My dear Salem Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

On July 1, 1999, I began my ministry with you as pastor of Salem United Methodist Church, joining you for worship in one worship service, with an average Sunday attendance of 110. Perhaps you may remember your surprise on the second Sunday, as this new pastor disappeared for about an hour, while still wearing her pulpit robe and stole, to take a young teen and his grandfather – immigrants from Kosovo, with whom she spoke German - to the grocery store before worship! Thank you for your patience with me. It’s been a wonderful adjustment for us all!

As some of you witnessed in the public announcement in worship on February17 made by our SPRC chair, David Jandik, or heard later from friends, on June 30, 2008, my ministry with you will come to an end. I have been appointed by Bishop Palmer and the Cabinet to serve the Asbury United Methodist Church of Webster City, as my husband, Steve, has been appointed to serve the First United Methodist Church of Fort Dodge. After many years of living apart because of our separate callings, we will finally be able to live together in his parsonage.

For the past nine years, you and I have shared richly together in ministry. We have celebrated many blessings; we have grieved many losses. I can truthfully say that I have never felt closer to any other congregational family.

From the moment you read this letter, our relationship will begin to change. Nine years ago, this itinerant preacher “rode in on her horse.” These next four months will be a transitional time as we go through the emotional process of saying “goodbye” while I again saddle my horse, and ride on to the west, AND “hello” to the gifted, itinerant preacher who will ride in after I’m gone. There will be tears, but more importantly, there will be great rejoicing because of what God has done and in anticipation of what God will do.

Soon we will know who will be riding in to Salem, to preach the Gospel, to love God’s people, and to work along side you as you continue to serve in Jesus’ name. I know that you will welcome this new family with the same warmth that you offered to Steve and me. You truly ARE the warm heart in the center of the city.

With deep affection,

Linda S. Hansen Bibb, pastor