Well, the cat is out of the bag.  The Good Samaritan-St. Paul charge is being broken up.  Good Samaritan UMC will be on its own charge, and St. Paul will now be yoked with Kings Mountain Chapel UMC.  The Reverend Stephen Gaither will be moving to India Hook UMC in Rock Hill, SC.  He will be missed, but it was necessary to change pastors in order that Good Samaritan could be placed on its own charge for various administrative reasons.

Good Samaritan UMC will be welcoming the Reverend Jim Elder.  Jim is coming from Camp Creek UMC.  The PPRC had our introductory visit with Rev. Elder this past Thursday.  We also met his wife and daughter.  I am very impressed with Jim and really believe that he will be very good for the Good Samaritan family.

Meanwhile, I have been appointed to pastor two churches.  I will be the pastor of New Zion UMC in Smyrna, SC as well as Shady Grove UMC in Sharon, SC.  Vicki, the kids, and I will miss all the people of Good Samaritan.  It seems strange that we will not be a part of that family any longer.

Vicki and I met the PPRC from the New Zion-Shady Grove charge on Sunday evening.  We're excited about our future and the chance to meet new people.  Both churches seem to be very faithful congregations.  I pray that God will equip me to be a good servant leader for these wonderful people.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve.

Peace,

Ray