Would you not agree that this is a great time to be at Neighborhood UMC. I feel like a child during recess time at school, running around, all excited about all of the fun that I am having that I do not want it to come to an end. Not only is Neighborhood UMC a beautiful church, but is a very busy church. Allow me to share with you some of the wonderful events and activities that have caused me to be so excited.

First, is the hiring of Reverend Roger Washington as our new Assistant Pastor. Rev. Washington will be working with the Christian Education Committee as the Senior High Sunday School Teacher. And, from the response of his students, Rev. Washington has been well received. His other duties will include working with several other committees and they are Higher Education, Brothers and Sisters, Evangelism, Tutorial Program, and Children and Youth.

I am also excited about the re-birth of the Children’s Choir. Michelle, Dena and Donnella, have done a wonderful job with our children and have instilled a new sound and attitude. Our Voices of Praise Choir are styling both new robes and new members. Each Sunday, their ministry causes the Holy Spirit to come into our worship service. This has been a very busy time at our church because of the extra efforts of each of our committees. Everyone has done a great job and because of our efforts, Neighborhood is a better church.

There is much to be excited about for the future. There are plans underway to expand our choir loft with additional seating and space for the choir and musicians. This can only take place if one of the sanctuary walls is expanded. A very huge and costly task, but I believe that this is the direction God is calling our church to travel.

Lastly, I wrote a letter to each member last October, regarding the “state of the church,” I would like to thank those of you who understood that the letter was written in love and not written to accuse anyone of not doing his or her part. I believed it was important that, if at all possible, for all of us to be on the same page. Like Moses, I have been told what I need to do to make it to the promise land, but unlike Moses, I refuse to miss my blessings because others under my watch are not doing their part. I desire for NUMC to be its very best and for that to happen all of us must do our very best.