1020 S 10th Ave, Safford, AZ 85546, US
From the Pastor
November 2026
Let's talk about stewardship!
I know, I know… sometimes just hearing the word stewardship makes people a little uncomfortable. We know what comes next, right? The church is going to ask us for money. Well, kind of.
Financial giving is an important part of stewardship. Our generosity makes it possible to keep the lights on, support our ministries, and continue serving our community. But stewardship is about much more than goes in the offering plate. It's about how we live our faith and share the gifts God has given us. Throughout our Many Gifts, One Spirit worship series, we've been exploring the five commitments we make as United Methodists: Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, and Witness. Each offers us an opportunity to grow in faith and participate in the life of our church.
Maybe your gift is reading Scripture during worship, serving Communion, or helping lead the church. Maybe it's welcoming someone new, attending a Bible study, volunteering with Sidewalk Sunday School, or inviting a neighbor to worship. Maybe it's faithfully supporting the church financially. There are many ways to participate, and we need all of them!
This year, I have a special goal for our congregation: 100% participation in daily prayer for First UMC! Imagine what it would mean if every person connected to our church took just a moment each day to pray for our congregation, our leadership, and our ministries. It doesn't have to be a long or fancy prayer. Just a moment to lift our church to God.
Soon, you will receive a two-part commitment card inviting you to consider how you wish to participate in these five areas in 2027. On November 15, Commitment Sunday, one portion will be placed in a basket and blessed during worship. The other is a leaf representing your commitment to daily prayer. We'll bring our leaves together to create something to remind us that we each have something to offer; together we are part of something greater than ourselves.
And speaking of commitment, perhaps you've been attending First UMC for a while and have been wondering what it means to become a member. I'm planning to begin a membership class in January! This will be an opportunity to learn more about our United Methodist faith, explore what church membership means, and consider taking that next step in your faith journey. Whether you're ready to join or simply curious, I'd love to have you participate!
Stewardship isn't about everyone giving the same amount or doing the same things. It's about recognizing that God has given each of us gifts to share, and asking how we might use them to love God and our neighbors.
I can't wait to see what we create together!
See you Sunday!
Blessings,
Pastor Rachel Mosher
NEW PASTOR OFFICE HOURS ON FRONT PAGE!
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1020 S. 10th Avenue
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 424-1190
