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What is this? This is a weekly letter of encouragement and reflection for the members and friends of First UMC in Rochester. If you do not wish to receive it, please unsubscribe at the very bottom of the page or forward it to a friend.
Dear Friends,
On February 12, 2012, it was announced by Bishop Peter Weaver that Rev. James Cann will become the new pastor at the United Methodist Church of Westford (MA) effective on July 1, 2012. In the five months leading up to that day, there are several transitions that need to take place for the pastor and church. I have created this blog to help in that process. It will help me to say goodbye after serving for nine years in this wonderful community, I can help as you prepare for the new pastor. All of this while we continue to do ministry in this community. Questions and answers will be two-way and will be somewhat moderated so that we build the body of Christ.
Where has the time gone? In many ways it seems like I just arrived, but the truth is that I have had a long and stable appointment, as the United Methodist Church goes. I will miss you. I have been with you at some of the most important times in life; baptisms, confirmation, weddings, funerals, hospitals, and in many homes. One of my greatest joys has been to see how so many of you used your talents to step up to ministry and leadership opportunities, and you have done a great job!
From day one I have felt your love and support and that makes it hard to leave, but the United Methodist appointment system is the best there is. The Bishop and District Superintendents, each year prayerfully consider the needs of each and every local church as described by the Staff Parish Relations Committee. As churches become open, again they prayerfully match the needs and mission of the local church and matches that with the best pastor that can meet the needs and mission of that church. I am excited about your new pastor, although that person has not been chosen yet. You can count on the fact that it will be the best person for this congregation. Man or woman, young or old, of color or white, God will work mighty things through that person.
Please keep Barbara and I in your prayers as we prepare to leave. I will keep you in mine, and we will all pray for that new pastor, God knows who it is, that will come up beside you to share God's love with you and with the community.
I especially pray for those newer members who may not have gone through a time like this in a church. Please stay with the congregation, draw closer to God, and know that it will be OK. You are strong in your faith in Jesus Christ, it could be that the best is yet to come!
In Christ,
Rev. Jim Cann
This Sunday:
Sermon: "The Change of A Butterfly" Mark 9:2-9 The Transfiguration of Jesus
Summary: I will compare Jesus' transfiguration to the transformation of a butterfly. Peter, James, and John saw Jesus in his glory. They were the privileged three who shared in so many extraordinary experiences with the Lord. They were there when Jesus brought Jairus' little girl back to life again. They were there also with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus asked them to pray with him. They were there on the mountain when Jesus was in his glory. Peter was beside himself because of the moment. He didn't know what to say, but he said what he felt: "Lord, it's good for us to be here...."
One gets the feeling that what Peter felt in that moment was similar to the feelings described by some people who die momentarily and are brought back to life again. The experiences of what we now call "life after life." To be honest with you, I am very skeptical of those reports and I don't think we should put much stock in them. Yet, some people report experiencing feelings of great peace and tranquility. They feel so good on "the other side" that they are angry for being brought back to life again. That's how Peter felt up on that mountain. It was good to be there; he wanted to stay up there forever; he didn't want to come back down ever again.
With Peter we also confess that it is good to be with Jesus in his glory. It is good to know who he is: The Christ, the Son of the Living God, my Lord and Savior. It is so good to know him that we don't ever want to turn back from knowing him. We never want to go away from his glory.
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