Grace and peace,
Today marks the beginning of our second year together and it is a good occasion to look back on what where we have been over the past year and to look ahead to the coming year.
Belinda and I are truly thankful for the warmth by which we were welcomed into the Stevi UMC family and our new home in the Bitterroot Valley.
Our Valley saw blistering heat and fires last summer and bitter cold and lots of snow over the recent winter. There have been causes to celebrate and issues that divided us.
Our church has seen many new faces and bade farewell to long-time friends and members. We have added classes and studies as interest in faith formation increases. Our fellowship time is a lively gathering and our worship has seen the transition from one pastoral style to another.
Our musical offerings have been both creative and inspirational. The pre-worship praise music, summer offerings, choir, chimes, brass, and the fifth Sunday sing are examples of a joy-filled community. We now have four adult groups, a middle school youth gathering, and a children's class on Sunday. Ten new disciples were added to our number.
The congregation's membership is involved in a great many mission areas throughout the Bitterroot Valley and beyond. It is truly a blessing to have fundraisers, not for budget, but for ministry and mission.
Over the course of the coming year I am confident that we will continue to grow in numbers as well as the more important area of discipleship. I am excited about the study, "Jesus and the Gospels" starting in September and the expansion and growth of our faith formation offerings.
While we a lot to look forward to we do have a lot of names on our rolls that for one reason or another have absented themselves from the activities of the congregation. Each of us has the responsibility to hold one another accountable for our faith and discipleship. If you know of a child, youth, adult, or family that needs help in reconnecting, please take the initiative to make this happen.
Our community's children need more examples of adults willing to give of themselves for their activities. The day-camp we offered was a great start, what's next? We need more opportunities for our youth to connect to the life of faith in and outside of the church walls.
Yes, there are challenges to come in this next year. Some we know are coming, others will surprise us when they "pop up." Come what may we can be confident that our God, who has been with us in the past will remain present in the life of this congregation.
May the Lord continue to bless the life and mission of the Stevensville UMC!
Every blessing,
Pastor Charles
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