New Madison United Methodist Church

09/06/2026

Bulletin: September 6, 2026
Attendance: 36

School: Watch for our youth back in school. They frequently have something else on their minds and may step out without looking.
Sept, 20: We are having a picnic after church. Grilled Hamburgers will be provided. Please bring a side dish. Come and enjoy the fellowship, bring a friend.
Sept. 13: Verona Methodist Church is having picnic at 1:30PM. Patty has invited any of us to come and enjoy, Bring a side dish.
Sept, 24: The Ladies group is going to Donna’s for supper. Please let Connie know this week if you want to go and have not signed up.

PRAYERS
Prayers: The Yount family Mark Farmer, Aletha’s sister, Duane Hoskins, Melissa, Gracie, Harry Bluhm, Mr. Chris, Marla, Gerald Harter, Belva Baker, Betty Kosler, Charlene Driver, Barb Weimer, Ellis Bates, Danny Stockton, Doyle Studebaker, Heather Driver, Pastor Steve Hayes, Tom Brunner, Cindy and Karl King, Bree, Adam Miller, our troops, peace for our world, for the flood victims, fire victims, hurricane victims. Prayers for our church as we move forward
Shut Ins: Helen Clapp, Sue Eyer, Gerald Harter, Gracie. Mission Field Prayers: Our Community and Nation, Our Church, Matthew 25, and all our missions. Thanks Be To God: Back to school week went well. Thank you for family ties, community ties and reunions. Patty’s brother Bob is cancer free. Reunion of an estranged parent and son. For our ladies who gave generously of their time and energy to Cambridge City.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sept 20: Cook Out at the church! Meat provided, bring a side dish

**If you have any information you would like listed, please notify Gwen

Prayer for the month of September
Dear Lord,
For our future, being the Body of Christ, we ask for your help in growing new disciples for their transformation and the world’s transformation. So that we may be the joy and hope in our community to increase your kingdom and kingdom. Amen

Pastor Barbara Jean Pope
PO Box 16
(218) 838-8984
[email protected]

Planted and growing in Christ Jesus.

New Madison Eldorado United Methodist Church
149 N. Main St. PO Box 182 New Madison, OH., 45346
(937) 996-5341 [email protected]

WELCOME TO ALL
*Please stand as able.

Greetings and Announcements Lisa Eadler

Gathering: This worship service addresses the uncomfortable but unavoidable reality of conflict, looking to Jesus' clear roadmap in Matthew 18 for faithful reconciliation. Rather than airing grievances, we will use this time to recognizing them as fellow image-bearers of God. Ultimately, we will be reminded that we do not navigate these difficult challenges alone, finding our refuge and strength together in God's protective presence.

Musical Prelude Musician: Sharon Anderson Acolyte Ministry - the Acolyte brings into our presence the light of Christ.

*Call to Worship
L: Family of God, we live in a world full of conflict and division.
P: God calls us to be a people of reconciliation.
L: We live in a world full of misinformation and confusion.
P: God calls us to be a people of truth and clarity.
L: We live in a world that wants to settle disputes with harmful words
and actions.
P: God calls us to be a people who make peace through compassion
and honesty.
L: We live in a world that does not understand the ways of Jesus.
ALL: Yet Jesus teaches us to be a people of reconciliation and peace
for the good of the whole world. Thanks be to God!

*Opening Hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King” #62

*Communal Prayer (In Unison)
Lord of the church, you call a broken people
around your table: in times of disagreement, teach us to listen,
loose us from prejudice and bind us to your way of forgiving grace;
through Jesus Christ, who stands at the heart of our gathering. Amen.

