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Sunday, May 31st was a very bittersweet celebration as we said farewell to the Rev. Dr. Brian R. Bodt and his wife, Carol Galloway. Though Pastor Brian and Carol have only been with us a short time, they have made an outsized impact in the life of our church, making their parting bittersweet.

We were honored to have District Superintendent Heather Sinclair join us for Pastor Brian’s last service and farewell luncheon.  District Superintendent Heather Sinclair quoted Ephesians I when she announced that we had been selected to receive the One Matters Award* from the Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church: “I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.” While appropriately directed at the congregation,  DS Sinclair's message expressed the same sentiment we as a congregation feel toward Pastor Brian and Carol for the strong partnership we have established over the last two years.  

The WUMC congregation is very appreciative of the time, talents, and leadership both Pastor Brian and Carol have given us in ministry over the past two years.  We wish them farewell & Godspeed.

*The One Matters Award that recognizes congregations for shifting their focus to intentional discipleship by increasing baptisms and professions of faith. Again, this highlights the partnership we have established with Pastor Brian. We were already doing the work of evangelism, outreach and testimony, but Pastor Brian encouraged and promoted each effort, turning pilot programs into established ministries.