Dear Families & Friends of Woodmar,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ!
3 “I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:3-6
Friends, we have been through many beautiful adventures together over the past 5 ½ years! The Lord has stretched us out of our comfort zones in many ways and will continue to do so as we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. It has truly been an honor and a joy to be your pastor! Serving with you as my first appointment has been a beautiful gift. I have learned much from you and will always be grateful for the time we had together.
While we were not expecting that I would be appointed to another church at this time of the year, what we can know is that God is making a way for all of us! I’m excited to see what the Holy Spirit will do through YOU in Hammond as you continue to step out in faithful obedience to God’s call to be the hands and feet of Christ!
Soon, you will be meeting Pastor Deb Rousselle; she will be in ministry with you in the month of February. I have known Pastor Deb for over two decades…you will love her! If the new pastor isn’t appointed by March, Pastor Pete Ward will be in ministry with you in March…most of you already know Pastor Pete…he will bless you as you will bless him!
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Phil. 1:3) I will always thank my God every time I remember you…no matter where I am! And, I pray that you will continue growing in your discipleship…that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight…that you will know WITH ALL CONFIDENCE that God has called you…has called Woodmar United Methodist Church for a holy purpose in this city…that God has called you to pour truth, light, love, and hope into the lives of our neighbors….all for the glory of God!
Woodmar, you’ve got this! And God’s got you! Thank you for loving me and my family so well and for being faithful partners in ministry. What a blessing you will be to your new pastor!
As of February 1st, I will no longer be your pastor, but I will always be your friend and sister- in-Christ and I will continue to pray for your journey. However, please don’t invite me back to officiate pastoral functions such as weddings, funerals, and baptisms. Your new pastor will walk alongside you and he/she will love you before, during, and after these events.
Friends, please…always remember who you are. Who are you? I am a beloved child of God, called and sent to make a difference in the world. Yes, that IS who we are! Thanks be to God!
Living in the Grip of God’s Grace,
Pastor Esta
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