This will be Caryn Andrews' last Sunday at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. It has been my privilege to serve beside her for the past two and one half years. From the outset, there was no question that Caryn has a passion for missions. She longs for a day when all people have access to the Good News, the weak find justice and there are no longer any poor. She has worked tirelessly leading our church family as we strive to share the love of Christ with our neighbors throughout the world. Caryn has voluntarily taken on other responsibilities in the church as well. Just to name a few, she and Joshua Grotheer developed our E-newsletter. And, thanks to their efforts, we also have a new, very appealing, easy to use website.
 
As sad as we are to see Caryn, Jeff, Duncan, Grace and Nicholas leave IOHUMC, it is apparent that God's hand is in their move to Colorado Springs. During the past 2 years, Caryn and Jeff have worked hard to strengthen our relationship with the Russia Initiative.  Stirred by their personal story (Nicholas was adopted from Russia) along with a dream for a Russia where Christians can worship freely, youth have a hope and a future and there are no more orphans; they have enabled IOHUMC to actively partner with the United Methodist Church in Eurasia. Coincidently (or is that a God-incidence), the Russia Initiative has strong ties in the Colorado Springs area. Caryn and Jeff plan to be liaisons to the churches in Colorado and Eurasia and IOHUMC, so that we may work together as the Body of Christ to spread the gospel and seek justice. Caryn also plans to present the ministries of The Christ Child's Nest and Mission on the Move to churches in her new community and hopefully grow support for them.
 
Caryn has touched many lives, both within the walls of our church as well as outside these walls. I am eager to see what God has in store for her and her family as they begin this new season of their lives. Please keep them in your prayers.
                                                                                                                   
                                                                                        Julie
 
In honor of Caryn Andrews, the Communion offering this Sunday will go to the Russia Initiative. The Russia Initiative is a ministry of the United Methodist Church that supports churches, pastors and programs in the Eurasia area. IOHUMC is a supportive congregation for Christ the Savior UMC in St. Petersburg, Russia. We support this church financially as well as spiritually through correspondence and prayers.