June 2009Inside this Issue

Something unexpected happens when you announce your retirement. Some people begin to treat you as if you have suddenly lost your faculties… as if you are no longer capable of thought or insight. Instead of offering you a chair, they offer you a rocker. Instead of engaging you in a cutting edge dialogue, they assume that you can only talk about the "good old days." Instead of assuming that you want sushi or Mexican for lunch, they assume that you want meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and overcooked green beans. Well, their assumptions are wrong! Life is always an adventure… especially for those who want to adventure with God. This is true no matter our age or our technical employment status.

I hope that you understand that this isn't just about me. It is also about you. God wants to take you into a new adventure… no matter your age, employment status or any of the other descriptors that society uses to classify people.

Are you ready and excited about the next adventure on which God wants to take you… both as individuals and as the Body of Christ – Worthington United Methodist Church? Cyndy Garn is absolutely the right person to lead you and journey with you in this adventure. As our former District Superintendent, she knows and cares about this congregation. She is passionately committed to the kind of church that Worthington is. I could not be more pleased that she will be your next lead pastor. Listen to her. Support her. Let her lead you. Celebrate her gifts in your midst.

God has a great adventure planned for you… and for me. Live with anticipation. How else can we live with a Lively Jesus in the world?

Peace and joy always,
- Alan

Inside this IssueArticle titles are given below each page title.

Parish Concerns: parish concerns page

We express love and sympathy; Congratulations

General News: general news page

Thank You (Cady); Thank You (Pearson); Thank You (Compton); Caring Committee; Memorial Funds; Alan Sippel Celebration - June 21; Welcome New Members!; June Taize Service; Book Review: Jesus Brand Spirituality ? Ken Wilson;

Outreach Opportunities: general news page

Red Cross Blood Drive; CRIS Refugee Family Has Arrived; Bag of Shared Blessings; Save The Date: Adult Mission Trip to Bayou La Batre, Alabama

United Methodist Women: umw page

A Day Apart; Trifles 'n' Treasures; June Circle Meetings; CRIS Project Update

Family and Youth Informationfamily and youth page

Teachers Are Needed to Raise up the Next Generations in Faith; Graduation Sunday, June 7; Next Generation Leadership Camp; Sign Up NOW for August VBS!