A new adventure—local pastor retires from Killbuck UMC

  • Shelly Webb
  • January 11, 2012
  • 337
                        
Summary- Killbuck United Methodist Church bids farewell to friend and Pastor Roberta Fuller and her husband Tom. Fuller is retiring after a summer of serious health issues. She conducted her final sermon at the church in December. Story- When Pastor Roberta Fuller and her husband, Tom came to Killbuck in 2006 they had to adjust to country roads and small towns. Now six years later, Pastor Fuller is retiring from the ministry and the two will have to re-adjust to the city life of Lakewood once again. Fuller has served as Pastor at Killbuck UMC since July 2006 and has enjoyed it immensely. Unfortunately due to some health issues this past summer Fuller was forced to reluctantly go on disability and is now retiring. “What Tom and I have enjoyed most is the small town environment where you actually get to know your neighbor,” Fuller shared. “We love the small town caring for one another. Here people are not just a number; people are in relationship with one another and care for one another in good times and bad.” Although Fuller has thoroughly enjoyed serving all the members and attendees at Killbuck UMC, she confessed that some of her most cherished times have been spent with the young people. “Personally for me, what has given me the most joy has been the youth and children's ministries,” she said. “The liturgical dance group, the children's bell choir, the Children's moment, the baptisms and confirmations have all been some of my best memories. Also the children acolyte and my youth liturgists are special times. The fact that the children and youth feel comfortable at the church, that they regard it as their church, not just the place they have to go to on Sunday morning because their parents say they have to means so much to me as a pastor.” As Fuller reflects on the past six years she hopes she has made an impact and a difference. “One thing I hope I have instilled at Killbuck UMC is that we only have this moment so make each moment count,” she shared. “I hope I have taught everyone to tell the people in your life what they mean to you, don't waste time in petty feuds, recriminations or regret. Let go of the past, live in the moment and cherish those around you. Jesus tells us to love one another for a very important reason- it is not about stuff- it is about relationships and the one you have with Jesus is the most important of all.” Fuller reminded her congregation often that, “good times do not last and that you need to have something to hold onto when the strong winds blow and you are pelted with the stormy days of life.” She believes that having a strong relationship with Christ keeps an individual centered even when culture tells you otherwise. Another area that Fuller has enjoyed in Holmes County is the Millersburg Ministerial Association. “It has truly been a huge blessing to me,” she added. “I have never met a finer group of people who truly have a heart of caring and compassion for others. They spend hours of their own personal time trying to make this a better community for everyone and the financial good they do is amazing; so many people are helped in emergencies and the programs they put on for the community are excellent and thought provoking. They provide support to one another and there is no trying to one up someone else. They care for one another and certainly showed me that care and concern when I was in the hospital for ten days. Not a day went by that one of them did not stop by to see how I was doing and they all offered to drive Tom (my husband) to the hospital or any where he needed to go. They are such an asset to this community.” Fuller and her husband, Tom is planning to relocate to Lake County, which is the home of their two children and five grandchildren. Once relocated, Tom will continue to speak for NASA as he has done since his retirement from that organization and work on his coin collection while Fuller hopes to some writing of children’s programs and curriculum. “We have missed a lot of family celebrations, grandchildren's sporting events and other activities over the years and they want us home,” Fuller happily shared. “Tom and I plan on spending a lot of time with them and other friends that we have not been able to spend time with for many years. Also, if and when my health permits I would not mind serving on Methodist District and Conference Committees. Plus I have twelve years worth of reading to catch up on!” The Fuller’s plan to stay in the area through March and will then begin the relocation process.


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