December 16, 2025
As interim chair of the Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee, I am writing with important news about our Senior Pastor April Blaine.
Over her nine years as our spiritual leader, April has touched and blessed oh-so-many of us with her gifts and grace for ministry, her love for God and for each of us, her passion for justice, her commitment to diversity and accessibility, and her power of prayer.
As you know, the United Methodist Church is a connectional church, which means in part that all pastoral appointments are made by the Bishop. After a heartfelt conversation between April and the SPPRC, a decision was reached that we should request that the Bishop assign a new senior pastor at this time.
This decision was not reached easily or lightly. It was reached only after all parties involved engaged in personal prayer, individual discernment, deep reflection on the feelings and perspectives of the congregation, analysis of the major issues confronting us as a congregation, and many hours of conversation. Moreover, the decision was reached in full knowledge that all of us love April, appreciate what she has done for our local church, and want the very best for her.
The SPPRC will take responsibility for managing the pastoral transition on behalf of our local church, working under the direction of the District Superintendent. The SPPRC will work with the Bishop and DS to communicate the profile of our congregation and the skills needed in our next pastor. The pastoral transition process may take several months. Rest assured that the SPPRC will take care to keep you informed along the way.
Although pastoral transitions usually occur July 1, April has talked with the District Superintendent and chosen to leave in January. Her last day, as she shares in her video below, will be January 22. Until then, April will remain our senior pastor. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with her, with our Associate Pastor Jon Osmundson, and with the District Superintendent and Bishop to strengthen our local church and advance the mission to make disciples for Jesus Christ.
In Christ,
Stephanie Harrell
SPPRC Interim Chair