Vails Gate UMC

September is traditionally a time of transition. Summer comes to a
close and students go back to school, workers’ vacations come to an
end, the weather draws cooler, and as such, outdoor activities begin
to cease. It is also a time of transition for the church. We are very
fortunate that we will continue to have Keith and Judy Muhleman
involved in the life of this church family. So often we say good-bye to
one pastor and hello to another, but for us, we won’t have to say
good-bye to one, just “see you in a different way.” What a blessing!

Thank you for the wonderfully warm welcome my family and I have
received from you all! We are thrilled to be a part of the Vail’s Gate
family. I would like to take this time to share some things about my
family. Wayne, Juliana and I are currently residing in Poughkeepsie,
with our most recent church membership at Poughkeepsie UMC,
where Wayne sits on the Board of Trustees. Transitions will be in full
force at our home as Juliana will begin kindergarten in the fall and
Phil, my stepson, will go back to Westchester Community College
(he resides in Briarcliff Manor). I will also be “going back to school” to
pursue my Masters of Divinity at Drew University, starting in January.
Wayne commutes to White Plains each day where he works for
BOCES with the White Plains Public Schools as a Computer
Network Specialist. I also work for BOCES part time (in
Poughkeepsie), teaching adults who are seeking their General
Equivalency Diploma.

The Vail’s Gate area feels like home for me as I lived in Newburgh in
my early elementary years when my father served at First United
Methodist Church in Newburgh. It is interesting to see the changes
that have taken place over the years.

As we journey in ministry together, I look forward to visiting you all
over these next few months and getting to know you better.

Peace,
Martha