A significant celebration for us to share

Dear First Family, 
 
I have significant news to celebrate with you today. 
 
As you may know, we have four members of our church who are students at Truett Seminary. One of those is Michelle Rebel who serves as the Director of our Student Ministries. Michelle is a long time member of our church. It was here that she received her calling to ministry and she has been an invaluable member of our staff for many years. 
 
Michelle is approaching the halfway point of her work towards receiving a Masters of Divinity from Truett. She was recently recommended by our pastoral team to be licensed for pastoral ministry, which is a significant milestone in the process of becoming an ordained pastor. 
 
Yesterday, Michelle was interviewed by a team of pastors from our sister churches in the area and we celebrate that they also affirmed that she is ready to take this next step and be licensed to serve in pastoral ministry. 
 
While her journey of preparation will continue, what that means is that she will now be joining our pastoral team and serving as our Pastor of our Student Ministries. 
 
There are many things that mark the health of a local church – a church that is investing in the local community, working to bring God’s kingdom to communities around the world, a place where individuals are beginning a new relationship with Jesus or deepening in that relationship in significant ways, are just a few. 
 
Of equal importance to those is a church that is raising up next generation leaders, including those experiencing a call to pastoral ministry. 
 
And so today, I want to invite you to celebrate this significant step in Michelle’s journey and at the same time, I want you to know that her testimony is yours as well. 
 
She belongs to you and for that reason, it is my honor and joy to invite you to join me in welcoming the newest addition to our pastoral team, Pastor Michelle! 
 
If you would like to send Michelle a note of congratulations, feel free to email her at pastormichelle@fmcm.org. 
 
I look forward to being with you this weekend as we continue our journey with Jesus to the cross. 
 
I love you and I am proud of you, 
 
Pastor David