July is here, and summer is in full swing! This month, we celebrate freedom and also begin a new church year. I can't wait to see what God will do in and through us in 2024-25! I am so grateful that you are a serving church! You faithfully put your hands and hearts into our shared ministry! Today, please pause and ask God to guide our ministry forward in sharing Christ's love and welcoming all as Jesus welcomes us. Please also thank God for the faithful servants who have served as Elders, Deacons, Church Council Members, and on various Committees and Service Teams in 2023-24. Pray also for those who will serve in these roles in 2024-25.
This month, please also thank God for Kay Benton, who has faithfully served as our Church Custodian for many years. Kay is taking on a new cleaning role with the school system that will require more time, and she needs to step away from her work at Union. We will be sharing a parting love gift with Ms. Kay, but if you would like to share a card or personal note to express thanks and appreciation, please drop that off in the church office by July 8.
With Kay Benton's departure, the Personnel Committee is diligently working to fill the vacancy she leaves behind. However, in the interim, we will need the support of our church community. We are seeking volunteers to assist with various cleaning duties. We will pass the clipboard the next few Sundays, looking for volunteers who could spare a few hours to help in the coming days. Your help will ensure a smooth transition.
I also wanted to update you about our Cemetery Committee and Columbarium Phase 2 Committee. Please join me in welcoming Ken Clark as the new chairperson of the Cemetery Committee and saying thank you to Julian Beckwith for his faithful service as the chairperson for many years. In the coming months, our Cemetery Committee will be working hard to determine what repairs and regular maintenance is needed. They will also be formulating a plan to accomplish this work together. If you are interested in more details or are curious about how you could help, please reach out to Ken Clark. Additionally, our Columbarium Phase 2 Committee, co-chaired by Hal Tatum and Angie Eades, has decided to pause while the Cemetery Committee tackles this vital work.
Finally, I wanted to express my most profound joy in welcoming Susan Hansford as an official member on the last Sunday in June! Susan has been an active participant at Union for a while now, and we are thrilled to have her join. We look forward to serving with Susan and are excited about our future together!
Church, I love you, and I love being your Pastor! May God continue to draw us closer to Jesus and use us well to share his love.