By Alex Costello
However, on the same day, the church will be welcoming a new pastor, the Rev. Cedric R. Johnson.
Johnson, who is transferring from St. Paul United Methodist Church in Jamaica, N.Y., is taking the place of Bates-Stepe, who was appointed to the East Meadow church as an interim pastor.
"I'm sorry to be leaving," said Bates-Stepe. "I've been here two years, and it's been two good years."
Bates-Stepe is moving to the Methodist church in Commack. Methodist preachers are appointed by the bishop for the area (Bishop Jeremiah Park for this area), who decides where each pastor would do the best.
"We are moved to where our gifts are most needed," said Bates-Stepe.
According to Helen Beale, the public relations representative for the East Meadow church, this shuffling of pastors is nothing new.
"In my 51-year membership with the church, I've seen about 13 pastors," Beale said. "[Changing pastors] is not an unusual thing."
"They're all different, and they all have their strengths," she added.
Johnson has been a pastor since 2000 and has served as senior pastor at St. Paul for five years. He received a Master of Divinity degree from the New York Theological Seminary.
"I'm very excited," said Johnson. "I'm looking forward to doing new things and getting to know new people."
Making the move to East Meadow with Johnson are Adriann, his wife of 14 years, Eriq, his 9-year-old son, and Elissa, his 5-year-old daughter. The East Meadow church will be the third church he has been a pastor for.
"This is a time of spiritual growth," Johnson said. "I'm looking forward to it."
