On September 30th, it was a personal joy and privilege for Terry and Judy Faris to represent the Corbin District at the Inauguration of Ed de Rosset as the 17th President of Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky.

Union College has been affiliated with The United Methodist Church since 1886, and we are happy and proud to have this good institution of higher learning as a vital part of our Corbin District. "Learning" is a vital part of 'FLOWS' (Fellowship, Learning, Outreach, Worship, Service), and with Union's motto of "Pro Deo et Homine" ("For God and Humankind"), we stand and work in the teaching of Jesus that the "Great Commandment" is to love God and to love people.

We love and appreciate Ed de Rosset so very much, as he has already served Union College for over 20 years in so many wonderful ways. He is an "MK" (Missionary Kid), having grown up in Peru with a deep love and respect for people all over the world. On a very personal note, we also celebrate with him and his wife, Lou Ann, the anticipated arrival of their first child, a little girl, early in the new year.

It was also a great blessing to have Bishop James King at the Inauguration, as he shared his love and appreciation for Ed de Rosset, and gave his blessing and sending forth. We also saw our "connection" with Rev. David Miller (Campus Minister), and Rev. Joel Allen, Pastor of Barbourville UMC, in the service, along with lots of folks from the Barbourville UMC. It is wonderful to be "connected/clustered/close" in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Judy and I saw friends there from all over Kentucky, and it was simply a wonderful day. During the Inauguration, we sat with Rev. Ed LeMaster, who was the Registrar at Union College (1975-1989). It was during this time (1978), that Judy received her Master's Degree during our ministry at Middlesboro First UMC (1975-1980). Ed and his wife, Virginia, have also served as Methodist Missionaries in Angola, Africa, and they are now wonderful and serving members of London First UMC in our Laurel County Cluster.

On a humorous note, right before the service began; Ed introduced us to Mrs. Joanne Cash Yates, and shared that she would be singing during the service. As I noticed the name "Cash," I jokingly said to her: "With a name like 'Cash,' you must be a great singer," to which she responded, "I am Johnny Cash's sister." I was speechless for about 2 seconds, and then we continued the conversation.

What a blessing she was as she sang a cappella "Amazing Grace." It's all about the grace of God, and may God's amazing grace guide Ed de Rosset as he leads Union College into a wonderful future.