Joys and Concerns (Please pray this week for concerns mentioned.)
Pastoral Pray
Hymn of Response “Near to The Heart of God” VS 1 #472

Youth Message

Morning Offering & Offertory
*Doxology #95
Prayer Dedication

Gospel Lesson Matthew 18:15-20
Epistle Lesson Romans 13:8-10
Sermon “Come Together” Rev. Barbara Jean Pope

Communion Hymn “One Bread One Body” #620

The Great Thanksgiving
Liturgy on page 13 followed by The Lord’s Prayer.
Giving of the Bread & Cup

*Closing Hymn “Blest Be the Ties That Binds” #557

*Benediction

*Postlude

08/30/2026

Bulletin August 30, 2026
Attendance: 33

PRAYERS
Prayers: Mark Farmer, Aletha’s sister, Dewayne Hoskins, Melissa, Gracie, Harry Bluhm, Mr. Chris, Marla, Gerald Harter, Belva Baker, Betty Kosler, Charlene Driver, Joyce, Barb Weimer, Ellis Bates, Danny Stockton, Conner, Doyle Studebaker, Heather Driver, Pastor Steve Hayes, our troops and peace for our world, for the flood victims, fire victims, hurricane victims. Prayers for our church as we move forward

Shut Ins: Helen Clapp, Sue Eyer, Gerald Harter, Gracie.
Mission Field Prayers: Our Community and Nation, Our Church, Matthew 25, and all our missions.
Thanks Be To God: We have had a beautiful taste of fall and a beautiful safe fair week. Thank You God for our blessings.

08/23/2026

Bulletin: August 23, 2026

Attendance:20
ANNOUCEMENTS

Pastor Barb: Her email and phone are now working. Email is [email protected]
Phone is 218 838 8984 address 151 N. Maon St. PO Box 16
Fair week: Aug. 21-29 Yes it is already that time again. Enjoy the fair! Be sure to get your Sausage Sandwich at the Kiwanis Barn
David Jr: graduates in 2 weeks with his Masters Degree. Jane has a job in Dayton.

PRAYERS
Prayers: Mark Farmer, Aletha’s sister, Dewayne Hoskins, Melissa, Gracie, Harry Bluhm, Mr. Chris, Marla, Gerald Harter, Belva Baker, Betty Kosler, Charlene Driver, Joyce, Barb Weimer, Ellis Bates, Danny Stockton, Conner, Doyle Studebaker, Heather Driver, Pastor Steve Hayes, our troops and peace for our world, for the flood victims, fire victims, hurricane victims. Prayers for our church as we move forward

Shut Ins: Helen Clapp, Sue Eyer, Gerald Harter, Gracie.
Mission Field Prayers: Our Community and Nation, Our Church, Matthew 25, and all our missions.
Thanks Be To God: Gracie is settling in, Tracy had good health results. Melissa is feeling better and Heather is home. Weather is better and the flood areas are starting to clean up with assistance.

DATES TO REMEMBER
If you have any dates or events you would like listed please notify Gwen.

Aug. 31 6:30PM Administrative Council
Aug. 30 Joyful Noise Sunday
Sept. 1 School starts


Prayer for week of August 24, 2026
Dear Lord,
May my voice give praise to your faithfulness. May my song give joy to your ears. Listen O God, the words I sing are for your enjoyment. Hear my prayer for our community to be known for its praise. Bring us together that we may be a blessing to all and be united as your children. Amen.



Reverend Barbara Jean Pope
PO Box 16
New Madison, OH., 45346
(218) 838-8984
[email protected]

Rooted in Christ, Growing in Christ, Living in Christ

August 23

New Madison United Methodist Church
149 N. Main St.
New Madison, OH 45346
(937) 996-5341

WELCOME
*Please stand as able.
Greetings and Announcements Lisa Eadler
Gathering: Our worship today explores the complex theme of power by highlighting unconventional biblical leaders who bravely used their influence to defy oppression and champion truth. Recognizing that power itself is simply a tool, this service will challenge us to examine how we wield our own influence and confess where we fall short. Through focused prayers, hymns, and storytelling, we will
come together to seek the wisdom and humility to use our power faithfully for God’s purpose.

Musical Prelude Musician: Sharon Anderson Acolyte Ministry The Acolyte brings into our presence the light of Christ.
*Call to Worship
L: In a world where powerful people make decisions to lift themselves up and cast others aside, how does God teach us to use our power?
P: God teaches us to protect the vulnerable, resist the oppressors, and persist in doing good.
L: In a world where power means might, how does God show us what power means?
P: God shows us through the midwives’ daring, Peter’s truth-telling, and Jesus’ humility.
L: In a world where power is held over people’s heads, how does God exercise power?
P: God exercises power with—with the oppressed, with the outcasts, with the poor and downtrodden.
All: We gather to recognize our world as it is and to grow as disciples and imitators of Christ. So, how will you use our power today?

