Effective June 10, 2009, Seventeen of the one hundred and five United Methodist Churches that make up the Southeast District received new pastoral leadership.

The Southeast District extends a hearty welcome to those pastors moving into the Southeast District to serve and a word of encouragement to moving into or within the district.

Ashland First UMC has a new pastor this conference year. Rev. Malinda Jowers Weaver is the new pastor. She replaced Rev. Tom Holt who transferred to Geraldine First/Lusk Chapel in the Mountain Lakes District.   

Rev. Kelsey Grissom Johnson took over from Rev. Mike Densmore as the pastor at Fairfax UMC. Rev. Densmore moved to Duncan UMC. Rev. Johnson was commissioned this year at Annual Conference. 

Rev. James F. Haskins replaced Rev. Roger Thompson as pastor of Langdale UMC. Rev. Thompson was transferred to Gadsden First and Rev. Haskins comes to us from Forest Lake UMC where he served the last four years.

Rockford UMC and Andrew’s Chapel UMC have a new pastor. Rev. Mary Quillin replaced Rev. Eric Manuel. Rev. Quillin comes to us from McCoy UMC in the Cheaha District.

In addition to pastors moving into the district, there are pastors moving within the district. Rev. Albertha Boddie-Boykin moved from Mt. Olive/Rocky Mount Charge to Bethena/Mt. Carmel charge while Rev. William Crawford moved from Bethena/Mt. Carmel to Mt. Olive/Rocky Mount charge. 

Rev. Albert Smith moved to Huguley UMC from Cool Springs. Rev. Bill Parker, the former pastor of Huguley UMC retired this year. Rev. John Terry takes over leadership of Cool Springs from Rev. Smith.

Rev. Mike Densmore moved from Fairfax UMC in the Valley to Duncan Memorial UMC in Alexander City. He replaced Rev. Lee Roy Shaw. Rev. Densmore is the Assistant to the District Superintendent.

Reverend Shirleen Harvey moved from Powell Chapel to Bethlehem (Lineville). Michael Strong previously served Bethlehem Lineville and is now at Kellyton Chapel. Reverend Charles Wood retired this year from Kellyton Chapel.

Rev. Josh Hickman is now the pastor of Bradford UMC and Bethany UMC. He replaced Rev. Dale Groom. Rev. Hickman is a student at Candler School of Theology.

District Superintendent Richard Stryker, commenting on the appointment, said how excited he was of these men and women serving as senior pastor of these churches. He is looking forward working with the pastors and the churches as they move through a time of transition utilizing the First 90 Days plan that he believes will position the churches for effective ministry in the church and community.

With two Sundays behind them, the pastors are reporting energy and excitement at their new places of service. The people, it seems, have a mind to work. The moving pastors have reported using the First 90 Days to help them hit the ground running as they formulate strategies for ministry.

On July 18, 2009, there will be a special gathering at Servants in Faith and Technology (SIFAT) to welcome these pastors and for clergy families to mingle. This will be an excellent opportunity to acquaint pastors with the ministries on SIFAT campus.