Today I give you my solemn greetings from your servant leader and pastor as we enter a new month looking forward to a new year for our children at school and the beginning of a new year within the church. This year we do so with a sad heart. As many of you should be aware, our District Superintendent Reverend Doctor Autura Eason-Williams was tragically and senselessly murdered in her driveway at her home as she attempted to prevent a car theft. She was murdered allegedly by two teens who were attempting to steal her car. While we all mourn this tragedy it is important that we make every attempt to understand the gravity of the situation. Human life seems to be worth nothing in many areas of our society.
Rev. Dr. Eason-Williams was the District Superintendent of the Metro District, which means that she was the pastor to all of the pastors in the Metro District. Bishop McAlilly put it this way in his comments concerning “Remembering Autura Eason-Williams”:
“We often quip that no one is irreplaceable. I will tell you, however, that I beg to differ with that sentiment. One can be replaced but the unique giftedness of a person cannot be replicated. Autura was uniquely gifted for mission and ministry. She navigated a cross-racial appointment as an early pioneer in that work in the legacy Memphis Conference. Her peers elected her to lead the clergy delegation to General Conference and endorsed her as a candidate for Bishop prior to the 2020 General Conference.
During the Global Pandemic, I invited Autura to join the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Appointive Cabinet. She was in the process of becoming one of our most gifted District Superintendents and was tackling some of our most difficult challenges. Two of the ministries Autura was leading for the Tennessee Western Kentucky Conference were the Signposts Seminars, engaging the work of systemic racism in our conference, and #BeUMC Campaign, an effort to highlight the positive aspects of being the United Methodist Church. More than these very tangible efforts, however, was Autura’s ministry of encouragement, especially to female clergy.
Autura, we will miss your laugh, your leadership, your love, your faithfulness, and your generous spirit. You modeled for us the words of Micah: “and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8. We give thanks to God for the ways you led and loved us well.”
As we proceed with the business of being the Church here in Somerville, Tennessee may we endeavor to extend Christ’s love to all of our community providing the same grace that God continues to provide to us, each and every day. May the peace of God bless your hearts and minds as we live through these trying times.
Glory to God
Bro Don VanVoorhis
