As the chair of our Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), let’s address the elephant in the pews: our church has experienced significant changes in staff this year. Change can be scary, and it often brings a number of questions: Why did they leave? What happened? What’s going on? Should I be concerned? Here’s what I need you to hear: these are good changes, and I am optimistic and excited for the future of Peachtree City United Methodist Church.
Yes, I feel this way even though change involves hard goodbyes to many people that we have grown to love and trust over the years. For example, we recently said goodbye to Meg Frederico. Meg was a comforting presence to our kids on Sunday mornings, and a beloved Bible teacher in our Weekday School. And while our kids will miss Meg (including my two!), we see God at work here. Meg was able to take a new, full-time role that she had been specifically praying for. Glory to God for change that allows our staff to grow in their personal and professional capacities!
And for us? We get to expand both of our staffs. Our Weekday School will be able to hire a new Bible Teacher who will be solely part of their staff, and our Kids Ministry will be able to hire a dedicated Assistant Director, supporting Beth Green. In the work Meg did as one person, she ended up building two roles, and now we get to see who God will bring to fill these positions. Glory to God for allowing us to post two employment opportunities for people in our community!
In a similar way, Lori Barnes and Cory Hopkins gave a great deal to PTCUMC over their many years, and they both were led to new and exciting opportunities that will bring them great joy. We celebrate with them!
As you see new staff at church, introduce yourself and ask them how you can be praying for and supporting their work. After all, it’s not just change for our congregation, but it’s also a new environment and new roles for our incoming staff. While we welcome new team members, we also show our appreciation and gratitude for existing staff who continue to work tirelessly to make the church a better place on the weekends and weekdays. I challenge you to celebrate and acknowledge our strong foundation found in the veteran staff!
We wouldn’t be where we are without the hard work of many people who continue to show up day after day, year after year. Praise God that our ministries and volunteer involvement continue to grow because of our incredible staff team led by Pastor Chris and Pastor Sean! I encourage you to get to know the faces and names of all of our staff through the church’s staff page.
Should you have questions or concerns regarding staff at PTCUMC, please feel free to reach out to me at SPRC@ptcumc.org.