*Opening Hymn: “A Charge to Keep I Have” # 413

*Communal Prayer (in Unison)
O God, Sustainer of all life and Creator of the universe, you set us aside to be leaders, so help us see
things as they are and not only as they affect ourselves. Grant that we may have a wise and modest estimate of our own powers and live in full contact with all things high, true, and good. And in the prayer which Jesus taught his disciples we pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

Prayer Response “Spirit of the Living God” #393

Morning Offering & Offertory
*Doxology and Prayer Dedication #95

Joys and Concerns (Please pray this week for concerns mentioned.)
Pastoral Prayer

Youth Message

Scripture Exodus 1:8-2:10, Matthew 16:13-20 Message “What power is available to you?”

*Hymn of Response: “Here I Am, Lord” #593”
*Benediction

*Closing Hymn “God Will Take Care of You” #130
*Postlude

08/17/2026

DATES TO REMEMBER
If you have any dates or events you would like listed please notify Gwen.

Aug. 31 6:30PM Administrative Council



Prayer for week of August 17, 2026
Dear Lord,
May my voice give praise to your faithfulness. May my song give joy to your ears. Listen O God, the words I sing are for your enjoyment. Hear my prayer for our community to be known for its praise. Bring us together that we may be a blessing to all and be united as your children. Amen.



Reverand Barbara Jean Pope
PO Box 16
New Madison, OH., 45346
(218) 838-8984
[email protected]


Rooted in Christ, Growing in Christ, Living in Christ

August 16th



New Madison United Methodist Church
149 N. Main St.
New Madison, OH 45346
(937) 996-5341

WELCOME
*Please stand as able.

Greetings and Announcements Lisa Eadler

Gathering: Here we are in our final Sunday of Praise Break as we embrace practices of singing and prayer that foster connection, reminding us that as we worship together, we grow in belonging to God and to one another.

Musical Prelude Musician: Sharon Anderson Acolyte Ministry The Acolyte brings into our presence the light of Christ.
*Call to Worship
L: Family of God, we gather today to unite our voices and our lives in
praise to God!
P: How good and pleasant it is when we live together in unity!
L: We gather together to celebrate how God binds us together to live, work,
play, and rest as the Body of Christ.
P: How good and pleasant it is when we live together in unity!
L: We gather together to remember how God has worked through us to share Christ’s love with one another and our neighbors through our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness.
ALL: Today we come together as diverse and unique members of the Body of Christ to learn and grow not in uniformity but in unity to love God, self, neighbor, and all creation.

*Opening Hymn: “Many Gifts One Spirit” #114

Opening Prayer (in Unison)
Restorer of our souls, you have seen the parched places we have made in our lives, along with the devastation thrust upon us by actions or inactions of others.

Meet us in the places of our deepest pain so that our facades of self-sufficiency might fall away, and we might be drawn into right relationship with you and our Lord who taught us to pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

Morning Offering & Offertory
*Doxology and Prayer Dedication #95

Joys and Concerns (Please pray this week for concerns mentioned.)
Pastoral Pray
Song response: “Something Beautiful” #394

Youth Message

Old Testament Lesson Psalm 133
Message

*Hymn of Response: “We Are the Church” (VS 1) #558

*Benediction

*Closing Hymn “Let There be Peace on Earth” #431
*Postlude

08/16/2026

Bulletin: August 16, 2026
Attendance: 33

Announcements:

Summer: We are worshiping in the basement social room due to the summer heat. We will continue to worship here till further notice
Pastor Barb: Her email and phone are now working. Email is [email protected]
Phone is 218 838 8984 address 151 N. Main St. PO Box 16
Fair week: Aug. 21-29 Yes it is already that time again. Enjoy the fair!

