October 28, 2014
 
M E M O R A N D U M

 
TO:                 Associate Members and Local Pastors (Full & Part-time)

FROM:           Thomas J. Bickerton, Resident Bishop

RE:                 Gathering of Associate Members and Local Pastors
 
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
 
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I pray that this letter finds each of you well and blessed.
 
I am writing to request your presence at a gathering of all Associate Members and Local Pastors on Saturday, December 6^th, 2014 at the Dutilh United Methodist Church (1270 Dutilh Road, Cranberry Twp., PA  16066) from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon.
 
The purpose of this gathering is several fold:
 

• Elect a new Chairperson of the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members.  Due to schedule conflicts and work load, we have received the resignation of Rev. Barry Ritenour as the Chairperson.  We will entertain nominations and elect a new chairperson at this meeting.

 

• Discussion of the roles, responsibilities and requirements of Local Pastors.  Sara Wrona, representing the Board of Ordained Ministry, will facilitate this conversation with us.

 

• Discussion of the parameters out of which Local Pastors and Associate Members can conduct their ministry.  There has been some significant inquiry of this among the fellowship and we believe that it is time to bring clarity and definition to those parameters.  Alyce Weaver Dunn, District Superintendent of the Johnstown District and Dean of the Cabinet, and I will facilitate that conversation.

 

• Any other items of discussion or dialogue that you might like to have.

 
We look forward to this time of fellowship and learning as well as the opportunity to greet and share with one another in the spirit of Christian love.  Please clear your calendars and make plans to be in attendance.
 
The Journey Continues, . . .