Our family will be moving this summer as my husband has been appointed to serve as the pastor of FUMC Belen, NM. We are getting excited about the new adventure, but not about the packing that has yet to start. I believe the Holy Spirit is involved in these moves. Its presence is made known to the Cabinet that makes the appointments and is also in the hearts of the clergy that are moving. But something happened in January.
I felt the Spirit moving me to speak to my District Superintendent. As a Certified Candidate for ordained ministry, I have completed over two thirds of my Master of Divinity. Once the summer arrives, I will only have 12 hours left to complete my degree. This qualifies me to serve in the capacity as a Licensed Local Pastor in the UMC. The path to ordination takes time and I moving forward step by step. When I spoke to my DS, I told him I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me hard to make it known that I would be willing to serve a church if there was a need, depending on my husband’s status (moving or not). I thought I was simply stepping out in faith and doing what God wanted, not thinking something would actually happen.
It is with great joy that I can announce that I have been appointed to serve as the pastor of St. Paul’s UMC, in Socorro, NM.
Socorro is 30 miles from Belen, and is a part-time position, which is perfect. I am excited and a little nervous. I have served alongside my husband for 14 years in ministry as his wife, now I will be the pastor. Not being with him on Sunday mornings will be a big adjustment, but what I have learned over the past 14 years is that stepping out in faith brings great joy. The unknown can be pretty scary, but when you are in the middle of where you are called to be, it’s breathtaking.
I have almost finished a 3 year (+1 quarter) master’s program which seemed unimaginable, moved to New Mexico 14-years ago to follow Joe’s call without a home to move into, lived through losing a job, gave a TEDx talk, wrote a book, and lived through some of the worst medical complications a mother to a son with hemophilia and an inhibitor can experience. God has shown me that there is still much to do and He is not done with me yet.
I give great thanks to my Creator for holding me close and encouraging me to answer my calling.
Today I Am Thankful For:
- Meat in the freezer
- A 2-mile walk
- Hand sanitizer
- faith
- Zoom
Congrats Cazandra! I know you will be a great pastor. Enjoy this latest adventure!
So proud of you, girl. Asap will take a seat, when we all allowed out, in that congregation.
Love you and glad you are So blessed….as you will bless others.
Barbara🙏❤👍
Congratulations, Cazandra and Joe! I know God has great plans for you and your family.
Congratulations!
Cazandra, the congregation in Socorro will be blessed to have you. I can imagine your nerves, but you know the Lord places this opportunity before you for a reason. God bless.
Welcome to St. Paul’s here in Socorro, New Mexico! I’m looking forward to meeting you. My friend, Lynn Brandvold, and I are the musicians each Sunday with an electronic piano, old fashioned piano—and sometimes blessed with Lynn on the banjo or recorder
So, welcome!
Sue
Glorious news!
Whoa! God is good!<3
Way to go Cazandra ‼️ I know you will be richly blessed with this appointment and you will bless the people of Socorro as well .
Patsy
I mean, wow!! Congratulations! Please add to your list “friends” because you are a great one and I want to stay one to you. You don’t have to be a pastor to influence people spiritually the way you do. But I am so so happy for you. You will make a great pastor!
What a blessing for you, your family and the people in Socorro—. You have been able to do so much because of your faith which you share with others. Best wishes on your new adventure.
This is Fantastic Cazandra! Congrats on getting your own church. You deserve it!