March 4th, 2022

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and my family to you. As you know, we will be joining you in ministry beginning July 1st. We have had the pleasure of meeting some of you via zoom already.

I grew up on a small farm in the Petoskey area and was a member of the Epsilon United Methodist Church. I earned my bachelor's degree from CMU and worked as an automation technician for seven years before entering full time ministry. Sally and I were married in 1993 and began pursuing full time ministry.

I was appointed to the Chase-Barton and Grant Center UMCs in July of 1995. While serving this charge, I attended Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary where I received my Master of Divinity Degree. I have also served the Webberville UMC, Boyne City and Boyne Falls UMCs and most recently, LifeSpring, Lawton St. Paul's and Lawrence UMC's.

Sally received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Grand Valley University and currently works as a special education teacher at Colon Public Schools. She will finish her master's degree in special education focusing on autism disorder this spring and will be pursuing employment in the Mecosta area.

Sally and I have two adult children. Michelle, who is a 2nd grade teacher at Charlotte Public Schools and recently got engaged to be married to Adam Keenan, a software engineer living in Perry, and our son John and his wife Elizabeth live in Grand Rapids. John is a science teacher at Lakewood Middle School and Elizabeth is finishing her master's degree in writing. We also have one grand puppy, Chai.

Sally and I are very excited to begin our ministry with you at Mecosta New Hope. We've fallen in love with the area and look forward to falling in love with and knowing you all very soon. We feel welcomed already.

Blessings to you all.

Pastor Wayne & Sally McKenney March 4th, 2022