New Director of Care and Visitation

First, I would like to thank Pastor Larry for his ministry this past four and a half years. Starting with the wonderful transition he made for me as I took the Call when he was the Interim Minister. I am grateful for his willingness to accept my invitation to join our staff as my Parish Associate, handling the visitation and care ministry here at Journey.

Originally, the focus was on hospital visitation and visiting those who are shut in and unable to attend church on Sundays. However, as I saw the church's needs growing, I worked to expand the ministry to meet them, pleased that he was so willing to oversee and develop the various ministries I brought to him. First, meeting the needs of the widows and widowers through the ministry of Changing Seasons. Second, to begin a Stephen Ministry here at Journey to care for those who are going through difficult or challenging times. And finally, asking him to relaunch the Senior Luncheon program, which has had a wonderful start. Not to mention his supportive role with the Deacons, which has been a tremendous blessing. His positive attitude and willing spirit have enabled me to expand our programs while also focusing on our ministry's overall vision and mission. 

I certainly wish him every blessing in his retirement and have enjoyed working with him in this ministry of renewal. I will certainly miss him and Judy, as they take on new adventures in life.

Obviously, Pastor Larry’s retirement creates a vacancy in the ministry with visitation and care. When Pastor Larry shared with me his decision to take retirement, I immediately began to think about how to fill this vacancy on my staff.  After much prayer and consideration, I felt the Lord was leading me to a person I had been volunteering with over the last year. Every Thursday morning, I volunteer with the 5K Training Team in Lacy Park, which is supported by the Parkinson Foundation. I was invited to volunteer by Joe Wan, a member here at Journey. Together, we support those with Parkinson's and others who are stroke survivors. During this time, I was very moved by how Joe ministered to those who were afflicted by Parkinson’s and dealing with the debilitating results of a stroke. His natural love and compassion for these people, many of whom he did not know personally, was inspirational.

I felt the Holy Spirit was leading me to talk with Joe about serving in ministry with the possibility of starting with a position here at Journey. Although Joe had extensive business experience, he felt that God might be calling him to serve in a new way, perhaps in ministry. We both committed this to prayer, and while we prayed on the matter, I also spoke with those leading the various ministries under care and visitation. Each person gave me a positive response regarding the possibility of Joe taking the new position of Director of Care and Visitation.