SPRC Announcement 

Drew York – Chair, Suncreek Church Council

Psalm 147:3 says, “[Jesus] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”  We pray that He will work to do the same for Pastor Barry and Melody. 

Because this news might be distressing to some of you, we felt that we needed to provide some additional context. First, it is our intent to welcome Pastor Barry back as our Senior Pastor after his personal leave.  Second, John and I fully support Pastor Barry taking personal leave so Pastor Barry can deal with the practical and emotional consequences of his decision.  He cannot give Suncreek 100% if he is not also 100%. Third, we are grateful to Pastor Patrick and Pastor Milton for their willingness to take on additional responsibilities, including preaching while Pastor Barry is away. We are thankful to the Suncreek staff who are committed to remaining mission-focused during this time. Fourth, the Staff Parish Relations Committee and Church Council are also committed to the ongoing work necessary to continue to expand Suncreek’s ministry.

Finally, Pastor Barry would be delighted to hear, upon his return that the Church is stronger than it was before today.  We hope you will be even more resolute with your vows to uphold Suncreek with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness while Barry is away. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to either of us privately.  We will do our best to address your specific concerns.

John Hurst – Chair, Suncreek Staff Parish Relations Committee

As the SPRC Chair, I’ve had four weeks to process this information, while you have had only a couple days. This is a tough message to hear, and this is very sad news.

The word “divorce” comes from the Latin word “divortium” which means separation or division. A pastor getting a divorce is uncommon, but it’s not unheard of. Drew and I know Pastor Barry and Melody are important to you, and we believe they are important to Suncreek. We are also not blind to the possibility that each of you may react differently to this announcement, and it may impact how you feel about Suncreek. Divorce divides a marriage but doesn’t need to divide this church.

We collectively have a decision to make. Suncreek has a decision to make. Will this divide us, or will we continue grow to fulfill the mission of the church? I strongly prefer and encourage the latter. This is our church. I suggest we continue to grow and fulfill our mission.

So how do we continue with mission of the church?

First, we all need to give Pastor Barry some space. Bishop McKee and our District Superintendent, Debra Hobbs Mason have requested we give Barry the time and space to rest, relax, rejuvenate, and heal. They have worked with Barry to develop a plan to accomplish these items and the District Superintendent, and I will be checking-in on Barry’s progress periodically. I’m simply ask you to leave Pastor Barry alone while he takes his personal leave. This guidance pertains to clergy, staff, and to you and me.  

Second, let’s not gossip. This is a personal matter, and I would expect you to respect both Melody and Barry. This is their story to tell or not tell. Not mine, not yours. I ask that you pray for healing, wisdom, patience, and most of all, pray for the continued presence of God in our lives and in the life of this church.

Third, keep doing what you are doing and do it here - at Suncreek. Continue to worship at Suncreek. Continue to give to Suncreek. Continue to serve at Suncreek. Continue to be in the Word at Suncreek. We all know what to do as Disciples of Christ. I would ask that you remind yourself daily to do these things, do them intentionally and do them often.

In closing, we understand this is disappointing news, but this doesn’t need to be a setback for Suncreek, and it doesn’t mean we can’t grow. Romans 5:3-5 says, “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Let us endure. Let us thrive over the coming months. The past couple years have been very difficult, but let’s finish 2022 strong. I know we can do this. Together.

Thank you.