It is with profound sadness that I pass along the news that I have been appointed to a new church. On June 14th, 2020 I will preach my last sermon at Hillsdale United Methodist Church. Emily, Davy, Halloran and I will be moving to Grace United Methodist Church in Wyckoff, New Jersey to begin a new appointment. I spoke to my father the other day when I found out I would be moving and he said he was sure it must be bittersweet for me, and he is right. I will be so sad to leave the friends we have made here. We have journeyed together for eight years and have experienced so much together. We have talked together, prayed together, worshiped together and eaten together. Indeed, have we ever eaten together! From Souper Bowls to Bible studies, I have been richly blessed knowing you. I take heart knowing that we are not too far from each, and that the blessing of your life will always be with me.
The Cabinet of the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference is currently working on selecting the next pastor for Hillsdale. The Staff/Parish Relations Committee will interview with the incoming pastor once he or she is identified. We were told that will probably take about two to four weeks. Please keep the Bishop and the District Superintendent in your prayers as they consider who the next pastor will be, and we will pass along the news as soon as we have it.
In other news, our year long experiment with two worship services will come to an end Easter Sunday, April 12. The church board is currently working on plans for what we’d like to see as we bring that time to a close. We’ll be sure to get the input of the incoming pastor before making any final decisions, but we are grateful for all who have given up something for us to try out having both a traditional and contemporary service. If you’d like to share your insights or give us your input we’d be happy to hear it! God bless.
Pastor Brian Neville
