Retirement Reception for Kristen Gossett following Worship on December 21
FUMCWF Friends,
I hope by now you have heard that Kristen Gossett, our Director of Music Ministries for over 25 years, is retiring at the end of December. We have a search team in place, and an interim choir director lined up as we prepare to navigate this transition. I am confident that we will be able to find the right person to lead our music ministry into its next chapter.
For right now, our focus is to gratefully celebrate Kristen’s faithful ministry with our church. We will do this in the following ways: 1) We have a special moment of recognition planned for Kristen in worship on Sunday, December 21, including the Chancel Choir singing Kristen’s favorite Christmas anthem; 2) Immediately following worship on December 21, there will be a reception in Kristen’s honor in the Prothro Family Atrium; 3) The church will be offering a token of our appreciation in the form of a financial gift for Kristen. Members of the church are invited to contribute to this gift by designating their gift to “Kristen.” (An alternative to this is for individuals to offer gifts to Kristen directly.)
Kristen has blessed this congregation with her faithful service, and we will miss her leadership. (Thankfully, Kristen assures me that she intends to stay connected to the church as part of the congregation.) Please keep Kristen in your prayers as she begins this new chapter. And keep the church in your prayers as we chart the course ahead of us.
As always, I am happy to visit more if you have questions. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday when we worship God together.
With joy, and gratitude, serving as your pastor-
John McLarty
A Letter of Gratitude from Kristen Gossett
Merry Christmas! As we celebrate this joyful season, my heart is filled with deep gratitude for each of you.
This Christmas marks the close of 25+ years of directing choirs at FUMC Wichita Falls—a journey that has blessed me beyond measure. Throughout these years, I have witnessed God at work through your presence, participation, and support of our music ministry. You have shared your gifts generously, week after week, season after season, and together we have offered our very best back to the Lord.
To the choirs and singers: thank you for your dedication, your beautiful voices, and your willingness to serve through music. You have inspired me, encouraged me, and continually reminded me why music is such a powerful expression of faith.
To the choir parents: thank you for your constant support, encouragement, and for helping make this ministry possible. Your partnership has been invaluable.
To the congregation: thank you for your encouragement and support. Your gifts and words of affirmation and praise for our music ministry are a gift for all of us.
As I look back over my time in ministry with all of you, I am thankful for the memories, but also the love, trust, and partnership you have shown. It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to lead you, to grow with you, and to worship alongside you.
May this Christmas season fill you with peace, joy, and God’s abundant love.
With gratitude and blessings,
Kristen Gossett