1020 S 10th Ave, Safford, AZ 85546, US
From the Pastor
October 2025
From the Pastor’s Heart
HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!
This is my favorite time of year. I get to bring out my cozy sweaters, sip on hot pumpkin spice and nut brûlée coffees, sit outside a little longer, and take nice, long walks with my pups. There’s just something about autumn that makes me feel both grounded and renewed at the same time.
It also happens to be one of my favorite times of year in the life of the church. Some folks call it the “Big Ask,” others call it Annual Stewardship, and still others simply call it the Giving Season. Whatever we call it, I love this season because it is when we, personally as individuals, and a church family, pause to take a deeper look at our discipleship—how we are living as followers of Jesus Christ in a world that needs His love more than ever.
On a more recent Sunday, we reflected on the meaning of generosity. What does it mean to use the blessings (our money and resources) God has entrusted to us for the sake of others? Are we living in such a way that, when we reach the end of our journey, we will be joyfully welcomed into the “Eternal Homes” of those we have helped, served, clothed, fed, sheltered, or protected along the way?
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25:40
“I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.” And in Luke 6:38, we are promised: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good portion—packed down, firmly shaken, and overflowing—will fall into your lap. The portion you give will determine the portion you receive in return.” (CEB)
As we move through this season, may we each prayerfully consider how we are called to give—not out of guilt or obligation, but with joy, gratitude, and trust that God multiplies every gift. Let’s continue to live generously, not just with our finances, but also with our time, our prayers, our talents, and our hearts.
Happy Fall, dear friends. Let’s walk this season together, in faith, gratitude, and with “Extravagant Generosity”.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Lesli
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1020 S. 10th Avenue
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 424-1190
