By Ross and Melinda Fulton, rafjr231@gmail.com, Independence

Melinda and I have retired to Independence after having retired earlier in Clinton, Missouri. Yes, grandchildren. We have connected with First UMC Independence. I'm still peeling bubble gum from underneath the sanctuary pews as First Methodist Church was my church during grade school years. I served as interim pastor for nine months. Interestingly, our pastor, JC Harp, was blessed with good health again, just AFTER our charge conference reports were submitted and Conference was held. Hmmm!

Melinda "rang the bell" after going through breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and is doing well. We feel blessed. She is also rebounding from a pneumonia stay at St. Luke's East, Lee's Summit.

We continue to volunteer with various chores at Wilderness Camp where one of our daughters is assistant camp site manager. My school bus activities trip driving miles have ceased. Kind of miss the trips and teams.