Rev. Dr. Jim Bolton is now our senior pastor!!!
The sad “goodbyes”of this transition have now turned into joyous “hellos!” Our new pastor is with us, and Jim, Judy, and daughters Rebecca and Lindsey have joined our church family. As we look forward, our excitement about the ministry we can do under Pastor Jim’s leadership continues to grow and grow. And now we anticipate the joy of welcoming the Boltons to our church during their first Sunday with us (this Sunday, July 6).
After the 11:00 service on Sunday, we will greet the Bolton family in the Fellowship Hall with cookies, punch, and whatever other food people may bring.
The Trustees did a lot of work to prepare the parsonage, and the Boltons moved in today and are currently in the process of making our parsonage their new home. The family is excited about moving to Pitman (and they’re looking forward to their first experience of a Pitman Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks!)
United Methodist Appointments…
Clergy in the United Methodist church are appointed for a year at a time. Usually they are re-appointed to the same church. Pastor Larry was appointed to our church 6 times and Pastor Jim was appointed to Franklinville 15 times. But- sometimes “usually” doesn’t hold true.
Bishop John Schol (right) presents the appointment letter to pastor Jim. Lay members Jeremy Andrade and Larry Bakely receive the church’s copy of the letter.
The change in pastors was announced back in March. During Annual Conference (which met in Wildwood at the end of May), the bishop presented newly appointed clergy and their new church’s lay members a letter which certifies the appointment. All clergy appointments begin on July 1 of each year.
The Passing of the Stole…
Rev. Potts wearing stole on final Sunday (6/15/14).
Pastor Jim’s first Sunday as our pastor will be THIS WEEK (Sunday July 6). During the service he will be introduced and he will symbolically put on the stole which was last worn by our (now) former pastor, Rev. Larry Potts.
A pastor’s stole symbolizes the yoke which ties laity and clergy together in service with Jesus Christ. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus said:
Matt 11:29-30
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
NIV
When someone is ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church, they put on a stole to symbolize their commitment to the church and to Christ. Stoles are only worn by ordained elders in our church.
The stole last worn by Rev. Potts has been symbolically laying on our altar during these past two weeks of transition. At the beginning of the service, the stole will be given to Pastor Jim Bolton.
Welcome Home!
Today (Mon 6/30) was moving day and when they arrived in Pitman, the Boltons were greeted with a welcome sign on their door:
Parsonage- Notice sign on door.
Welcome Pastor Jim, Judy, Rebecca, and Lindsey!!!
We welcome the Boltons to Pitman and look forward to serving in ministry and fellowship with them!
Judy & Pastor Jim Bolton
