1020 S 10th Ave, Safford, AZ 85546, US
From the Pastor
September 2025
From the Pastor’s Heart
Dear Beloved Church,
As summer winds down and we prepare to step into the rhythm of Autumn, our calendars fill with both the joy of new beginnings and the important work of the church. Seasonal decorations have already started to fill the aisles at local stores. Alongside the return of school and the changing seasons, it is once again time for our yearly statistical reporting to the conference of our beloved church.
This year, on October 4th, we are blessed to welcome our “new” District Superintendent, Rev. Javier Olivares, who will join with our church Leadership Team to share about the state of our church. You—yes, you—are invited to come and be part of this very important time we call the Church (Charge) Conference.
The Church Conference is more than just numbers and reports. It is an opportunity for the congregation to gather, listen, and truly understand the factors that influence both the growth and the challenges of our church—here in Safford and throughout the greater Gila Valley.
Your presence matters, because the story of our church is told not only in statistics but in the lives and faith of the people who call this place home.
Following this vital gathering on October 4th, we will begin an exciting Visioning process. Rev. Rachel Gilmore, Conference Director of New Faith & Vital Faith Communities, will lead us in this endeavor. Together, we will seek God’s direction for how we can continue to take our church out into the community, and how we will faithfully step into the future with hope, purpose, and love.
Let us move forward into this season of change with hearts open to God’s Spirit and with joy in the journey ahead.
May it be so,
Pastor Lesli
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1020 S. 10th Avenue
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 424-1190
