Thrilled!

There are many adjectives I could use to describe my feelings as I begin pastoring Meriden UMC.  I chose the word, thrilled!  Honestly, I am thrilled to learn more about the unique ministries happening in our midst.  I am thrilled to look to the future and where God is leading us next! I am thrilled to be in a community and church the size of Meriden, where deep and lasting relationships can be formed. 

 

I am thrilled to be equidistance between one daughter’s family (and granddaughter) who live in Topeka and the other daughter’s family who live in Tonganoxie. I am thrilled to be in proximity to lake Perry where a friend of mine keeps his sailing boat. I am thrilled to begin forming relationships and friendships with the fine people in the Meriden area.  But more than anything I am thrilled to follow God’s Holy Spirit as he leads us forward!    

 

Let me introduce…

I am also thrilled to introduce my wife of 35 years, Amy Lou Bowers!  Amy is an amazing woman in so many ways.  She collects and sells antiques in her antique booth, she leads holy yoga classes, she is an ordained deacon in the UMC, an excellent preacher and teacher, and makes a mean minestrone soup.  Obviously, I am overshadowed by her talents and skills. Amy has been the leading supporter all of my ministry and she continues to this day. 

 

A little about me…

Kansan born and bred. Have pastored very small churches and fairly large churches, most recently in Salina and Manhattan. Lived four years in La Paz, Bolivia, and three years in Antwerp, Belgium pastoring international churches.

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Sports fan! Leans towards the Wildcats but cheers for the Jayhawks as well.  Favorite Bible verse Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!” Bad habits, driving 6 miles over the speed limit and addicted to chocolate chip cookies. Favorite authors, John Grisham or Nicholas Sparks. Pet peeve! People driving 65 mph in the left lane on the Interstate.

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Allow me to close with an inspirational scripture which I believe can guide us forward.  God says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” So be it. Amen

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See you Sunday! I'll save you a spot in the ‘Holy Place’.

Pastor Troy Bowers