Some Kind of Big News...
Rev. Dr. Steve Pichaske, Pastor, Prospect UMC
March 10, 2020
Brothers and Sisters within our Prospect Family,
I have now been a United Methodist pastor for close to 18 years. Many of you have been following and serving Christ in the United Methodist Church for longer than that. So you understand the “itinerant nature” of our connectional denomination. While some denominations employ a “call system,” whereby pastors are called to serve a new congregation, the United Methodist Church is a “sending denomination.” Just as Prospect is connected to other congregations in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference within our global denomination, I am united in clergy covenant with pastors throughout the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. That covenant calls me to serve Christ and the Church wherever our conference leadership directs.
The purpose of this letter is to share with you that Bishop Frank Beard has recently appointed me to serve as the pastor of Aledo United Methodist Church, in the Spoon River District, beginning July 1st. The Cabinet (Bishop Beard and a group of District Superintendents) has discerned that Aledo UMC is a church where my particular gifts and calling and their particular gifts and calling can come together in fruitful ministry. In an age when career choices are often based on romance, the United Methodist Church still practices arranged marriages. And, somehow, the system works!
I, and the rest of the Pichaskes, are, of course, still processing a wide range of emotions. These emotions range from fear and trembling as we prepare to face new ministerial and life challenges, and enormous grief and pain as we realize this move will take us from so many people we have come to know and love as family over the past six years. The next few months will also be filled with much preparation. The Pichaskes will prepare to “finish well” at Prospect even as we prepare to start well in Aledo. You will be preparing yourselves to both say “good-bye” to us and to welcome your next directing pastor.
I want to assure you that our conference leaders are already working to ensure a great fit to help lead Prospect into the wonderful future God has envisioned for the congregation and its efforts to help those in the Dunlap/North Peoria communities Grow DEEP in Christ as we seek to Reach WIDE for Christ!
Last fall, I preached a sermon series called, “CALM in the Chaos.” There may be some chaotic days ahead, but one thing will forever remain the same: Jesus Christ is seated on the throne of heaven. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and the Good Shepherd’s watchful eye will not ever leave us. He is at the helm of the ship, and is fully capable of guiding us through all the storms of life. Let us lean into Jesus for both our direction and our care in these days ahead!
Your Brother in Christ,
Pastor Steve