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Following the Sept. 15 article
in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, several people have asked questions
about the closing of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Sherwood. The
final worship service for Good Shepherd was Sunday, September 14, 2003, with
Reverend Deidre Roberts presiding. The final Charge Conference will be
September 24, 2003, with Reverend Jan Edwards, District Superintendent,
presiding.
In the 15 years since Good
Shepherd began, the church supported vital ministries such as an active Food
Pantry, Mother’s Day Out and worship. The congregation itself is a group of
wonderfully warm and caring people. Four faithful pastors have served Good
Shepherd since its beginning. For all these ministries and faithful people, we
are thankful to God.
In June, the pastor, Reverend
Deidre Roberts, and representatives of the leadership of Good Shepherd came to
Reverend Edwards because Good Shepherd was no longer able to meet its operating
budget, including pastor’s salary, and also meet its loan payments for the
building and property. In consultation with me, Reverend Edwards asked Reverend
Bob Crossman, Chair of the Conway District Church Location and Building
Committee, to lead a team of clergy and laity to review Good Shepherd’s past,
meet with congregational leaders regarding its present, and explore options for
the future.
The team discovered the
following:
- Approximately 43,000 unchurched
people live within five miles of Good Shepherd.
- Good Shepherd has a worshipping
congregation of about 50 people.
- Good Shepherd owes just under
$500,000 on the property and building.
- Over the past 15 years, the North
Arkansas Conference and the Conway District contributed over $500,000 to
support Good Shepherd.
- The Conway District was currently
contributing $1,300 per month toward Good Shepherd’s indebtedness.
- The debt has always been a
tremendous impediment to Good Shepherd’s ministry.
In consultation with me, the
team explored various alternatives to continue Good Shepherd. The team talked
with pastors and laity about starting new ministries. They invited and received
consultation from national specialists in church development. In the end, in
consultation with the congregation’s leadership, the decision was made to close
Good Shepherd.
It is always a sad time when a
congregation’s life comes to an end. However, we are a people of the
resurrection. Faith in Jesus Christ does not end. Hope in God’s grace does not
end. Love of our neighbors does not end. As Reverend Roberts shared with her
people, Jesus is calling them into new ministries. We believe these faithful
disciples will follow where God leads them. We look forward to the future with
expectation and hope.
Grace and Peace,
Janice Riggle Huie
Resident Bishop
Arkansas Area
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