July 13, 2021
Dear friends,
When my mom texted me on July 6th asking how my first day was going I replied, “Drinking from a fire hose!” To which she replied, “I hope not literally!” You all have been very welcoming to me and my family. I am so honored and thankful to be the pastor of Embry Hills United Methodist Church. I have loved meeting and getting to know everyone I have met so far, and am looking forward to those I haven’t yet, and for those who are not a part of the Embry Hills Community as well! This church has so much going for it, and I think like the children’s song we grew up learning, we do not need to keep this light hidden.
When I came to the church for a meet and greet and to hear the presentation from the hard work of the 3D assessment team, one of things with which I came away from that meeting was that this is a church that cares deeply for one another. It reminded me of an early church theologian, Tertullian, who when asked to describe what a Christian was like said, “See how they love one another.” I think that is what we can be in this community, and this world. When people begin to wonder what the church stands for and why there are seemingly so many around us, we can point to our church and say, see how they love one another.
I look forward to our journey together. All journeys begin with a single step, and I am so thankful that you have welcomed these first steps of ours with open arms (or maybe a hearty fist or elbow bump). I am also very grateful to Susan Allen-Grady, and the wonderful job she did here as your pastor. When I was told where my next appointment would be, and Susan and I FINALLY got the clear to talk to one another on the phone, you should have heard the two of us. I told her; I am so thankful to follow someone as good as you are. There is so much to celebrate here. There is so much to do. Let’s continue to shine our lights and share our lives with one another and write the next chapter of the Embry Hills story, together.
Peace,
Rev. Dr. Jordan Thrasher