Dear FUMCWF Family,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord, Jesus. Over the past few weeks, our church has
celebrated our connection as a family of faith, united by our God who is faithful from generation to
generation. And just as the story of faith is passed from one generation to the next, the baton of
leadership is also passed. So on behalf of our church’s Staff-Parish Relations Committee, I want to share
some news of an upcoming transition. It is with mixed emotions to announce that John has accepted an
invitation from Bishop Saenz to begin a new appointment as the Superintendent of the Mid-North and
East Districts of the Horizon Texas Conference, effective on July 1.
As you are probably aware, United Methodist pastors who belong to the Order of Elder are appointed
and assigned by the Bishop of the Annual Conference. Since 2017, Rev. John McLarty has been
appointed as our Senior Minister and has faithfully led our congregation. In John’s nine years of ministry
at FUMC, our church has invested several million dollars to complete significant repairs, updates,
restorations, and renovations to the church building. We have successfully navigated through seasons of
global pandemic and denominational schism. More recently, we completed a merger, which has served
as a catalyst for new growth and vitality. John’s leadership during this time has been blessing to the
church.
Transitions like this are not easy, but they are part of the rhythm of church life. As our District
Superintendent, John will continue to have a vested interest in our church, as well as an occasional
presence. He will also work to help empower and equip 80 churches and 92 pastors across the 16
counties that comprise his assigned districts. John will also contribute to the strategic work of the Bishop
and Cabinet of the Horizon Texas Conference. John will office in Wichita Falls and rack up miles in his
truck while Jennifer maintains her church membership at FUMCWF.
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee will soon begin the consultation process that will lead to the
appointment of our next Senior Minister. We will make that announcement once that work is
completed. In the meantime, our church will continue our mission of serving together, worshipping
together, and growing together. Rev. McLarty and I will have more to say about our next steps this Sunday (February 15, 2026) in worship. I hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
Joel Blanco
Chair, Staff-Parish Relations Committee