Our Staff-Parish Relations Chairperson, Brenda Baker, made the announcement in worship a couple of weeks ago that Bishop Lowry will be appointing me as the Senior Pastor at First UMC in Graham, Texas.  As I conclude four years of ministry with you and think of our faith journey together, there are many good memories and moments.  The direction of God’s church however, is never in the past, it is always in the future.  I know that God will continue to bless St. Andrew’s in many ways in the years to come.

            Your new pastor is a man of deep faith who will guide you well for the journey ahead.  Dr. Clifton Howard comes to St. Andrew’s from the Waco District.  He has been a District Superintendent for the past eight years.  Dr. Howard has been serving churches in our annual conference since 1982, the two previous to his appointment as District Superintendent were in Arlington (St. Stephen’s and St. Barnabas).   Dr. Howard is a person with a gift for preaching, is committed to growing spiritually, has a great sense of humor, and loves basketball.  He shares is personal objective as, “To live out my calling to the ministry of Jesus Christ through service in, to, and through the church.”  Clifton is married to Barbara, they have a son Cory and four grandchildren.

            I invite you to write Clifton and Barbara and welcome them to St. Andrew’s.  You may reach them at:

Dr. Clifton and Barbara Howard

308 Glenview Circle

Waco, Texas 767174

Email: choward817@aol.com

            Over the next three months we will be working on the current ministry projects and programs and planning for a smooth transition.  I also want to invite you to pray for Clifton and Barbara as they prepare for their move to St. Andrew’s and to Arlington.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Richard

Clifton and Barbara Howard