Rev. or Pastor Martha

Sunday was a special day for me as my pastoral role was formally recognized. I am grateful to the Conference that I am able to serve within my home church, I am grateful to be serving among this very special church body, and I am honored to be able to do so. Because I have been active here for awhile, there were many who didn't realize the next steps that had been taken. I look forward to being Pastor Martha but still being "just" Martha. Thank you all for your continued encouragement, support and honest critiques.

What is a Licensed Local Pastor anyway? "The licensed local pastor has answered the call from God to serve the mission of Jesus Christ through the work of the local congregation in The United Methodist Church. The licensed local pastor while appointed to a particular charge shall perform all the duties of a pastor, including proclamation of the Word of God, leading in worship and liturgy, performing the sacraments of baptism and holy communion, the services of marriage (where state laws allow), burial, confirmation, and membership reception. The licensed local pastor has the authority of a pastor only within the setting and during the time of the appointment and shall not extend beyond it." (UMC Board of Ordained Ministry)

What are some of the next steps? They include applying at St. Paul's School of Theology in Kansas City, MO; beginning Course of Study July 2009; and continuing that education for two weeks every January and July thereafter for the next six years or more.



Quoting from St. Paul's information: "The summer and winter sessions of the Saint Paul Course of Study School use an integrative teaching model. Foundational and functional classes are taught together, exposing students to both theory and application. Students enroll for one module that includes two courses and is taught by two instructors.


"Course of Study School is designed to be a year-round learning experience. Registered students receive advance assignments and book lists from which to prepare. Students who do not complete and submit the assignments by the published deadlines will be withdrawn from the program. Students also receive further assignments during class sessions."

PLEASE..... I ask for your continued prayers, for your continued support and encouragement, and for your honest critiques. It is important to me to follow in the steps that God is leading and to do my very best. Having said that, I realize just how much I have to learn, how much 'smoothing of my own rough edges' there is yet to do, and how often I 'miss the mark.' So I need others who have a deep faith in Christ to help me along this journey. Thank you all.