Note from Pastor Jana It is truly an honor to serve as your pastor. Ministry comes with its challenges, but facing those challenges together with such a faithful and resilient congregation makes the journey easier. I am continually inspired by this church’s dedication to loving neighbors, building connections, and serving God in ways that showcase our faith. There is a deep passion and commitment to serving the community through various mission focuses. We gave over 70 hats and gloves, etc to Carnall Elementary this winter. We are collected supplies to make 65 UMCOR Hygiene Kits, we gave 30 Thanksgiving bags to Carnall and Ballman elementary schools. We faithfully have served the community through Farmer’s Market, led by Billy and Peggy Higgins. We made a goal to be a 5 star church through Global Ministries. Even in the midst of feeling smaller as a congregation, we’ve made significant difference in our community. Even with feeling smaller, we have a big heart. We are able to make so much happen. We are a capable congregation. So, we are working on growth. Not just numerical growth, but an inward growth. We need our spiritual growth to be off the charts. Our first step is having a book study with 8 members and myself. We are meeting in September for this study. The book is Your Church Can Thrive by Harold Percy. We hosted a deep dive into prayer for our church the Saturday before it kicked off. We are already feeling a difference. I know the past few years have not been easy, particularly as we’ve navigated the complexities and disagreements surrounding General Conference decisions and disaffiliations. The outside pressures from friends and family hearing one-sided views about what this means about the United Methodist Church. Some of those differences have been difficult to reconcile, yet so many of you have remained steadfast. Your commitment to Wesley, even in times of disagreement, speaks volumes about your love for one another and for this church. I am grateful for your faithfulness and the grace you have extended to one another. As we continue to grapple with our identity and figure out who our target audience is, I recognize the growing weariness among our leadership in carrying much of the load. This is why we must be intentional about defining our purpose, focusing on who we want to reach, and working together to grow Wesley. Thank you for inviting me into your lives and for your collaboration in the work of Jesus Christ. May the Lord continue to increase and overflow our love for one another and for all, as we move forward together with hope and faith. In Christ, Pastor Jana
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