March 17, 2024

Dear Friends,

If you were in worship this morning, you have already heard me share that after lots of prayer and soul-searching I have requested and received permission from Bishop Farr to retire this year.

Clearly, I have been with Maplewood UMC for quite a long time in the United Methodist way of appointing pastors and I am certainly at that age when it is time to think of retiring. But ultimately, after all my lists of reasons to stay a little longer and reasons to move on, I believe that I have heard that “still small voice” saying “It’s time to let go.”

I have loved and will miss serving in ministry with you, the people of Maplewood UMC. It has been (and will be for a few more months) a privilege to serve as your pastor.

There will be time in the coming days to share memories and say goodbye, but my best guess is that there are a couple of questions you might have right now.

The question that is most likely at the forefront of your minds, “Who will our next pastor be?” is one that can’t be answered just yet. The Bishop is working in consultation with our District Superintendent, Rev. Robin Bell, and the Maplewood UMC leadership team to discern who will be appointed to serve as your next pastor.  Your questions and concerns about the incoming pastor can be directed to Cathy Todisman, the chairperson of the Staff Parish Relations Committee, or Steve Wall-Smith, the chairperson of  Administrative Council. 

The second question might be “What will life be like at Maplewood UMC between now and Pastor Kim’s last Sunday?” I will be taking some vacation days in early April when our daughter and her family are here from Germany and in May or early June when Steve and I head to Texas to welcome our newest grandbaby. Aside from those days, please know that I intend to serve in ministry with you as best as I am able until my last Sunday with you which will be June 30.  We still have some good and joy-filled ministry to accomplish together.

I am so very grateful for the people of Maplewood UMC and for the time that I have had the honor of serving as the pastor of this amazing congregation. I have every reason to believe that God will continue to do wonderful things in and through the people of Maplewood UMC.

Please be in prayer during this time of transition, for the Maplewood UMC faith community, for the pastor to come, and for Steve and me. I will be praying too.

God’s grace and peace be with you,

Pastor Kim