Farewell Reception for April Place

There will be a reception for April following the 9:45 service in the Great Hall this Sunday. Please feel free to bring her a card or gift to thank and congratulate her as she continues her call. 

Dear Church Family,

I am excited and sad to announce that I have a new opportunity to serve and grow. I have accepted a position as a Career Coordinator at Stephen F. Austin University and will be moving to Nacogdoches, TX in a few weeks. This new, yet familiar, opportunity allows me to walk alongside students, build relationships, be near loved ones and grow professionally and personally. This was, by no means, an easy decision. This place is my home. This building is where I grew up as a child and as a professional. This church is where I learned about love and service to others. This is where I grew in my faith, which is what I’m stepping out in now.

When I think about all of my different roles here over the years, as a congregation member, volunteer, leader, then staff member, there is one thread that ties everything together: this beautiful community, centered around Jesus. I don’t have enough words to truly express my gratitude for the many years of life lessons, growth, love, laughter, friendships, and memories that each of you have shared with me.  I am so honored to have you as a part of my life. I am also grateful to work with a church staff that is so passionate about ministry and serving others. There is no place like this church home.

I am heartbroken to leave, but I go knowing this is and will always be my home. A&M UMC will always be a part of my heart. Thank you for trusting me and for loving me so well over all these years. I hope you know how much I love each of you and how excited I will be to see you all again when I come back to visit!

Love always,

April