05/06/2026
A FIRST HELLO
To the Means Methodist Family · Friday, May 1, 2026
Rev. Lamar C. Oliver
Subject: A First Hello from Your New Pastor
Ed. Note – This email was scheduled for Friday but due to a technical glitch did not get sent until Saturday night. Our apologies.
Dear Means Methodist Family,
Thank you. No two words could begin my official first day as your pastor better than these: “Thank you.” Erin, Anna Catherine, Joseph, and I were with you over Easter weekend, and the welcome you extended to our family was a joy we have been carrying with us ever since. The way you opened your doors and your hearts to us during the holiest weekend of the Christian year is not something we will soon forget. Today does not feel like a beginning so much as a continuation of what God began among us on Easter Sunday.
I arrive in Andrews the evening of Thursday, May 7th. Lord willing, I will be in the pulpit with you on Sunday, May 10th, and in the office Monday, May 11th. Erin, the children, and my father will join me on June 15th, once Anna Catherine and Joseph are finished with end-of-school year activities. Words from Paul have been with me in this season: “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you — that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine” (Romans 1:11–12, ESV). That is the spirit I am bringing into these first months — picking up where Easter left off, and trusting God to use the faith of this congregation to shape your pastor as much as the other way around.
Since Erin and the family will not be arriving until mid-June, I want to take advantage of the time I will be in town to visit with as many of you as possible — either in your home, my office, a coffee shop, or over a meal. I’ll be working with Tiffany in our church office on my calendar; feel free to reach out to her to schedule some time together.
Pray for us in this season — for Erin and the children as they finish out the school year, and for me as I begin among you. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24–26). I cannot wait to see you again very soon.
Grace and peace,
Lamar
