Our mission partners in the mountains of Panama have let us know about a developing need. Heavy storms have washed out a bridge the Ngnobe-Bugle children rely on to walk to school. We need to respond quickly to rebuild this bridge so kids aren’t having to make a perilous river crossing every day.

 

If you can support this mission, please click here to visit our Mission Panama giving portal and write “Bridge” in the memo line.

Dear Friends,

 

It is my honor to announce that Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. has appointed Rev. Chad McSwain to join our staff as the new pastor for our Melissa congregation. Chad has a heart for preaching, ministry, and leadership. I know he will be a blessing to First United Methodist Church McKinney and Melissa UMC, continuing and building upon the amazing work Pastor Stacey has done in this role.

 

Chad comes to us from First United Methodist Church Whitesboro, where he has served as Senior Pastor since 2020. He has degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary and Perkins School of Theology, and is currently pursuing his Doctorate.

 

Chad and his family live here in McKinney. His wife Brandi is an educator, and will be the new Cheer Coach and English Teacher at Jones Middle School next school year. Their oldest daughter Abbie is graduating from Rock Hill High School this year and will be attending the University of Oklahoma. Their son Xander is currently a Sophomore, and youngest daughter Lia is in eighth grade.

 

I am so excited for you all to meet Chad. He will officially join our staff July 1 – keep an eye on the newsletter and our social media for opportunities to welcome and get to know the McSwains.

 

The Spirit is at work here. With Chad and his family, in Melissa and McKinney, in our life together as the Church. God will continue to bless us as we share the Heart of Christ together.

 

Blessings,

Tommy