Dear Church, it's a pleasure to write to you for the first time as your new pastor. I haven't even officially begun, but there's a lot to be thankful for already, starting with all the help y'all offered in getting us moved into the stone house (thank you David and Jenny Porter, James and Judy McManus, Blair Yount, Bruce Henderson, my cousin Nate, my mom and dad, and Jean Chance in the office for helping things go smoothly that day!). I have more thanks to offer many more of you for helping us feel at home and the worship team helping get ready for this Sunday, but that list would start to get longer than the Ingles receipt for restocking our new pantry...so for now, thank you to you who know who you are.
While Jennifer and I are still getting situated in what has felt at times like a whirlwind, I know we are not alone, because I have learned how many of you have your own whirlwinds, challenges, and trials you are dealing with too. I'm grateful, impressed, and already inspired at how well this church keeps in touch with what is going on in each other's lives and helps each other out. And I know we are not only alone because we have each other, but because we have a wonderful God who is always in our midst; Jen and I have a daily practice of looking for where the Holy Spirit was visible to us today, and it is clear the Spirit is fullly alive and well in Sylva--praise be to God!
Thank you for calling me and inviting me to worship, pilgrim, and serve alongside you. I'm honored to be your pastor.
In Christ,
Pastor Joe Welker