Jim Mann
“Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.” (Ecclesiastes 12:12)
I guess it was 18 years ago that my parents moved to Robson Ranch. Back then, Robson was just getting started.
Mom and Dad put the home I had grown up in on the market and began the planning and building process. They chose the Palmera model (I think) on a lot on Gardenia Drive. My dad kinda-sorta retired and was going to get back into golf. My mom played tennis and went full grandma mode.
My wife and I would visit often. I remember one day driving through the gate saying, “They need a church out here.” I realized that Robson residents probably wouldn’t drive to Denton to the church I pastor, so we brought New Life Church to Robson.
Gosh, that was 15 or 16 years ago. Some 800 sermons ago. Weddings, funerals, birthdays, anniversaries. When I first got behind the Robson pulpit, I didn’t have gray hair—or a grandson. Now I’m married to a grandma, and we are old enough to be your neighbors.
I am taking this trip down memory lane today for very selfish reasons. This is my 200th edition of the “Pastor’s Corner”! It’s the season of thanksgiving, and I just want to say thank you.
I took some time over the summer to reflect on my 30 years of ministry—the good, the bad, and the ugly. One of my greatest joys over the years has been living life with you at Robson Ranch. You are family!
So, thank you for letting us in and for reading 200 boring essays. I’ll have 201 ready for you next month. Until then, as I like to say in this column, I’ll see you in church!
Jim Mann, Ph.D., pastors New Life Church at Robson Ranch. This interdenominational church meets at the Robson clubhouse on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. and online at 10 a.m. Visit www.newlifedenton.org for more information, or visit his blog at www.drjimmann.com.