My name is Terry Walton, and I have been honored to be the Senior Pastor of Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia, for the past 51/2 years. I have been married to one of the sweetest ladies on this earth, Sharon, for 33.5 years. We have three adult children and one very perfect and most definitely precious granddaughter. I asked Jesus to live in my heart as a child and have grown (not in a straight line) to understand God’s love for me and for all people across my 54 years of living. I can hardly imagine the many things God has yet to teach this hard-headed preacher, but I look forward to the adventure. I have served as a United Methodist Pastor under appointment by a Bishop since 1978. The smallest church I served had a membership of 121 with an average of 44 in worship. The largest church had a membership of just over 3300 with an average worship attendance of nearly 1500. I have served in rural settings, suburban settings and town settings. It all has been a privilege. I love Atlanta Braves baseball and the Georgia Bulldogs. I enjoy the outdoors especially hunting and golf.

My hopes for this blog entitled “Very Terry” are to offer my very real and reflective thoughts as I move through the season of Lent (one more time) this year. It is not that my thoughts are profound or even unique but perhaps my thoughts will help add to what you experience during this reflective and somber season of the church year. One thing for sure is that these thoughts will be my thoughts and if nothing else is accomplished you can read my mind as I deal with this Lord who suffered and died for me. I covenant to be real and very much me in my writing. I suppose some days will be more reflective than others. Therefore some days will be brief while others will be like the long-winded reputation of some preachers (this one included) very wordy—but it will all be ‘Very Terry.’

Thanks for sharing in my journey.