality and growth. I have appreciated, while pastoring in retirement, having Dean’s support and leadership as my District Superintendent.
When Rev. Prentiss approached me and explained how Districts will possibly be changing after Annual Conference this year and District Superintendents could use help, I was honored that Dean asked me to accept a position as the person to help with things like direct connections with local congregations, attending worship, leading Church Conferences, helping with Branch communications, growing fellowship opportunities, and coordinating ¶213 assessments (a study of a local congregation’s ministry potential, future viability, missional opportunities, and financial, leadership and facility resources), etc.
I will officially begin this new ministry adventure on July 1 as the new and first District Congregational Support Director. I am excited to work with Dean and be of support and service to him and to the churches of the Greater Southwest District. I ask for your prayers and am always open to suggestions for how to best support the churches of our District. Let’s pray that all of the churches of the Greater Southwest District can reach out with God’s Love in their respective communities and experience vitality, growth and blessing.
Love IN Christ,
Pastor Joe Shaler
