Pastor's Note

Remember the difference between a boss and a leader? A boss says, "Go!" A leader says, "Let's go!" (E.M. Kelly) That's my motto in these first months of my pastorate. "Let's go!" You may not realize it, but I'm working hard to listen and learn from you, the people of the Mariposa United Methodist church, including our visitors, guests, staff and friends. I want to know who you are, and what drew you to this church. And I hope you get to know me better, too.

As the Scripture says, we seek to make our faith solid, including regular checkups. And we want Jesus Christ in all that we do. That's where listening sessions come in. I am striving to earn your trust and respect, and build new relationships with each of you, but there are plenty of folks here I haven't had the privilege to meet yet. Our plan for this September 2025, is to conduct a "listening tour."  Our goal is to help me learn more deeply about the culture of this congregation, its practices, ministry and mission, acknowledging and identifying any
societal differences and similarities. A church leader will serve as my "escort" or "host" for each event.

Our listening tour dates will be scheduled throughout September. We hope and pray that this listening tour will include a series of casual meetings, such as sharing dessert in homes of
congregants, or getting together in a local coffee shop for some time to talk.

If you're willing to host one of the tours (with or without dessert!) please reach out to Christina or Kevin, who are helping coordinate the dates and times, or leave a message for
Tammy in the church office. (She keeps track of our church calendar.)  If you'd like to join one of the listening sessions, please let them know, so we can get you plugged in. Also, make
sure I'm available for the date and time you'd like to host. The bottom line is that these are part of my first hundred days plan, which is to meet and build relationships with as many of you as possible.

In summary, it's been so much fun exploring Mariposa and nearby Yosemite, and I find I learn new things every day that help me in my ministry and work here at the church. Folks have been very friendly, to me as well as my husband Marty. Worship has been a blast for me, and I hope you've enjoyed it as much as we have, especially the music. If you haven't had the opportunity to meet me in person, I hope you'll join us soon.  We're here every Sunday!

Won't you please join us?

Shalom,
Rev. Robin Mathews-Johnson, Pastor