Saying Goodbye & Hello

May 8, 2025 | by Dr. Kristen Wright

A mid-week word from Pastor Kristen...

Wednesday evening, Micah and I got home from a few days at Blue Lake Camp, where all the pastors who are moving to new appointments this summer gathered for a retreat. It was meaningful, emotional, and full of reminders about the sacredness of this strange in-between time—saying goodbye and hello all at once.

You all have been so kind to wish my family and me well in this transition, and I just have to confess: it’s going to be really hard to say goodbye. Ashland Place has been more than just my first appointment—it’s been home. You have loved us so well, and I feel incredibly lucky that my journey in ministry began here. But more on that later!

While at Blue Lake, I had the chance to spend time with your new associate pastor, Rev. Jennifer Porto, and our District Superintendent, Rev. Sheila Bates. I was reminded again of the strength and beauty of our United Methodist connection. I spent a lot of time telling Jennifer just how special Ashland Place is—and how much she’s going to love you. And I told her with confidence that you are going to love her, too!

As an act of hospitality and love, let’s go ahead and flood her inbox with words of welcome! Offer to take her to lunch or coffee. Share your favorite thing about Ashland Place—maybe a special tradition, a meaningful memory, or what you love most about this community. Tell her a bit about yourself and your family. You might even offer to drive her around Mobile to help her get acquainted with the area and share what makes our city so unique. These simple gestures will mean so much as she prepares to step into this new role. Here’s her email: 

In the meantime, there’s so much happening in the life of our church! Join us for worship this Sunday as we give thanks to God by celebrating our graduating seniors—some of whom will help lead us in the 11:00 service—honoring our mothers, welcoming two new members into our congregation, and more.

Thanks be to God for the gift of prayer, worship, fellowship, and life together at 15 Wisteria Avenue!

Grace and peace,

Kristen