New Pastoral Appointment Update

 Dear Church Family,

Greetings in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton and the Cabinet have appointed my family and me to new churches in Cape Cod, Massachusetts—South Yarmouth UMC (full-time, Victor) and Wellfleet UMC (half-time, Joyce), effective July 1, 2026.

Unlike some other denominations, the United Methodist Church is a “sending” church. UM local churches do not search for and hire their own pastors. Instead, the bishop and cabinet prayerfully match clergy and congregations according to the needs of the churches and the gifts of the pastors. This discerning appointment process takes place each year. In the New England Annual Conference, there are more than 500 churches across six states.

When Joyce and I first heard about this possible new appointment, our immediate response was honestly shock. The Cabinet gave us 24 hours to pray and discern. As ordained clergy in the United Methodist Church, I have vowed to serve within the itinerant system—trusting the bishop’s appointment and living with the spirit of: “Where you send me, I will go.” Unless there are urgent missional reasons, clergy are expected to receive the appointment in faith.

During much of those 24 hours, we found ourselves looking for reasons to say no. Our older children are becoming juniors in high school. Joyce’s appointment with Stetson Memorial UMC has been less than a year. We have just begun building a cooperative parish among our four churches. New members are about to join. We had planned to take renewal leave this summer.

Yet early the next morning, while I was praying and meditating on Scripture in the sanctuary, a quiet but clear confirmation came to my heart: this is God’s calling. Joyce also received the same sense of peace in prayer. With that assurance, we said yes to the call.

Twelve years ago, Joyce and I said yes to the call to serve Houlton and Hodgdon UMCs. At that time, we knew no one. We had nothing. But today, we leave with something far greater—a “big family” in the members of Houlton, Hodgdon, Mars Hill, and Stetson Mermorial United Methodist Churches. This place has become our home, and you have become our family. We have worshiped together, prayed together, laughed together, and carried one another through difficult seasons.

Today, Joyce and I grieve—but not without hope. Our hearts are full of both gratitude and tears. Our greatest comfort is that our fellowship in Christ is eternal. One day we will be fully reunited with one another in Jesus Christ.

As the old hymn reminds us:

“When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.”

Until we meet again, may the grace of Christ hold us all together. Joyce and I give thanks to God for each of you. And please know that we love you deeply.

 
With gratitude and love,
Pastors Victor and Joyce