It is with great joy that I announce to you the hiring of Bobbi Ehrgood as our part-time (20 hrs per week) Director of Christian Education. You may recall that Bobbi is one of our newest members. She brings much experience and knowledge to the task. She has served in this capacity for a Presbyterian and a United Methodist congregation in Florida. In addition she has served several congregations as an educational consultant. Bobbi has a degree from Trinity University in Texas and has done graduate work at Whitworth College.
Bobbi is a woman of faith with a passion for engaging children and youth with the gospel. We will all appreciate her bright energy and creativity. She has a history in theater as actor and producer, but without a doubt, her true joy and ministry lies in the musical realm. Her other job is as a piano teacher. She has created and led many children and youth choirs and musical programs for her churches. Bobbi sums up her philosophy of ministry in these words:
“As worship is the act of praising and glorifying God, Christian Education is the act of equipping the saints for Christian ministry. It is the dynamic balance between traditional instruction and relationship building. It is the transforming journey to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly.” (Micah 6:8)
Just as my job is not to do the church’s ministry for it, but rather with it, so will Bobbi be working to create a culture of youth and children’s ministry that involves many of the laity in serving these precious gifts so that they become intentional disciples of Jesus Christ. She will be sharing with us soon about how we can reclaim this essential ministry of our congregation together. Bobbi says, “I am so thrilled to be a part of Audubon Park United Methodist during this time of renewal and growth and anxiously look forward to the ways God will encounter and direct all of our lives. God is good to have placed me in this new church home.”
Obviously, we will all need to rethink our financial commitment to our church in light of this marvelous opportunity. This ministry will require an additional $1,750 dollars per month for salary and related expenses and health insurance. Bobbi Ehrgood will begin her responsibilities August 1st.
See you in Church, APUMC!
Pastor Carl