A New Series: A praise-filled-series invites us to recognize God’s presence in both ordinary and extraordinary moments. Centered on awareness, it encourages embodied worship practices that engage the whole self-helping individuals and congregations connect action with reflection as they grow in gratitude, attentiveness, and praise.
PRAYERS

Prayers: Melissa, Gracie, Harry Bluhm, Mr. Chris, Marla, Gerald Harter, Belva Baker, Betty Kosler, Charlene Driver, Joyce, Barb Weimer, Ellis Bates, Danny Stockton, Conner, Doyle Studebaker, Heather Driver, Pastor Steve Hayes, Shirley and Phil Dubbs, our troops and peace for our world, for the flood victims everywhere. Prayers for our church as we move forward

Shut Ins: Helen Clapp, Sue Eyer, Gerald Harter, Gracie.
Mission Field Prayers: Our Community and Nation, Our Church, Matthew 25, and all our missions.
Thanks Be To God: We have survived the storms with very little flooding and damage in our area.

Send a message to learn more

08/15/2026

PLEASE HELP!
As we have seen the devastation in Wayne County, Indiana, Cambridge City, the New Madison Eldorado UM church will be a collection site for donated items or monetary donations. The church’s social room will be open Tuesday, Aug. 18th from 9:00am to 11:00am. and Thursday, Aug. 20th from 5:00 pm to 7:00pm.
Items that have been requested are 5 gallon buckets, brooms, mops, industrial strength bags, heavy tarps, rubber gloves, rakes, concentrated cleaners, ponchos, work gloves, scoop shovels, masks, nylon ropes, batteries, toothpaste and brush, wash clothes & towels, flashlights, hand sanitizers and bottled water.
The community feeding site could use individual juice boxes, individual soft drinks, individually packaged snacks.
Thank you and continue to pray for all the people affected by the floods.
If you have questions please contact Lisa Eadler at 937-996-3831 or Totty Davis at 863-697-9837.

08/09/2026

Bulletin: August 9, 2026

Attendance: 28

ANNOUCEMENTS
Summer: We are worshiping in the basement social room due to the summer heat. We will continue to worship here till further notice
Pastor Barb: Her email and phone are now working. Email is [email protected]
Phone is 218 838 8984 address 151 N. Maon St. PO Box 16
Fair week: Aug. 21-29 Yes it is already that time again. Enjoy the fair!

A New Series: A praise-filled-series invites us to recognize God’s presence in both ordinary and extraordinary moments. Centered on awareness, it encourages embodied worship practices that engage the whole self-helping individuals and congregations connect action with reflection as they grow in gratitude, attentiveness, and praise.

PRAYERS

Prayers: Melissa, Gracie, Harry Bluhm, Mr. Chris, Marla, Gerald Harter, Belva Baker, Betty Kosler, Charlene Driver, Joyce, Barb Weimer, Ellis Bates, Danny Stockton, Conner, Doyle Studebaker, Heather Driver, Pastor Steve Hayes, our troops and peace for our world, Prayers for our church as we move forward

Shut Ins: Helen Clapp, Sue Eyer, Gerald Harter, Gracie.
Mission Field Prayers: Our Community and Nation, Our Church, Matthew 25, and all our missions.
Thanks Be To God: Micah has found a job. Our weather is settling down, warm but settled. You kept all of us safe last week with the storms. Pastor Barb and Micah are getting settled in.

DATES TO
REMEMBER

Aug. 24 : 6:30PM Administrative Council ??

If you have any dates or events you would like listed please notify Gwen


Prayer for week of
August 9, 2026

Dear Lord,
As we enter into another week of schedules, tasks, jobs, and, among other things that take up our time, energy, and focus, may your abiding presences be with us in all things. Remind us to take time to see you, hear you, sense you, and sing praises to you. For our praises are like beautiful scent offered up to you. Help us to invite the strange, the lonely, the sick, and the wanderer into our church so that they may come to know of your abundant love and grace that covers all. AMEN

New Madison United Methodist Church
149 N. Main St.
New Madison, OH 45346
(937) 996-5341
Pastor Barbara Jean Pope
(218) 838-8984
August 9, 2026

WELCOME
*Please stand as able.

Greetings and Announcements Lisa Eadler

Gathering: This week centers on remembering as an act of praise, highlighting how singing helps us tell the story of God’s faithfulness. Drawing from the psalms and the tradition of hymn-singing, it invites us to use music as a way to share personal and collective stories—turning worship into a participatory expression of gratitude, memory, and praise.

