"I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ."

Dear brothers and sisters in the faith:
     Greetings from your new pastor!
     I come to you from the Keystone Perry Charge (in Marysville).  Interestingly, my home church is Wellsboro UMC - the very church which the Shovers are now serving.  I have been in full time ministry for four years and am looking forward to ministering with you for many years to come.
     We are a family of five:  wife, Marcia; daughters, Margaret (5) and Joanne (2 1/2); and son, Benjamin (9 months).  And of course our cat (the world's friendliest), Pussy Willow.  We're all very eager to get to know you!  Please feel free to stop by the parsonage for a glass of iced tea and a chat.  Or give us a call.  While I'm anxious to visit you in your home, it will take quite some time to see everyone.  In the meantime, don't hesitate to drop in on us!  The door's open!
     Times of change are always difficult.  We've both experienced loss.  You've recently said good-bye to a wonderful pastoral family.  We've recently said good-bye to a loving , caring church family.  And all of us now feel that a part of us is gone.  But you and I have something greater in common:  our future.  God has put us together at this very moment.  If we continue to be faithful, God will use us to do great things in this community.  Just as Paul was confident in the Phillippian church, so I am confident in you.  Great work was begun in our midst.  And I believe God is calling us on.  So let's commit our very best efforts to God and to one another as we move ahead in ministry; leaning on the strengths of our past to set the course for our future.
     It is truly an honor to be appointed as your pastor.  May God continue to bless us as we work together to grow in our faith and share the love of Jesus Christ.

Marcia and I wish you God's peace,
Pastor Jon West