1020 S 10th Ave, Safford, AZ 85546, US
From the Pastor
January 2026
From Pastor's Desk -
Out of Darkness, Comes Light — and Into the New Year
Dear Church Family,
Throughout this Advent season, we have journeyed together under the theme “Out of Darkness, comes Light.” Advent reminds us that God meets us not by removing the night all at once, but by lighting a flame within it. In the birth of Christ, the true Light entered our world—quietly, humbly, and powerfully—shining hope into every shadowed place.
As we move from Advent and Christmas and step into a brand-new year, that Light does not fade. In fact, it is entrusted to us. The darkness we face today can take many forms: weariness, fear, division, grief, uncertainty about the future. Yet Scripture reminds us that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” So how do we keep the darkness at bay?
We do so by staying rooted in Christ—through prayer, worship, Scripture, and community. We keep the darkness from creeping in when we choose kindness over indifference, generosity over scarcity, forgiveness over resentment, and hope over despair. Even the smallest acts of love—checking on a neighbor, offering grace, serving quietly, listening deeply—become reflections of Christ’s Light in the world.
And we share that Light by letting it be seen. Not by perfection, but by presence. Not by having all the answers, but by walking faithfully together. As we enter this new season, I am filled with anticipation and hope for what God has in store for us at First United Methodist Church of Safford. In the months ahead, we will dream and vision together—listening carefully for God’s voice, discerning where the Spirit is leading, and asking bold, faithful questions about who we are called to be and how we are called to serve.
My prayer is that, as God calls, we will answer with a resounding YES!
Yes to love.
Yes to courage.
Yes to stepping into the Light and carrying it forward for others to see.
Let it be so.
I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year as we celebrate Epiphany, the season of revelation—when the Light of Christ is made known to the world in new and beautiful ways.
With love and gratitude,
Pastor Lesli
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1020 S. 10th Avenue
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 424-1190
