June/July Newsletter
Dear Children of God
From Pastor Amy’s Desk
Memories from the Lake
Serving as a Pastor in the United Methodist Church translates as a lot of responsibility. There are tons of education requirements, many lifelong goals, and more blessings than you can count as a Shepherd to a flock. It requires being on call 24/7, managing a multi-million dollar “business”, employees, and volunteers. I love having the pleasure of meeting so many people through our “Connectional” system and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, every day, not just on Sundays.
One of the most fun aspects of being a Methodist Pastor is going to Annual Conference “Holy Conference” with the other clergy and laity in your Conference. Here is just a little bit of history and information.
· John Wesley desired Annual Conference to be a means of God’s grace through Christian “conferencing.”
· The Holston Annual Conference of The Methodist Church was organized in 1824.
• Historical – John Wesley initiated the practice of having a “Conference” with the first Methodist clergy. The practice has continued and expanded. Annual Conferences are mandated by the United Methodist Constitution as outlined in Division Two – Organization of The Book of Discipline.
Upon my commissioning as a Licensed Local Pastor in the Holston Conference in 2006, this year made 19 years I have had the privilege of attending our Annual Conference at Lake Junaluska, NC. Except for two years due to COVID restrictions.
Every year I look forward to our time together at “the Lake” as we affectionately call Lake Junaluska. Not only is Lake Junaluska a beautiful campus, and the facilities are always maintained with excellent care, but it is the memories of the sacred space that draws me back each year.
Memories of powerful, Spirit-filled messages delivered. Memories of the holiness of ordination services, miracles shared of the transformation of lives through the power of Jesus Christ, and celebration of missions that expand from Jerusalem, (local) to the very ends of the Earth. Memories of when Bishop James Swanson laid hands on me for my commissioning as a Licensed Local Pastor. I truly remember the heat and power coming from his hands that came through the Holy Spirit.
Memories of Bishop Debra Wallace Padgett laying hands on me in 2023, in my ordination of becoming an Elder in the United Methodist Church. Truly a high and holy day for me!
As I sit in Stuart Auditorium each year for Annual Conference, I am filled not only with memories but with a sense of pride to be a pastor in Holston Conference representing White Oak UMC. Truly the best part of the Annual Conference is on the last day of the Conference when the Bishop “Fixes and Approves the Appointments” and my name is called, once again to serve the White Oak congregation!! Thank you, God, for this blessing, and thank you, White Oak for allowing me such an honor to serve alongside each of you. July 1st will mark the beginning of my 10th year of serving White Oak, and I truly believe God is just getting started and the best is yet to come!
As I reflect on the past decade serving as your pastor, my heart is filled with gratitude. It is hard to believe that ten years have passed since I first stepped into this role, and I want to take a moment to celebrate this journey we have shared together.
Throughout these years, we have experienced countless blessings—joyful celebrations, challenging trials, and everything in between. Together, we have grown in faith, forged deeper connections, and strengthened our community. Each moment has shaped not only this congregation but also my journey as a pastor, and for that, I am profoundly thankful.
I want to express my sincere appreciation for your unwavering support, encouragement, and love. Your dedication to our mission has been a constant source of inspiration. As we have navigated through changes and embraced new opportunities, your commitment to our shared vision has illuminated the path ahead.
As I look toward the future, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for our community. With faith and community at our core, we will continue to reach out to those in need and spread kindness and compassion throughout our neighborhoods. I am eager to see how God will continue to lead us in our mission to serve, love, and grow together.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives for these past ten years. I am truly blessed to walk this path with each of you and believe that the best is yet to come!
With heartfelt gratitude and love,
Pastor Amy
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