Pastor’s Page

 

REV. BART FLETCHER

It’s hard. Saying “goodbye” and initiating “hello” so many times over the thirty-five years I have been an ordained minister, thirty-one of those as a United Methodist pastor. As a congregation you have said farewell to your beloved Pastor Doug and his spouse Deena. The two Lynchburg congregations Claudia and I have served Christ with have shed their tears, offered their hugs and wished us well. Our hearts are unsettled with an ambiguous mixture of grief in letting go, coupled with the excitement of new possibilities. With you good people at Northview UMC, we will navigate this liminal space, this “in-between” time as we get to know one another, trusting that God will strengthen us in our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ who transform the world.

Our transition to Northview marks at least two “firsts” for Claudia and me. For the first time in twenty-eight years of marriage we are moving to a new appointment with no other family members. Our twelve children are all adults, independent or nearly so, with their own lives and (in most cases) their own families. And for the first time since 1995 we will not make a physical move of our home at the beginning of a new appointment. With Claudia’s current health issues and follow-up care at UVA we need to remain closer to Charlottesville for a few months. We will continue to prepare our current home in Lynchburg for sale and then seek new housing in the Roanoke area. During this time, I will commute from Lynchburg to Roanoke on a schedule to be determined with SPR. Thank you for your prayerful support during this time of continuing transition.

A little more about us. Our family was formed through adoption; we are a multicultural, transracial family, with children whose birth heritages include Hispanic, Asian, African American and Caucasian cultures. We have fourteen grandchildren, five of whom live in Lynchburg with their parents, and the others in Minnesota. I was an Elder in the Minnesota Conference until 2016 when we moved to Virginia so Claudia could assume responsibilities as Chief Program Officer for FIVEI 8 (formerly Patrick Henry Family Services) in Lynchburg. After twenty years of following me in itinerant ministry, it was my turn to follow her! Claudia is a passionate advocate for those who find themselves at the margins of life. You will hear more from her about CarePortal, an exciting ministry which creates the opportunity for churches to foster relationships with families and children in need.

We are excited to get to know you and the communities in Roanoke you serve!

Pastor Bart and Claudia Fletcher

Pastor Bart assumed his duties at Northview on July 1, 2017 and his first Sunday service was July 7, 2024.

Contact information for Pastor Bart Rev. Dr. Bart A. Fletcher

Pastor Bart’s contact information:

Voice/text: 763-248-2587

Email: bartfletcher@vaumc.org

Current address: 130 Craftsman Way

Lynchburg, Va. 24503