05/04/2026
April 30, 2026
Dear Woods Free Methodist Church,
I greet you this morning in the name of Jesus Christ, who is Lord of the Church.
As you are now aware, Pastor Jim will be transitioning out of his appointment as Lead Pastor this summer. I am tremendously grateful for his missional leadership, shepherding heart, and commitment to mentoring and raising up leaders throughout his tenure as your pastor. Jim is a humble and sacrificial leader, and this church is in a better place because of his ministry.
After processing with your board and the conference Ministerial Education and Guidance board to consider the right pastor for The Woods Church, on behalf of the Conference Ministerial Appointments Committee, I am pleased to announce that we have decided to appoint Pastor Aaron Mote as Lead Pastor of The Woods. You have had the privilege of getting to know this gifted young leader over this past year and a half, and your board enthusiastically supported his appointment. Aaron has served capably alongside Pastor Jim as Associate Pastor and we believe he is well-poised to lead this congregation into its next chapter of ministry.
Aaron will begin his appointment as Lead Pastor following our Annual Conference gathering in late June.
Please join me in supporting your new pastor as well as Pastor Jim and Cheryl through regular prayer and faithful service. I pray that this will be an exciting season of missional fruit for The Woods Free Methodist Church as you saturate your community with the transforming love of Jesus.
Grace and Peace,
Erick Ewaskowitz, North Michigan Conference Superintendent
