Effective this July 1, after 37 great, blessed and sometimes challenging years in the ministry as a pastor in the United Methodist Church, I am officially retiring as an appointed and active church pastor. This comes after leading congregations in 14 churches in both Alachua and Marion counties, beginning in 1987. Prior to that, I am thankful for my training as a minister that began in 1984.
I can say without hesitation that God has truly blessed me abundantly since first being called to preach in March of 1984 while sitting in a pew in my home church, Bartley Temple United Methodist Church in northeast Gainesville. I am indeed thankful for my calling, and for all of the great churches and members I have had over the years, and for the fellow pastors from various denominations I have known, worked with and preached for. I am thankful for those pastors who have been guests in my churches as well, and all of the expressions of love shown to both me and my wife.
The Point, March 25, 2021: How Proposed Changes To Florida's Bright Futures Program Are Evolving wuft.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wuft.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The voting for the 11-member panel’s leadership positions proved contentious.
Council member Bob Cohen recommended Fareed Johnson, a commercial driver who had previously served as vice chair, because of his perspective as a 28-year-old Black man.
However, two members – Keyon Young, 21, a night auditor at a local hotel, and Ernest Walker, 42, who works at a fast-food restaurant – said a newly appointed member should serve as chair.
Walker suggested Andrew Miles serve as chair, saying the 63-year-old executive director of the Greater Duval Neighborhood Association has witnessed police brutality and better understands how the police feel toward the community.
“Mr. Andrew Miles is in the heart of ‘Out East’ Gainesville,” Walker said. “I think he would be a great overseer.”