Dear Friends of Mesquite United Methodist Church,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Through these recent many weeks, Pastor Rick, your SPRC, and I have discussed the pastoral leadership needs of
Mesquite UMC. The Bishop and Cabinet have followed this with discussion and prayer over the many possibilities
for appointment. As you know, the Rev Dr Jim Lubach has been discerned as your next senior pastor. With Pastor
Jim’s interim appointment, it has become fiscally possible to also develop an associate position for this coming
appointment year. This development places Mesquite UMC in an excellent position for growth — growth in service
to an increasing membership, growth in discipleship, and foremost, a growth which comes from reaching new
people to welcome into your vital ministry.

This letter announces the news that Bishop Hoshibata and Cabinet have discerned your associate pastor to be
Jimmy Nelson. By June 30th, Pastor Jimmy will complete his service with the two-point charge in the communities
of Winslow and Holbrook in northern Arizona. Beginning July 1, Pastor Jimmy brings to you his passion in ministry
and joy of reaching people for Christ. He is blessed in offering pastoral care of hope and comfort to those in need.
He also has gifts and experience in leading in worship where the joy of the Lord is celebrated.

You have much to celebrate in the ministry of Pastor Rick and Jan and now with Pastor Jim and Kay. I know your
joy will continue as you open your arms and hearts to Pastor Jimmy as he comes to serve with you in making
disciples in the name of Jesus to transform the world.

Let us begin to hold Jimmy and one another in prayer in this time of transition. . . . “Direct us, O Lord, in all our
doings, with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help, that in all our works, begun,
continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (UM Hymnal #705)
Blessings in Christ, Dan
Rev. Daniel R. Morley