The day finally came! Sunday was our introductory visit. John and I drove to Winnsboro and met with the District Superintendent (DS) and the SPRC committee. DS Rev. Dr. Cathy said she “saved the best for last” as I was her final introductory visit in the district. We shared a devotion, snacks and I got to hear some of the most wonderful testimonies about the church in the lives of the members of the SPRC Committee. Stories of growing up in the church, coming to the church by more winding routes, the joys of belonging to a faithful community/family and the support each person had received through not only a relationship with Jesus Christ but with the church as Christ’s body. I get the distinct impression, FUMC is a place that loves well.
John and I enjoyed touring the church (the sanctuary is gorgeous) and seeing the parsonage (also lovely). We feel warmly welcomed not only by the church but also by Pastor Julie and Travis. I think it is a blessing to follow well-loved folks.
I got to field some questions, one of which was about my allergies. I groaned inwardly because I do not want to be defined in ministry by an allergy but, Barbara Martin assures me that folks need to know so they can love us well. So, here you go. Hi, my name is Meg and I have celiac disease. I also have an anaphylactic reaction to eating wheat. I bump elbows and give side hugs. I have to watch out for hidden sources of gluten, like lipstick and makeup. So, while I’m happy to hug you, and I love people very much, please don’t kiss me. Also, try to aim your hands for clothes rather than my skin as I have had a skin reaction to gluten; on that note a great time to hug your Pastor is Sunday morning as I’ll be almost fully covered by my preacher robe. It’s kind of like pretty armor. I’m a fan of the ministry appropriate side-hug since our faces won’t bump. Feel free to invite me (and John) to lunch or dinner, give us a heads up and don’t be surprised if I pack a lunch bag. I love to socialize and John packs the best bag lunches! Thankfully, I can be next to someone eating wheat; the joke is just don’t lick me or touch me. The only type of places that are really hard to visit are places where there is flour in the air (like: bakeries, pizza places that make their own dough, etc). Also, John is allergic to nuts, his allergy is not a severe reaction, but please keep him healthy too...He is kinda important to me!
Some more interesting facts about your pastoral family...John and I will be married 4 years May 31st. John grew up in Fort Mill and Indian Land. John’s parents were teachers and two of the 4 “cookies” (Cook kids) are teachers as adults. I’m from a small town outside Buffalo, NY (Elma). When I was growing up, Elma was a rural place with more cows than people. By comparison, Winnsboro is pretty big city! I’m also one of 4 kids, I’m the 3rd kid, if birth order is of interest to you. We are both lifelong United Methodists. My parents chaired everything at church and John’s Dad played the organ at Pleasant Hill UMC. Church kids through and through. I went to Ohio Wesleyan for undergrad (BA History), Pfeiffer University (MA Christian Education) and The Methodist Theological School in Ohio aka. MTSO (M.Div.). So, because of my time in Ohio (and the fact my Father got his PhD there) I’m a Buckeye fan, especially football. O-H! John went to Clemson for undergrad and graduate school (Physics and Astronomy), and now teaches physics at USC. John is not a big sports fan, so we don’t have to worry about that rivalry, but he will watch the Olympics especially curling.
Can’t believe our move is 8 weeks away! I look forward to WINNing with you! #theCooksWinn
Pastor Meg
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