Board Notes – July 2021

The transition of pastors from Rev. John Tomlin to Rev. Kimberly Dugger proceeded well through June with Rev. Dugger officially introduced to the congregation at our July 4th service – our first in the sanctuary since March 2020. We are slowly ‘dusting off the cobwebs’ as we adjust to being back in the sanctuary and, as happens with any pastor change, Rev. Dugger adding her own imprint to our worship. 

As part of the dual appointment of Rev. Dugger to both NFUMC and Friendship UMC along with discussions of a merger between the two churches, we will adjust our July services to allow our congregations to get to know each other better.  We will hold one service each Sunday with the Friendship congregation to join us at NFUMC on three Sundays, while the service on Sunday July 18th will be hosted by Friendship UMC.  We also plan to have our Southwest District Superintendent Rev. Susan Landry to join us after the service on Sunday July 25th for a Q&A session.  Your Board will also be there to answer questions.  Everyone is encouraged to attend.

 Your Board and our other volunteer leaders are working hard to address maintenance issues across our buildings including repairs to air conditioners, roof, lighting and A/V.  The good news is that your giving continues to be strong which allows us to make these needed repairs, but we are in a slight cash deficit for the year to date.  We have done very well even in the midst of the pandemic and the Board continues to work hard to reduce our costs even as we seek to expand our ministries. We are also in talks with outside groups to use The Grove for special music and arts events to bring in people, and some additional revenues, to our church. 

This is an exciting time for our church as we welcome a new pastor and hold talks to merge with Friendship UMC.  It will be a challenging time, but worthwhile for both churches. Essential to our future is your continued faithful participation in the life and ministries of our church through your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. Together we have the opportunity to grow our ministries to the local community to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Yours in Service,

Steve Justice – 2021 NFUMC Board Chair

Copyright © 2025 . All rights reserved.