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Click on the above picture to see how people are reaching out in mission all across Missouri and are sharing the hope of Jesus Christ in many ways. Every Monday morning a 2 to 3 minute video is posted on the internet that tells the story of what our Missouri congregations and agencies are doing.
Pastor John's Farewell Message
As you probably know, I left the pastorate of VPUMC on December 31, 2011. I spent a fantastic 5 ½ years living among you while worshipping and serving Christ with you. I thought about this farewell address long and hard. For a while, I thought about listing the litany of accomplishments VPUMC made in those years. We reached out to the community in numerous ways and were recognized by the Valley Park School District as a Community Partner. We fed the staff at the school two times and opened the church to various community events.
The building and grounds are in much better shape when I left than they were when I arrived. The trustees did a fantastic job in doing updates and improvements. Many people who visited the church commented that the facilities are beautiful!
What I really want to say, though, is personal. Wilma and I enjoyed our time as your pastoral family. We sat with you through sadness and celebrated with you in joyous times. As time moved on, however, it became more clear to both Wilma and me that our time was nearing an end. I made the decision in early October to leave, but did not set a time. I was offered a Graduate Assistant job at UMSL and that sealed the deal for us.
I am now a Licensed Professional Counselor (something that I had been working for since 2004). I am still working at Care and Counseling (www.careandcounseling.org) as well as the UMSL position and teaching at both Missouri Baptist University and Central Methodist University.
We are moving to Pevely, MO where we bought a house. So, while we will not be seeing you every week, we will be in the area. I am not taking another position in a church, because I believe that my talents and gifts lie in the area of counseling and psychotherapy.
We will miss each of you, but believe that you are in good hands with your new pastor and his wife. Keep the faith, keep moving forward, live for Christ and (as Wesley said) "Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can."
John & Wilma Harpole
