Rest in Your church

A Faith That Began Early I am thankful for the chance to share my story. I grew up in a Christian home. My mother was a strong believer. She did not always speak loudly about her faith, but she lived it every day. She prayed often and cared for people in need. Watching her taught me that faith is not just words. It is love in action. Even as a very young child, maybe two or three years old, I knew what Easter meant. It was not about candy or games. I knew it was about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That truth stayed in my heart from the beginning. A Big Family and Hard Changes I grew up in a large family with many siblings. Life was full, but it was not always easy. When I was twelve years old, my parents divorced. That was a very hard time for all of us, especially the younger children. My mother raised us mostly on her own, and she carried a heavy burden. Later, she remarried. That brought more changes into our home. As a teenager, I struggled with those changes. I did not ...

    Thank you to the UWF and our volunteers for making the luncheon  For the Patten Fire Victims, so wonderful! First of all, please forgive me for missing our weekly letter for Patten last week! (Not Petten) I am writing this week's letter with extra care. :) These days, in both the large and small matters of my life, certain truths keep me centered: God knows our pain. God desires to be in deep fellowship with us. God delights in us when we trust, rely on, and obey Him. Even when we are unaware, God is constantly planning and working through His divine zeal. God has given us free will to make choices, yet these choices remain under His great sovereignty and do not thwart His ultimate plan. Though God is infinite beyond our measure, He desires for us to continue getting to know Him, expressing Him, and conversing with Him through our finite language. The more I come to know God, the more I realize what a tremendous thing it is to believe in Him—how precious it is to ent...

Topic: New Appointment Location: Patten UMC Date: 3/22/26 1. Opening The meeting was opened for sharing concerns and thoughts about the upcoming pastoral transition. 2. Main Concerns Shared A. Loss of Current Pastor Members expressed deep sadness and concern about the appointment change. Appreciation was shared for the ministry and spiritual growth experienced. Some felt the decision was difficult after the church worked hard for 2.5–3 years without a pastor. B. Desire for Fair Consideration Members asked that the bishop and cabinet make this church a priority for a new appointment. Concern that the church should not be overlooked because it has survived in the past. C. Fear of Decline Fear about members gradually leaving the church. Strong encouragement not to give up or disengage. Emphasis: “This is our church. We must continue to grow.” 3. Affirmations and Strengths The church is a pillar in the community. Members described the church as loving, welcoming, and caring. Strong sense o...

Personal History & Reflections  What is your earliest childhood memory?  What world events had the most impact on you while growing up?  How is the world today different from when you were young?  What was a proud moment in your life? Spiritual History  What is your faith tradition, and how did you arrive at it?  Can you share a time when your faith helped you through a difficult period?  How has being part of a congregation or organized religion shaped your life?  Apart from the Bible, what books have been the most meaningful to you?  What’s your favorite hymn, and why?  How has your faith influenced your family life, marriage, or personal challenges? Family & Relationships  What is your greatest hope for your children and grandchildren?  If you could leave one important message for your family, what would it be?  Can you share a story about a close friendship that has impacted you?  How did you meet your spouse, and what drew you to them?  What do you b...

                                                    Penny's Children's message with River  We had an incredibly emotional week in many ways. However, God continues to reveal Himself, and as we know Him more deeply, we are transformed. Last Friday, we held a combined SPRC meeting where we shared our feelings and our requests for the new pastor with the District Superintendent. Please continue to pray for this journey. We will also hold a listening session and an Ad Council meeting next Sunday, following the service. The Samaritan woman did not realize at first what a great Gift was speaking to her. She didn’t know who Jesus was—the very Source of living water. However, she did know that the Messiah was coming; she held onto hope and was waiting for Him. When Jesus connected her knowledge with a direct, personal experience, she finally realized who He was....