Rev. Joseph D. Kovas

(Pastor Kovas's - Welcome Letter as he began his ministry at St. Paul on July 4, 2021)

I would like to thank you so much for all you have done to welcome me to St. Paul and to New Ellenton, South Carolina. It is a true joy and blessing that I begin my ministry with you all as my first church appointment. I also would like to thank you all so much for sending me prayer cards for my foot surgery and healing. I am truly grateful for your cards and prayers. In a conversation I had with someone on the leadership team of the church, I told them I felt loved even before I arrived. Thank you so much for the ways you have welcomed and greeted me with Christ’s love as I begin to serve as your pastor and shepherd.

As we begin a new season of ministry together, I cannot help but reflect on the theme of the South Carolina Annual Conference: Seeking A More Excellent Way, Taking the Next Faithful Step. The past year with the Covid pandemic has taught us all new ways of doing ministry that were both creative and an expression of God’s love for our neighbors. The Covid vaccine has made it possible for us to be creative once again and to do ministry in new ways in a new season. With a new season of ministry comes excitement, anticipation, and curiosity.

What will happen in this new season?

How will it be different from the previous season, and what new adventures will we experience together as St. Paul United Methodist Church?

Let us go into this new season of ministry asking these questions and allow God’s Holy Spirit to guide us in Christ’s love in the next faithful steps in our ministry.

Peace and Grace,
The Rev. Joseph D. Kovas