December 11, 2023
Dear FUMC Elgin Family,
It is with great joy and anticipation that we announce the appointment of our new interim pastor, Reverend JD Herrera. JD’s first Sunday with us will be Sunday, January 7th, 2024. Pastor Herrera brings with him a wealth of experience and a passion for dynamic leadership, visioning, and strategic planning, making him a perfect fit for the unique challenges and opportunities of First United Methodist Church of Elgin.
Pastor Herrera comes to us with many years of pastoral experience, having previously served at Manor UMC, Smithville UMC, St. Marks UMC, and Westlake UMC. Pastor Herrera is currently serving as the Vice President for Enrollment Management (VPEM) at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (APTS). In this role, he is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive approach to the ways in which the seminary recruits, admits, supports, retains, and graduates students in certificate and degree programs. His experience in these diverse congregations and in the seminary setting has uniquely prepared him for the challenges and opportunities at FUMC Elgin. His passion for God’s work and his vision for the church are both inspiring and contagious. He will assist our congregation to develop a clear mission for our church, and we are confident that his leadership will guide us to new heights in our spiritual journey.
Pastor Herrera is a church planter at heart, driven by a deep love for engaging large systems for change. His experience has equipped him with the skills and mindset needed to foster new growth within our congregation. We are excited about the fresh perspectives and innovative approaches he will bring to FUMC Elgin.
As we embark on this new chapter with Pastor Herrera, let us join together in prayer, seeking God’s guidance and blessing on our shared journey. We are confident that, under his leadership, FUMC Elgin will continue to be a beacon of light, love, and transformation in our community.
Please extend a warm welcome to Pastor JD Herrera and his family as they become part of our church family. We look forward to the exciting future that lies ahead.
Blessings,
Julie Joesel, SPRC Chair
Mark 4:20: But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.