05/18/2026
It is unreal that I have been here with you at Wesley UMC for almost 1 year! And here I thought I would only be with you through December. Well, God saw otherwise!!!
This will be my last newsletter article before Pastor Jordan arrives as your new pastor. So I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you my thoughts as I transition from this place to full retirement (well, maybe not! Lol).
I want you to know that this church has been one of the most welcoming and loving and caring families I have ever known. All the Sunday mornings I stood in front of you and during the welcome and greeting time, see you go to every single person who was there – including guests, including those who may not look like you or act like you or are a blessed as you.
You may think this church is struggling, but I see a church who wants to thrive and continue doing the works of the church and be a huge part of this community – serving in any way you can.
I know I quote this Scripture a lot but there’s a reason I do.
Matthew 25:31-40:
When the Son of Man comes in his glory with all his angels, he will sit on his royal throne. The people of all nations will be brought before him, and he will separate them, as shepherds separate their sheep from their goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, “My father has blessed you! Come and receive the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world was created. When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.” Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, “When did we give you something to eat or drink? When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear 39 or visit you while you were sick or in jail?” The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.”
Yes, we can be cautious of our environment and people around us. Unfortunately, our world and country are not always safe anymore, but there is good, there is hope – our God is a God of hope! Amen? But that’s why we, as followers and Christians, must continue God’s work here on this earth to fulfill His will for His Kingdom. YOU ARE DOING THAT! Keep it up! Even as you age and things change in your life, and you may not be able to do what you’ve done before – you can STILL serve. It will just be in a different way than before. We are followers and servants from the day Christ enters our hearts until the day we meet Jesus face-to-face.
I believe in you! But most importantly – God believes in you. Open your heart, your ears and your mind and listen for that still small voice. It will guide you where you need to be in service to God. Be that hope to others.
Thank you for loving me. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for allowing me to serve alongside of you. Thank you for embracing the people God created you to be. God bless!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Laurie
