Dear Church Family,
I am writing today to share with you that Rev. Ken Coneby will be reappointed to serve as the Senior Pastor of Spring Woods United Methodist Church, effective July 1. Ken’s final Sunday with us will be May 25.
Ken has served our church faithfully for over a decade, embodying the heart of Christ through his leadership, care, and witness. His ministry has touched many in our church family—beginning with building community at The Source, extending to the care of our entire congregation, and culminating as the Pastor of The Source. In every role, Ken has brought a deep faith, a generous spirit, and a sincere love for people.
We give thanks to God for Ken’s many years of service and the countless ways he has helped shape the life and mission of First Methodist. While we will deeply miss him, we also celebrate this new opportunity for him to lead and serve at Spring Woods UMC. We trust that God will use him powerfully in this next season of ministry.
In the coming days, we will be sharing opportunities to express our gratitude and celebrate Ken’s ministry among us. We hope you will join us as we honor his faithful service and send him forth with our love. In the meantime, I hope you will join me in praying for Pastor Ken and his family in these days of transition and change.
Rev. Lance Richards
Senior Pastor
[email protected]
Dear First Family,
Words can hardly express the depth of my gratitude and love for you. When I arrived in December 2014—young, eager, and full of ideas—you welcomed me with open arms. You gave me space to grow, dream, and lead. You celebrated life’s greatest joys with me, including the births of Lucy and George, and we have walked together through seasons of sorrow and growth.
Over the past ten years, you’ve shaped me into the pastor and person I am today. Your love, grace, and generosity have taught me what it truly means to live faithfully—to embrace both joy and challenge in pursuit of God’s justice and love.
This was a bittersweet decision for Whitney and I to make. We know that the love and support we have received as part of this church family was the work and presence of the Holy Spirit among us. We have peace in leaving knowing that God’s grace will continue to keep us connected as a family of faith. We look forward to the moments we will meet again and share the good news of all that God will continue to do in our lives.