O'Fallon First UMC
Connecting imperfect people to a perfect god
Welcome
O'Fallon First UMC is a place where people can meet Jesus, engage in life-giving community, and everyone is welcome. We believe in creating a space where people can have authentic encounters with Christ, discover their gifts and use them for God's glory. Join us for our Sunday services!
A Note from
Pastor Don
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Dear O’Fallon First Family:
This is that letter, the letter where I announce that the Bishop and Cabinet of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference have discerned a new appointment for me and my family. On July 1, 2024, I will become the Senior Pastor of Macomb Wesley United Methodist Church.
Pause, take a deep breath, and then please continue reading when you’re ready.
At this moment you may be feeling bewildered and in shock at what you just read. I know this because it happened to Becky and me when we were told. We were overwhelmed with emotions; confused, despairing, angry, disappointed, fearful, and more. This is natural, and it’s okay. Feel what you feel; open your heart and mind to these things.
Remember, we are a people of faith: “faith is the assurance of things hoped for and confidence in the things we do not see.” (Heb. 11:1) I can’t imagine what it will be like without the people of O’Fallon First in my daily life. You may not be able to imagine what life at O’Fallon First will be like without Becky and me. But God works in the unimaginable and does impossible things all the time. “I am about to do a new thing, do you not perceive it?” (Is. 43:19)
The “itinerant system”—where United Methodist clergy are appointed by the Bishop and Cabinet—reminds us that we follow God, not a person; that we serve the Lord, not at our own discretion; that we trust in the Lord, and lean not on our own understanding, and we remember that ministry happens because of the laity (you) and not the pastor. I shepherd, you lead!
When I came to O’Fallon eight years ago, I wasn’t ready for a change. I had different plans for my ministry, and I knew nothing about O’Fallon (except that they had that band that always won everything when our Alton band competed against them😊), and I didn’t want to leave Godfrey. But God’s ways are not my ways. They are better.
The great things we’ve experienced in the last eight years would have never happened if we had not stepped out in faith, together. We’ve been through so much together that has helped us to grow in our faith journeys: a building exploration process, staff changes, a disaffiliation process, navigating the challenges of COVID, hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in mission ministry, supporting the Journey of Hope home, the mission trips to Poland, Guatemala, and Tennessee, a pink bunny suit, Taylor Swift sermons… the list goes on and on!
Over the next five months we will continue to do what we have always done, “Connecting imperfect people to a perfect God” through Worship, Community and Service. We will shine the light of Christ on the path ahead, and we’ll continue to share the light with others in such a way that they want to join us on the journey.
Becky and I want you to know that we’re praying for you. We love you, and we will always celebrate and remember the ministry we’ve shared. We ask you to pray for us as we prepare to make this change, and together let us never forget, “God works all things together for good for those that love the Lord, and are called according to God’s purpose.” (Rom. 8:28) Now, answer the call!
In Surrender to Christ,
Pastor Don and Becky
Dear O’Fallon First Family:
This is that letter, the letter where I announce that the Bishop and Cabinet of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference have discerned a new appointment for me and my family. On July 1, 2024, I will become the Senior Pastor of Macomb Wesley United Methodist Church.
Pause, take a deep breath, and then please continue reading when you’re ready.
At this moment you may be feeling bewildered and in shock at what you just read. I know this because it happened to Becky and me when we were told. We were overwhelmed with emotions; confused, despairing, angry, disappointed, fearful, and more. This is natural, and it’s okay. Feel what you feel; open your heart and mind to these things.
Remember, we are a people of faith: “faith is the assurance of things hoped for and confidence in the things we do not see.” (Heb. 11:1) I can’t imagine what it will be like without the people of O’Fallon First in my daily life. You may not be able to imagine what life at O’Fallon First will be like without Becky and me. But God works in the unimaginable and does impossible things all the time. “I am about to do a new thing, do you not perceive it?” (Is. 43:19)
The “itinerant system”—where United Methodist clergy are appointed by the Bishop and Cabinet—reminds us that we follow God, not a person; that we serve the Lord, not at our own discretion; that we trust in the Lord, and lean not on our own understanding, and we remember that ministry happens because of the laity (you) and not the pastor. I shepherd, you lead!
When I came to O’Fallon eight years ago, I wasn’t ready for a change. I had different plans for my ministry, and I knew nothing about O’Fallon (except that they had that band that always won everything when our Alton band competed against them😊), and I didn’t want to leave Godfrey. But God’s ways are not my ways. They are better.
The great things we’ve experienced in the last eight years would have never happened if we had not stepped out in faith, together. We’ve been through so much together that has helped us to grow in our faith journeys: a building exploration process, staff changes, a disaffiliation process, navigating the challenges of COVID, hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in mission ministry, supporting the Journey of Hope home, the mission trips to Poland, Guatemala, and Tennessee, a pink bunny suit, Taylor Swift sermons… the list goes on and on!
Over the next five months we will continue to do what we have always done, “Connecting imperfect people to a perfect God” through Worship, Community and Service. We will shine the light of Christ on the path ahead, and we’ll continue to share the light with others in such a way that they want to join us on the journey.
Becky and I want you to know that we’re praying for you. We love you, and we will always celebrate and remember the ministry we’ve shared. We ask you to pray for us as we prepare to make this change, and together let us never forget, “God works all things together for good for those that love the Lord, and are called according to God’s purpose.” (Rom. 8:28) Now, answer the call!
In Surrender to Christ,
Pastor Don and Becky