In 1978, I knew I was called to the ordained ministry! My first appointment was Caton & South Corning United Methodist churches! I served this charge for six years. In 1984, I was ordained and was appointed to Riverside United Methodist in Elmira, N.Y. After nine years there, I was appointed to Big Flats United Methodist. Here my life was changed forever. After five years in Big Flats, my husband died from a stroke. So, I asked to be appointed to another church.
By now, I had brought property in Campbell N.Y. and was driving to Big Flats and living in two places! Aas God would have it, I was appointed to Campbell! Again, here in this small church my life was forever changed! I met my present Husband, Wayne Beardslee. By the way, in 1962 I met my first husband, Warren Cole, in church also!
After four and half years at Campbell I decided to retire. This lasted maybe two years at the most. I then went on to pastor Wallace and Mitchellsville UMC. After six and 1/2 years, I retired again!
So, dear hearts, God has called me back right where I started from. It's a delight! It's a challenge! It's amazing! It's a miracle!
Now about my family, if, you're interested, I'm the mother of three and grandmother of five. I have four granddogs and a grandcat. Since I married Wayne, we are a blending family. He has two children and four grandchildren.
I enjoy people, baking, working out at HealthWorks, reading, gardening, and pastoring.
My goals for this amazing family of Faith at South Corning UMC are to:
-- Get to know each one better by monthly home visits to just informally chat and catch up.
-- To develop pods--that is to have 3 to 4 people in a pod who if one of them or more were missing from worship they would receive a call to check on that person[s] well being. Each month or so, Pods would change. This would be done on paper except for the phone calls.
-- To have a Lenten daytime study group.
-- To continue our every Sunday Hospitality and Fellowship time following worship.
-- To continue our monthly newsletter.
Pastor Melanie Cole-Beardslee