Musical Prelude Musician: Sharon Anderson Acolyte Ministry The Acolyte brings into our presence the light of Christ.
*Call to Worship
L: Some of us come today with songs of mourning in our hearts, feeling the weight of loss, isolation, and loneliness. P: We come to remember God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. L: Some of us come today with songs of worry and distress, overwhelmed by the troubles and the sufferings of the world. P: We come to remember God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. L: In our joy, our sorrow, our isolation, and our worry, God is faithful! ALL: We come to sing God’s praises, for in all things, God’s steadfast love and faithfulness never fail. Thanks be to God! Amen

*Hymn “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” #127

Opening Prayer (in Unison)
Liberating God, we seek your journey. With parted waters, set us free. With cloud and fire, guide us. With gushing waters, quench our thirst. With food from heaven, feed us. With the prayer Jesus taught us to say: Our Father in heave, hollowed by Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy

will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

Morning Offering & Offertory
*Doxology and Prayer Dedication #95

Joys and Concerns (Please pray this week for concerns mentioned.)
Pastoral Pray

Youth Message

Old Testament Lesson Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b

Message “What do We Sing”

*Hymn of Response “I’m Goin’ Sing” verse 1 #333

*Benediction

*Closing Hymn “ This is the Day” #657
*Postlude

08/02/2026

Bulletin: August 2, 2026

Attendance: 24

ANNOUCEMENTS

Summer: We are worshiping in the basement social room due to the summer heat. We will continue to worship here till further notice
Pastor Barb: Her email and phone are now working. Email is [email protected]
Phone is 218 838 8984
Aug. 4: NMPL is having a historic speaker. On “The Harrison Twp. Revolutionary War Patriots”, at 6 PM. Presented by the Ft. Greenville Daughters of the American Revolution. The presenters plan to be in period clothing. This is part of the Library’s 250 series which have been informative and interesting. Open to everyone.
Fair week: Aug. 21-29 Yes it is already that time again. Enjoy the fair!


PRAYERS

Prayers: Gracie, Harry Bluhm, Mr. Chris, Marla, Gerald Harter, Belva Baker, Betty Kosler, Charlene Driver, Joyce, Barb Weimer, Ellis Bates, Danny Stockton, Conner, Doyle Studebaker, Heather Driver, Pastor Steve Hayes, our troops and peace for our world, Prayers for our church as we move forward

Shut Ins: Helen Clapp, Sue Eyer, Gerald Harter.
Mission Field Prayers: Our Community and Nation, Our Church, Matthew 25, and all our missions.
Thanks Be To God: For the rain this week without the severe storms. Our pleasant weather this week.

07/19/2026

Bulletin: July 19, 2026
Attendance: 31

DATES TO
REMEMBER

July 27: 7PM Administrative council

If you have any dates or events you would like listed please notify Gwen



Prayer for week of
July 13, 2026

Lord God, our Father, we thank you for all the light you give us and for all your loving help in outward things as well. We come into your presence and ask you to give us your light and your constant guidance
for the path we must follow. Grant that what is of heaven may be revealed on earth, that we may rejoice in the good and beautiful things you give to all people. Our Father, reveal what is of heaven, and free people from their sin and darkness so that at last they recognize your glory. Strengthen our hope for this goal. Rule and work in the hearts of many people, that through them your glory may be proclaimed to all. Amen.

New Madison United Methodist Church
149 N. Main St.
New Madison, OH 45346
(937) 996-5341
Pastor Barbara Jean Pope
(218) 838-8984
July 12, 2026


WELCOME
Greetings and Announcements Lisa Eadler

Gathering: You are here, Lord, in this place. Now. Not only do we stand in awe of how great You are, larger than our imagination; But we also can scarcely comprehend that You are with us this moment. Yes, from a distance You are watching us. But You stand beside us as well. Your Spirit's presence quickens our pulse, fills us with wonder when we become aware than You are near. Father, in the name of Your Son — Jesus Christ, in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen

Musical Prelude Musician: Sharon Anderson Acolyte Ministry The Acolyte brings into our presence the light of Christ.
*Call to Worship
L: On this new morning and in every moment of our lives, gracious God,
P: from generation to generation, we praise your holy name.
L: Like our ancestors before us, we proclaim your greatness to our children,
P: for we have seen your deeds of power and witnessed your goodness in our lives.
L: As you have opened your hand to all, satisfying the desire of every living thing
P: open our hearts so that we might share the gifts we have received from you. Let us worship God in gratitude and joy!

