Oneco United Methodist Church Pastor Robert Green, retiring after 35 years in pulpit

ONECO -- After ministering from the pulpit of Oneco United Methodist Church since 1993, the Rev. Robert J. Green has decided it is time to retire.

"I don't think any of us are ready for a change, but we know it is necessary," said Carolyn Boyle, lay visitation minister. "He is very well loved. He cares deeply about the congregation."

Green, 68, served 35 years as a pastor with the United Methodist Church, leading congregations in Cedar Key, Gainesville, and Englewood. Oneco is where he spent most of his career: 23 years.

Oneco United Methodist Church has deep roots in Manatee County. It was founded in 1879, making it the second-oldest Methodist congregation in the Bradenton area. Only Manatee United Methodist Church, founded in 1849, is older.

The first congregation met in a one-room school near the railroad tracks on Benedict Avenue, which is now 53rd Avenue East. From 1910 to 1925, a circuit-riding preacher served the congregations of Oneco, Manatee, Parrish, Ellenton and Myakka. Not until 1942 was the church open for services every Sunday.

Although Oneco United Methodist's congregation is now composed primarily of senior citizens and recent retirees, it has a strong connection to young people. Located just across the street from Oneco Elementary School, the congregation has a tradition of providing school supplies and filling teacher wish lists.

The church also sponsors a Cub Scout group, and provides meeting space for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Brownies.

"We have a great love for the community and a strong outreach," Green said.

Oneco United Methodist also operates a food pantry to meet emergency needs. The pantry is open 9 a.m.- noon weekdays from September to May and Monday through Wednesday in the slower months of June through August.

Oneco also supports Jim Russo's Prison Ministry by collecting toys to ensure children of inmates receive a Christmas gift.

One of the highlights of Green's time at Oneco was the military Bible program, he said.

"We sent out nearly 1,200 of those Bibles to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each one had a personal inscription thanking them for their service, and letting them to know they are in our prayers," Green said.

"We have done a lot of great things, but the best things are still to happen in the future," he said.

Three years ago, Green suffered a massive stroke, and has no recollection of the stroke or the week after. His memory prior to the stroke has returned, and he can now recall events after the stroke.

He came away from the experience awed by the level of support he received from his congregation, and the Methodist Conference.

"I made a full recovery. God has been good and worked through that to make our church even stronger," Green said.

Green and his wife, Linda, plan to remain in the Bradenton area after his retirement. He will preach his last sermon May 22 at Oneco.

The Rev. Eugene Maddox, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church of Brooksville, has been appointed pastor of Oneco, starting July 1.

In the interim, a retired U.S. Air Force chaplain, a retired hospital chaplain, and a certified lay speaker will substitute at the pulpit.

James A. Jones Jr., East Manatee reporter, can be contacted at 941-745-7053 or on Twitter@jajones1.

This story was originally published May 12, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Oneco United Methodist Church Pastor Robert Green, retiring after 35 years in pulpit ."