A Note from Pastor Travis

Dear friends,

Soon after I was appointed to the First UMC, an introductory article about my family and me was printed in the newsletter. It shared some basic facts about my background and my family. As I considered what to write for this article, I thought I would share something else about myself to help you learn a little more about me.

In the summer following my junior year of college, I had the opportunity to work at my home church, Jefferson Street United Methodist, in Natchez, Mississippi, as a summer intern. My primary responsibility was assisting the youth director. It was a lot of fun to work with the youth program. It had been an important part of my faith development, and it was where I first heard my call to ministry. However, the best part of the internship was that the members of the church begin to see me differently. I was no longer the loud kid who ran around the church or the teenager who was in all the church plays. They begin to see me as a capable young adult who was called by God and who had gifts and graces for ministry. Their confidence in me helped me claim my gifts and affirmed my calling.

As I was leaving to go back to college, the church staff presented me with a copy of the hymnal. On the page of “Be Thou My Vison” they had put a sticky note which said, “When you sing this hymn, think of us.” I do. As a result, it has become my favorite hymn. I cannot sing it without think of my roots and the people who first nurtured my call.

When we meet, I look forward to learning something about you. What would you like me to know? I am excited to be your pastor, and to get to know you.

Blessings and Grace,

Travis