Dear Family of Fairhope UMC,
As our friend, TD Green, said to me this morning, "good things happen to good people." I am inclined to agree with him. After all, TD is a happy man.
Happy are those who take delight in the Lord, said the psalmist. They are like trees planted my streams of water, which yield fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper (1:3).
For years now, this congregation has been blessed by the grace, love and splendor of two particular trees in our field of children's ministry. Michelle Graham and Kristin Capstraw are "good people"--I dare say two of the best I know. Both of them have yielded incredible fruit in their respective seasons and we are right to be eternally grateful for their leadership and service.
Speaking as a father whose child has been nurtured under their care, and as Senior Pastor, I thank God for the many ways in which they have fulfilled their calling here at Fairhope UMC.
Please receive the following statement from our Staff Parish Relations Committee, which announces a new chapter for our children's ministry program here at Fairhope UMC.
To all Staff and the Congregation of Fairhope United Methodist Church,
On behalf of the Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, we officially announce that Michelle Graham, Director of Children’s Ministries, will retire from Fairhope United Methodist Church effective July 11th, 2021.
In addition, Kristin Capstraw, Assistant Director of Children’s Ministries, will be leaving that role effective July 1st, 2021.
These difficult decisions were not made together, but as individuals who recognize their commitment to their families and wish to devote their full energy towards those needs. As the SPRC, we fully support and respect both Michelle and Kristin in their personal decisions.
Over the past 10 years on staff at FUMC, Michelle has been an amazing leader, friend, and teacher to every child and parent—not only in our Children’s Ministries programs, but to the entire life of the Church. Her warm smile and gentle soul brings light to all those around her.
While Kristin has only been on staff for a short time, she too has been a member of our Church for many years and has always stepped up to help in any role needed for the betterment of FUMC.
Our Children’s Ministries Program is as strong as ever! In spite of the pandemic, we are back at full capacity during the upcoming and highly anticipated Vacation Bible School and we look forward to full Children’s Ministries programming in the fall of 2021.
This is an exciting time in the life of our Church and we look forward to the opportunity to build and expand on the work that they have done and our search for a new Director of Children’s Ministries is now underway!
While their presence in the day to day operations of Children’s Ministries will be sorely missed, they are not going anywhere! We look forward to seeing them all around campus celebrating our Lord and our life in Christ.
Sincerely,
Chairperson Robbie Rux and the fellow members of your Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee.
I appreciate Dr. Robbie Rux and the leadership of our SPRC as we navigate this transition together. Rest assured that we are making plans to celebrate both of these women and the fruits of their collective ministry among us.
As we look to the future, however, we also ask your help in sharing the word of this new opportunity within our children's ministry program. Below you will find a copy of the current job description for the Director of Children's Ministry position. This is our priority at this time.
Should you be aware of potential candidates for this position, please do not hesitate to contact the church office. The search is on! Interested parties are encouraged to submit a resume' to
Please join us in prayer for this time of transition, for our children, Michelle, Kristin, our faithful volunteers, and for the cultivation of our new leadership. Just as God has proven faithful in the past, so we are trusting that God will once again raise up the right person or persons at the right time to meet this need.
...for the Lord watches over the righteous...(Ps. 1:6).
Gracious Lord, let it be so!
Darren
Fairhope UMC Children's Director Job Description
