For July 2008

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! With these words, Paul introduced himself to the congregations of Asia Minor and elsewhere during the first century of the Christian era. These words also convey many of my own feelings as I now take up my new responsibilities with you at The Church of the Good Shepherd.

First, though, just a few words about myself. My name is Mark. If you prefer to call me Reverend Mark or Reverend Burgess, that will be fine. But just plain Mark will do as well. I am not a native of Virginia, but was born in Berkeley, California, where my father was stationed as an Air Force chaplain. His work subsequently took him and my family to the Philippines, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and England, before he finally retired in Maryland. Both my father and mother are now deceased.

Ruth, my wife, was born in Southampton, Long Island, and, yes, I've often marveled at the circumstances that finally led us to meet at a small United Methodist college in Pennsylvania. Ruth's father also has passed away, but is survived by her mother, two brothers, and a sister. Ruth is the pastor of Bruen Chapel United Methodist Church.

Ruth and I have two children, Nathan and Noelle. Nathan is 23 and finishing his undergraduate degree at the College of William & Mary. Noelle is 19 and a sophomore at James Madison University. Both were born in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

The Church of the Good Shepherd is my seventh appointment in the Virginia Annual Conference. My previous appointments were to churches in Smithfield, Hampton, Altavista, Fredericksburg, Waynesboro, and Winchester.

But enough about me! Now Ruth, Nathan, Noelle, and I are very much looking forward to meeting and getting to know you as we seek to do ministry together.

Yours in Christ,

Mark