Dear Church Family:

​As most of you now know, I will retire from the Methodist ministry starting July 1, 2019. I remain excited about beginning a new phase of my life, but am saddened to leave the saints of this church. I leave knowing that while we have served here the Holy Spirit has been working: new members joined, old members returned, new outreach projects began, our financial positions strengthened, and worship become more fun!

Monday evening Tony Vinson, District Superintendent, introduced Rev. Michael L Fraley to our First Board as the incoming Pastor at Sealy First UMC. Fraley is currently serving as Pastor in Frankston and Bushy Creek. He has also served as Pastor in Hempstead, Magnolia and Orange.

The reverend is a 1991 graduate of Perkins School of Theology at SMU Dallas, but received his undergrad at Texas A&M in industrial technology. He’s a Katy native and is excited about being closer to his west-Houston family. Fraley enjoys traveling, especially to national parks, having visited more than 125 throughout the world and more than 80 Texas State Parks and Historical Sites!

Rev. Fraley has specialized training in Youth, Pastoral Care, Faith-Sharing, Administration and Missions. He loves to sing and attend church camp, serving as cabin counselor each year with the youngest of campers.

Reverend Fraley looks forward to meeting everyone when he begins his ministry in Sealy Sunday, July 7. I invite you all to lift up Michael in prayer as he begins this time of transition.

You have a wonderful new pastor. One that I know you will welcome warmly. Please know that while I will no longer be your pastor, I will always consider you my friends. While at Sealy, you welcomed Wanda and I and made us feel like a part of this family of faith.

— Pastor Eddie Hilliard

In case you haven’t already heard: Earlier this week, I announced my retirement from ministry. I did this with mixed emotions. Of course, I am excited about beginning a new phase of my life, but am saddened to leave the saints of this church. You have welcomed Wanda and me, and made us feel like a part of this family of faith. This is a special community.

As of July 1, 2019, I will leave the ministry of the United Methodist Church. I leave knowing that while we have served here, the Holy Spirit has been working. We’ve seen new members join, old members return, new outreach projects begin, our financial positions strengthen, and worship become more fun!

I am looking forward to the adventures God has in store for me as I focus on social justice issues once again, working in communities of neighbors who might not otherwise hear the Gospel message preached in actions not words.

​You will soon have a wonderful new pastor, one I know you will welcome warmly. Please know that while I will no longer be your pastor, I will always consider you my friends. — Pastor Eddie Hilliard