First United Methodist Church DeSoto

06/23/2026

Just a friendly reminder to send any newsletter articles or updates, flower orders, etc. to [email protected] by 2:00 p.m. today!

06/22/2026

In this second post of our focus on the upcoming pastoral transition, we are offering some focused prayer suggestions to include with your personal prayers.

Please pray for:

Your church staff
Your church leaders
The children, youth, and adults of the church
The grief about Rev. Minor's departure as we prepare to say goodbye
The grief of Rev. Daniel Reeves' current congregation as they say goodbye
Peace: your own, and that of your friends, family, and First Desoto Church Family

Let us be grateful for our journey so far in 2026, our present, and our future.

And all God's people said....."Amen."🙏

06/21/2026

"Withholding Nothing" - Joel 2: 23 - 29

06/21/2026

A Father's Day Prayer: For All Who Father

On Father's Day, we give thanks for fathers—but also for all who have answered God's call to guide, protect, encourage, teach, and love.

We celebrate fathers who are present each day, and fathers who serve far from home. We remember fathers rebuilding relationships after years apart, fathers working to regain trust, and fathers longing for the chance to be part of their children's lives.

We honor fathers carrying the weight of difficult circumstances—those separated by distance, deployment, illness, misunderstanding, or legal barriers. We pray for God to strengthen their hearts and open doors for healing and reconciliation.

We remember fathers whose children now live in heaven. Though the world may not always see their grief, God sees every tear and every treasured memory. The love of a father does not end when a life on earth ends.

We also give thanks for grandfathers, uncles, stepfathers, foster fathers, coaches, teachers, mentors, pastors, and neighbors whose steady presence helps shape young lives. Many of us can point to a man who believed in us, encouraged us, corrected us when needed, and helped us become who we are today.

Scripture reminds us that every good fathering gift reflects the heart of our Heavenly Father, who is patient, faithful, forgiving, and full of love.

Today, may every man who has poured himself into the life of another know that his efforts matter. Seeds of kindness, wisdom, faith, and encouragement often bear fruit long after they are planted.

Happy Father's Day to all who father, mentor, guide, and love! May God bless you with strength, hope, and the joy of knowing that your influence is making a difference. -JJW

06/20/2026

Vacation Bible School is now a little over two weeks away! With today officially being the first day of summer (according to the calendar), we can think of no better way to enjoy summer fun than attending VBS at First DeSoto!

Have you signed yourself or your family up to be a part of it? Monday, July 6th begins our kick-off to VBS week!

For more information, contact Debbie Waibel at [email protected]

To register for VBS, click here

VBS 2026 Register Below 🌼 Get ready for an unforgettable week of fun, faith, and friendship! 🌼Parents, kids, and families—YOU are invited to join us for an exciting Vacation Bible School experience designed to bring joy, laughter, and meaningful moments together.🎉 What to ExpectYour kids ...

06/19/2026

Waiting for the Dawn: The Story of Juneteenth 🌅

Long before social media or instant messaging, news traveled slowly across the land. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that millions of enslaved people were officially set free. Yet, in Galveston, Texas, this joyous news was kept hidden. For two and a half years, mothers, fathers, and children were still bound, waiting for a freedom they didn't know was already theirs.

Finally, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers marched into Galveston and read General Order No. 3, announcing that the war was over and all enslaved people were free. Upon hearing the words, "they are given an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property," newly freed men and women wept, sang, and rejoiced. They called this day Juneteenth—a celebration of Jubilee. Even in the darkest of seasons, they had held onto the faith that joy would come in the morning.

Today, as a church family, we honor the resilience of those who waited so long. Juneteenth reminds us to be a voice for the oppressed, to celebrate God's gift of liberation, and to strive together for a world where everyone is treated with the dignity they deserve as children of God.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17

Join us in giving thanks for the freedoms we share today, and let us continue to pray and work for equality and love in our communities. 🙏🏽❤️

06/19/2026

Additional progress was made as the cleaning/ organizing volunteer angels of our church gathered once again to work their magic!

Thank you to ALL who have given labor and sweat equity to this project, and HUGE HEAPS OF GRATITUDE to Diana Patten for leading this much-needed effort!! 😇❤️🙏😇❤️🙏❤️

06/18/2026

Today is our "two-session" cleaning and organizing day at First DeSoto. The morning session from 9 - 11 a.m. is underway! The afternoon session runs from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Many hands make light work, so if you can help, head on over to the church and join in on the fun! We appreciate all of our helpers!

06/15/2026

In the coming weeks, as we prepare to wish our Interim Pastor, Rev. J. I. Minor farewell (last sermon Sunday, July 5th) while also welcoming our new appointed pastor, Rev. Daniel Reeves (first sermon, Sunday, July 12th), we want to share some resources to help everyone better navigate this time of transition.

Today, we offer these Scripture Texts:

Genesis 28: 15 - 17
Deuteronomy 28: 15 - 17
Deuteronomy 31: 8
Proverbs 3: 5 -6
Jeremiah 29: 7 & 11
Matthew 10: 39
Matthew 18: 18 - 20
Romans 15: 13
1 Corinthians 1: 3 - 9
Ephesians 2: 10
Phillipians 4: 4 -14
1 Peter 5: 7
Revelation 3: 2

Grace & Peace to all of our First DeSoto Church Family!

06/14/2026

“A Time for Boldness”
Haggai 2: 1 – 9
Acts 4: 23 - 311-12 NRSVU
Rev. J.I. Minor