At the end of September, Pastor John and Joy shared with the congregation that it is their intention to retire from active parish ministry at the end of June 2026. They have prayerfully considered this decision and feel God is calling them to embrace the opportunity to begin this new chapter in their lives. By the end of June, Pastor John will have had the privilege of serving with South Yarmouth UMC for seven years. In addition, he will have completed 36 years as a pastor under appointment and 40 years of preaching and working in the church. In the Methodist system, appointments are made by the bishop, in consultation with district superintendents, and input from local church Staff Parish Relations Committees. Our District Superintendent, Rev. Wanda Santos-Perez is aware of this decision and working with our Staff Parish Relations Committee. Linda Tucker, the chair of our Staff Parish Relations Committee, members of the SPRC, along with our Lay Leader, Eve Hoffman are available to respond to questions people may have about the process of moving forward. An announcement about a new pastor will probably be made early in the new year, but feedback will be sought from the congregation regarding important qualities of a new pastor, before any decision is made. Pastor John will continue to be in ministry with our congregation through the end of June and will do everything he can to continue to lead and assist the congregation during the next nine months
