Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It's hard for me to believe that I have been your district superintendent for seven years now.  My, how quickly time has passed.  But what an exciting and blessed journey this has been for me and my wife, Sue.

I have vivid memories of the evening Bishop Ough called me at home to invite me to join the Cabinet.  He also invited Sue and me to dinner with him and his wife, Char, for conversation about this new appointment.  I was nervous, anxious and somewhat unsure about whether I could do the job.  So I prayed a lot - much more than usual - while waiting to meet with the Bishop for dinner.  At dinner I asked him the question that had been rolling around my head ever since his phone call: "Bishop, do you really think I can do the job?"  He assured me that he firmly believed I could, otherwise he would not have asked me to serve in this appointment.  I accepted his affirmation of my ability and began my journey as a district superintendent in the Conference, July 1, 2004.                   

Sue and I were not sure how we would be received by some congregations in this new appointment.  So we braced ourselves for the worse.  To our surprise, however, we experienced nothing but warm hospitality and a grace-filled welcome everywhere we went.  We sensed the prayers and best wishes of many as I went about my duties of serving the district.  I provided individual church conferences annually (usually in the fall and at night) for each and every local church in the district.  Sue accompanied me on all these meetings, except when she was ill or family concerns required her attention elsewhere.  As a caution and expression of care for us, it was common for someone to say: "Watch out for the deer." when the meeting was over and we were about to head home.   We did, and thanks be to God we never had an accident.  Sue and I have worked as a team in ministry all of our married lives.  My work and our ministry on the district were made safe and fruitful by your encouragement and countless prayers.            

Since my retirement was announced, I have been frequently greeted with expressions of best wishes followed by the question: "What are you going to do next?"  Well, the first thing I plan to do is to take time for rest, renewal, and visiting with children and grandchildren.  Of course I will do my share of fishing during this time.  After this I plan to consider at least two options: adjunct teaching and reviving my counseling/psychotherapy practice.  Most of my adult life I've held down more than one job at a time.  This has been a blessing for me.  I will keep active at whatever God has planned for me to do.           

When I began my ministry on the district in 2004, I was faced with a steep learning curve and many challenges.  Mrs. Carol Wilson, my Administrative Assistant, knew just what to do to help me succeed at my responsibilities.  We became a team.  She graciously familiarized me with processes and best practices in the office, and offered administrative suggestions of how to move things forward efficiently.  Carol was and is a God-send.  Without her help my work would suffer.  Thank you very much, Carol, for all that you do to support the ministry and work of the district office.       

Another district team member is Rev. Jim Waugh.  Jim is the Assistant to the Superintendent.  His years of experience as a transformational pastor, and former DS, have been invaluable to helping me do my work effectively as your superintendent.  Jim, it is a pleasure working with you.  Thank you very much for all that you do to assure the effective work and ministry of the district office.  

Also, I want to say thank you very much to those of you who have graciously gifted me with your expressions of gratitude for my leadership on the district.  Thank you very much for your cards, letters, monetary gifts, and numerous other expressions of your friendship and loving care for me and Sue.  You are wonderful.  It's been a joy serving with you.

As Moses prepared to pass the baton of leadership of the people of Israel to Joshua, he addressed the people with these words:

"Be strong.  Take courage.  Don't be intimidated.  Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you.  He's right there with you.  He won't let you down: he won't leave you." 

Then Moses summoned Joshua.  He said to him with all Israel watching, "Be strong.  Take courage.  You will enter the land with this people, this land that God promised their ancestors that he'd give them.  You will make them the proud possessors of it.  God is striding ahead of you.  He is right there with you.  He won't let you down; he won't leave you.  Don't be intimidated.  Don't worry."          (Deuteronomy 31: 6-8  The MESSAGE)

In just a few weeks I will pass the baton of district superintendent to my successor, Rev. Barb Sholis.  I encourage you to welcome her and Bob, her husband, with the same warmth and grace-filled hospitality you extended to me and Sue as we began our ministry among you.  With boldness, I evoke the words of Moses to say to you and to Barb: Be strong.  Take courage.  Don't be intimidated.  God is striding ahead of you.  God is right here with you.  God won't let you down.  God won't leave you.  Do not worry. 

Together, may you take the Capitol Area South District to a higher level of kingdom work in the role of assisting and resourcing our local churches for mission and ministry.   

Sincerely in Christ Jesus,

Hank Stringer           

Debi Nixon, Managing Executive Director of Regional Campuses and Catalyst, at the Church of the Resurrection,

School of Congregational Development

In the last ten years, the School of Congregational Development (SCD) has blossomed to include training for bishops, district superintendents, conference staff, pastors and church teams from existing congregations who desire to learn how to create and develop disciple-growing congregations. Co-developed by GBGM, GBOD and Path 1 with collaboration with the National Plans and the Congregational Development Network, this year's event will be in Dallas.

Click HERE to go to the SCD website. 

Maynard Ave UMC will celebrate its 96^th Year of Hospitality Ministry at the Ohio State Fair this summer!  We need you, your friends, and family to be a part of this sharing of gifts.  

 

This work will begin at Maynard Ave UMC on Monday, July 18^th at 9:00 a.m. when we gather to set-up the tent. 

 

During the fair, volunteers are needed to serve soft drinks and coffee, prepare and fill condiments, package salads, clear tables, and greet guests. There are three shifts to be filled during the days: Morning: 7 a.m. to 12 noon; Afternoon: 12 noon to 5:30 p. m.; and Evening: 5:30 p.m. to 10 p. m.  Four volunteers for each shift.

Click HERE for more information about how you can volunteer in this ministry at the fair.