THE FOUNDERY

 

The following is a letter that I had intended for my Facebook page a couple of months ago.  Instead, I sent it to my conference superintendent.  But now, it seems appropriate to publish it for all to read.  May it stimulate you to pray for The Foundery Free Methodist Church and its new leaders!

I’ve been having the privilege of leading The Foundery Free Methodist Church in Wellsburg, WV for the last eight months as interim pastor.  This church has an amazing facility – including a full-size gym and a wonderful worship center – plus an excellent location on a main road [near a well-used city park and golf course]! 

The people of the congregation are diverse in age with each major age-level well represented! 

I work weekly with a staff of leaders who are extremely capable and committed!

Sarah Lyke was our administrator, secretary and treasurer upon my arrival.  She was my greatest source of help while I was getting started.  Her responses were always prompt and efficient!  I believe that Sarah was in constant pain as a result of her two-year battle with cancer that ended just a few weeks ago.  The church held a meaningful ‘Celebration of Life’ for her and honored her family and many friends!  Sarah will be dearly missed at The Foundery.  Please pray for her husband, Gene, and their twelve-year-old son, Gage!

Pastor Amy Openbrier leads our children’s ministry with remarkable skill and dedication!

John and Beverly Cook give us a longer view perspective on the church.  He is the Finance Team chairperson and she leads our First Impressions ministry! 

Emily and Ryan Cook lead the UPWARD ministry that involves nearly 180 children and at least thirty volunteers from the church [plus others].  Bassketball games run all day Saturdays with practices through the week every winter!  They are also assuming an expanded role as leaders in the area of helping new believers get established and growing in their faith!

Becky Sandreth Parr and her helper, Kelly ‘Sunshine’ Harris, lead our sports ministry with volleyball on Mondays and basketball on Fridays.  In July, Becky executed a Charity Softball Tournament with four teams, good competition and rewards earned for local charities!  This is a growing edge for The Foundery!

Bobby Alan and Stacy Westfall lead our youth ministry and make investments in just about everything that happens at The Foundery!  They are each Local Ministerial Candidates, which means they are aimed toward full-time Christian ministry!

JoEllen Haizlett is the newest member to the staff as the leader of our women’s ministry.  She also makes major contributions to the children’s ministry and other areas as well.

Two other key leaders who can’t attend staff meetings because of work commitments are:

David Keister is an ordained elder and leads the Christian Education area for adults overseeing Sunday School, Growth Groups and house churches.  He makes investments in many areas – especially visitation ministries!  David is a respected leader at The Foundery!

Also, Jay and Barbra Beatty lead a number of ministries at The Foundery: Media Ministries, Kenny’s Kloset, custodians and major contributions to almost everything that happens at The Foundery!  Jay is also pursuing becoming a Local Ministerial Candidate with aspirations for full-time ministry down the road!

Kevin Fiber leads our men’s ministry and is a catalyst for prayer!

With such a capable team and their deep commitment to Christ, this will be a growing and exciting place to be as the future unfolds!  Although I will not name them here, The Foundery is also blessed with an extremely committed and faithful group of men and women who serve on the Board of Administration to guide the church and establish policy! 

Two others I must mention are Jim Miller – another ordained elder – and Ryan Smith [Local Ministerial Candidate] who make regular investments in the leadership of the church along with their spouses: Melissa and Brooke respectively!

In writing like this I am failing to mention many others who make valuable and essential contributions to leading worship, special projects, welcoming team, greeters, teachers, nursery workers, media team members, senior activities, decorating and other team members who commit time, creativity and expertise to our pooled efforts!  Please forgive me for not mentioning you all by name. 

These are the people who make just about everything happen at The Foundery!  I have been blessed to make a contribution to this ministry and have prayed daily for God’s plan to unfold for the future.  Now that Bobby Westfall [mentioned above] has been designated to lead the church beginning October 6, I believe we will see a flourishing of Kingdom growth and joyful celebration.  Glory to God!