1020 S 10th Ave, Safford, AZ 85546, US
From the Pastor
July 2025
From the Pastor’s Heart
Dear Beloved Church,
As we wrap up this AMAZING week with 24 kiddos, who showed up to learn all about how Groovy God really is, and about Jesus’ love for them, we also recognize the heaviness.
There are some changes afoot. I pray that we as a church of love, can find it in our hearts and Sunday mornings, that sometimes our being called to change, is necessary for others to flourish. All of God’s creation deserves to flourish.
As each day seems to bring a fresh wave of uncertainty, the world groans under the weight of war, climate disruption, political division, and economic strain. Stories of injustice—systemic racism, attacks on human rights, deepening inequality—remind us that the work of justice and healing is far from finished.
For many, the days feel heavy, and the path ahead unclear. And yet, dear ones, we gather, we sing, we pray, we serve. We continue to be the Church.
In uncertain times, our call as followers of Jesus doesn’t waver. If anything, it sharpens. Christ calls us not to comfort in the familiar, but to faithfulness in the face of fear. Ours is a gospel that was born under empire, proclaimed by the marginalized, and rooted in radical love. We remember that Jesus didn’t offer easy answers—he offered presence, justice, and unwavering compassion.
We may not be able to control the headlines, but we can choose how we respond. We can advocate for the voiceless, protect the vulnerable, and build bridges where walls are rising. We can show up—for one another, our community, and for the world that God so deeply loves.
Let us not be overwhelmed by all that is wrong, but inspired by what is still possible. We changed hearts this week during VBS by helping those 24 children learn more about Jesus and our very GROOVY GOD!
So, y’all, we press on—with hearts open and spirits stirred. We serve, we pray, we march, we teach, we give, and we hope. Together, we become a living testament to the truth that love still has the final word.
In hope and in celebration,
Pastor Lesli
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1020 S. 10th Avenue
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 424-1190
