Dr. Don's Message

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Welcome, Companions along the Way.

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Yes, we are companions on this journey to discover truth, because that is what we do here at Ypsilanti First UMC.  We are on this journey together, if only for the time it takes you to read these words.

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I graduated with my Masters Degree in 1984 and went to my first church in Michigan as an ordained member of the Clergy in Mason as an Associate Pastor.  I have served 10 appointments containing 12 congregations (2 appointments were a pair of congregations). Each congregation was different with different gifts, graces, and ministries.  When I arrived at Ypsilanti First UMC I found a congregation that was and continues to

be, blessed with loving folks with a heart for outreach and ministry.

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As we get to know each other better I believe that is what you will find here as well. Reaching out to community organizations with whom we share a vision and passion as well as national and international

ministries is a large part of who we are.

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Being a Reconciling Congregation means that we are intentionally open and welcoming to individuals without regard to their understanding of who they are and who they choose to become. The only thing I ask of anyone is, “Are you willing to face and embrace your Truth?”  If the answer is yes, then we are one step closer to becoming what God has created us to be.

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Below I have included my personal mission statement to help you get to know me better.  I hope that you will identify yourself when you come to worship with us. That is the best way to get to know me and our congregation.

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Thank you for walking this part of your journey with me. I hope we will have the opportunity to travel together again very soon.

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God bless,

Don

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Dr. Don's Personal Mission Statement

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To live a life worthy of the calling to which I have been called; with patience, bearing with each other in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of Christ Jesus, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.  By speaking the truth in love, to encourage each child of God to grow up in every way into Christ, the head, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love.

- based on Ephesians 4

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