June 2025 Greetings from the Lay Leader's Corner.
Memorial Day is behind us, and we stand at the doorstep of summer, it's June. For the last couple of months this column has been a lot about change and now that change is squarely upon us. By the time you read this newsletter, the Annual Conference will have taken place, and I will have more to write about in the days to come. Pastor Daniel and Wava have moved to their new home. We will start the month with a couple of guest speakers. On June 22 we will have our last opportunity to experience a message from Pastor Daniel, as our pastor, at RCUMC. The last Sunday of June yours truly will be bringing the message. Then Reed City and Hersey UMCs will begin a new era with Pastor Sam in July, but we have a lot to do before then.
The last few weeks have seen a flurry of activity at the parsonage in Hersey. A small army of folks from both churches have been busy as bees readying the premises for its new family. There is too much to recount here but, needless to say there has been a lot accomplished. There is still more to be done before the Gordy’s move in on the 11th of June. If you like to paint or “love” to clean house, inside or out, talk to me or Sheri Thompson to volunteer and get an assignment. Our goal is to be completed by June 7th.
Before we welcome the Gordy’s, we have one more thing to accomplish. June will be a time of reminiscing, sharing, recounting, and celebrating the time we have had with Pastor Daniel and Wava as they begin a new chapter in their life. Let’s take time, as individuals and as a congregation, to thank them and show our appreciation for their time with us sharing the love of God. Goodbyes are never easy, but they can be a celebration of the relationships built that will span time and distance. Besides, we will all remain together enfolded in the arms of God's love.
What a way to kick off the summer. Usually, this time of year, things sort of slow down a little bit when it comes to church activities. Bible studies take a hiatus, vacations are taken, yard work or time at the beach or camping takes up more of our time and we take advantage of those “lazy” days of summer. Hopefully, this summer will be a little different. We have new relationships to form. More of God's good work to fulfill. More disciples of Jesus Christ to make for the transformation of the world. It's going to be a busy summer.
Peace be with you,
Your lay leader,
Timothy Locker, Sr.