“How fast you run will keep you in the race; how well you hand off will win it!” Coach Casey
These quotes from The Changeover Zone by Jim Ozier & Jim Griffith have stayed with me as I’ve met with Pastor Julie, the current pastor at First UMC Winnsboro, and as I have talked on the phone with Pastor Pamela, who will start at Epworth in July. This is an important time, this is the handoff zone. When I was on the High School track team. (Go Iroquois Chiefs!) I was primarily a field events competitor (shot-put and discus) but I remember running a few 4x100s. This is a relay race where each girl runs 100 meters or 1/4 of the track. The few times I ran I was the 3rd leg position. As the runner rounds the corner with the baton the recieving runner also needs to be running so the team does not lose momentum on the hand off. Then the receiver throws their hand back with their palm open, thumb out of the way, the baton is smacked into their hand and off they go. This is the season I am in. Running with my hand open, trying not to let anything get in the way, ready to receive the baton...interestingly I’m also the runner coming in to hand off the baton. Finish well. Start well. No stress, right? Kidding aside, I am excited to be in this season of preparation. It is becoming a time of “leaning not on my own understanding” but trusting the coach (God).
As far as some of the logistics, the packing has begun in full earnest...the office and at our parsonage. I think about half the stuff we own is now in boxes! John is wrapping up the semester in the next week or so. John is a physics instructor at USC. Then he will really ramp up his packing efforts. I am trying to think of all the little things Pastor Pamela will need to know as she starts at Epworth, just as Pastor Julie is doing the same for me. I’m also preparing for Catawba Salkehatchie; Epworth is sending 8 residents, 2 staff and myself. I ask for continued prayers that all transition well (the pastors and congregations) and for encouragement in this next chapter of ministry.
First UMC Winnsboro, I looking forward to WINNing with you! #theCooksWinn
Pastor Meg
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