I write to you with a heart full of gratitude and hope as I begin this new chapter of ministry with you here at Groveville United Methodist Church. I want to take a moment to thank Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, DS Ronell Howard, and the leadership of our Annual Conference for appointing me to serve this beautiful and faithful community. It is truly an honor and a joy to join you on this journey of faith.
I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to the leaders and volunteers of Groveville UMC who have so thoughtfully prepared everything for my arrival. Thank you for taking the time to make the parsonage a home for me and my family, for the care you’ve shown in readying the office space, for your reports, and for all the behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed. Your generous contributions, your time, and your dedication are deeply appreciated, and they speak volumes about the love and spirit of this congregation.
I am excited about the days ahead, about the conversations we’ll share, the worship we’ll lift up together, and the ways we’ll grow spiritually as a church and as individuals. Transitions can feel like both a hello and a beginning, and that’s exactly what I hope this moment will be for us: a new beginning rooted in God’s grace and led by the Spirit.
I look forward to getting to know each of you, learning about your stories, your dreams for the church, and your hopes for our shared ministry. I warmly invite anyone who feels led to connect to reach out. We can schedule a one-on-one meeting and share a coffee sometime soon. I’d truly love that.
And of course, I hope to see you all this Sunday as we worship together for the first time. Time has changed, now we will worship at 11:30 am. Let’s come with open hearts and joyful spirits as we step into this new season together!
Warmly,
Rev. David A Gaitan