Response “Glory Be to the Father” #70

*Hymn “This is my Song” #437

Opening Prayer (in Unison O God, we trust in Your power to create, to sustain, to enable. But we could not trust if we did not know that You are always near. Be with us, Lord, as we are gathered here to worship You. Help us not to check our minds or our hearts at the door, but enable us to bring all that we are to You, so that we might experience Your touch upon all aspects of our life. We pray this because of, and in the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.

*Lord’s Prayer: Let us pray as Jesus taught us to pray Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

Morning Offering & Offertory
*Doxology and Prayer Dedication #95

Joys and Concerns—please be in prayer for the praises and requests mentioned.
Pastoral Pray

Youth Message

Hymn “This is My Father’s World ” #144

Gospel Lesson

Message

*Hymn of Response “Standing on the Promises” # 374

*Benediction

*Closing Hymn “On Eagles Wings” #143
*Postlude

*Standing as health allows



ANNOUCEMENTS

Summer: We are worshiping in the basement social room due to the summer heat. We will continue to worship here till further notice
Pastor Barb: Her email and phone are now working. Email is [email protected]
Phone is 218 838 8984

God gives us signs in mysterious ways thru humor as on church message boards.
“Live your life well so we do not have to lie at your funeral”. Readers Digest



PRAYERS
Prayers: Harry Bluhm, Mr. Chris, Marla, Gracie, Gerald Harter, Belva Baker, Betty Kosler, Charlene Driver, Joyce, Barb Weimer, Ellis Bates, Danny Stockton, Conner, Doyle Studebaker, Heather Driver, our troops and peace for our world, travel mercies for all our travelers this week. Mercy for the flood victims. Prayers for our church as we move forward

Shut Ins: Helen Clapp, Sue Eyer, Gerald Harter.
Mission Field Prayers: Our Community and Nation, Our Church, Matthew 25, and all our missions.
Thanks Be To God: Some of our travelers are home safe, others are still traveling safely. We are grateful for the rain we have gotten. Also grateful that Pastor Carol Fritz was able to spend time with Pastor Barb and help her get settled.
There Is a Bright Side Somewhere

Dear Beloved Members and Friends of the Western Lakes District,
There are seasons in the life of every congregation, community, and disciple when the clouds seem heavy and the road ahead appears uncertain. We encounter grief, transition, disappointment, and challenges that can cause us to wonder where God is leading. Yet the witness of our faith reminds us that difficulty is never the final word. As Psalm 30:5 declares, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

The phrase “There Is a Bright Side Somewhere” is more than a hopeful refrain; it is a confession of trust in the faithfulness of God. Abraham and Sarah waited many years for the fulfillment of God’s promise, and Sarah laughed when the promise seemed too extraordinary to believe. Yet God transformed her laughter of disbelief into laughter of joy. What appeared impossible became a testimony to God’s power, timing, and covenant faithfulness.

This same truth is woven throughout the story of Scripture. God opened the Red Sea when the people could see no way forward. God brought redemption through Jesus Christ when the cross appeared to be a place of defeat. Our Lord reminds us in John 16:33 that we will have trouble in this world, but we are invited to take heart because Christ has overcome the world.

Across the Western Lakes District, our local churches may face realities that test our strength and stretch our faith. Changing communities, aging memberships, limited resources, and uncertain futures are real concerns that deserve honest prayer and faithful attention. Yet even in the midst of these challenges, I give thanks for the ways God continues to move among us. As individual congregations and as one connectional church, we are bearing witness to the gospel, extending compassion, nurturing disciples, and participating in the mighty acts of God. The challenges before us are not greater than the God who still gives life, opens doors, and calls people to serve.

Therefore, let us continue walking faithfully toward the morning. Let us keep praying, serving, loving, and trusting God with what feels uncertain or impossible. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for good for those who love God and are called according to God’s purpose. By the grace of God, there is indeed a bright side somewhere, and together we move toward it with hope, courage, and confidence in Christ.

With hope in Christ,
Your District Superintendent