On my first Sunday I recognized several people that I will always be indebted to for their Godly work in the months and years leading to my arrival. I would like to do that again on this first installment of my blog. First of all, I want to thank Bob Henson, our founding pastor. Without his vision and heart, we would not exist. Thank you Bob! I want to thank Chip Nix, who led us during the interim period. Chip taught the children to "high-five" during the procession out into the world. That tradition continues! God bless you Chip and I look forward to meeting you when I finish my journey on this earth and am called to heaven. May God bless you for your wonderful ministry, not only at COTHA, but through the years. I want to thank the Vestry that led us during some difficult times. All of you have inspired me. I want to thank the Search Committee that came to Kansas and helped me see God's hand in the process that led me to accept the call to this extraordinary congregation. I want to thank our wonderful staff who were asked to go beyond the normal demands of ministry and provided cohesiveness to COTHA when it was needed most.
Lastly I want to thank our Lord Jesus Christ. His love for us can be powerfully felt every time we gather for worship. It is to His glory that we reach out into the world and bring even more people into the Kingdom.
We have much to do but it will be done because we will remain focused on Jesus Christ! An extraordinary adventure awaits us. As I said to the Vestry and Search Committee the night I accepted the call: "Buckle up!"