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1020 S 10th Ave, Safford, AZ 85546, US

928-428-4211

928-428-4211

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  • More
    • Home
    • News & Upcoming Events
    • Online Giving
    • Pastor’s Monthly Musings
    • Online Sunday Services
    • Connected Ministries
      • Our Neighbors Pantry
      • First UMC Foundation
      • Kairos Prison Ministries
      • Walk to Emmaus
  • Home
  • News & Upcoming Events
  • Online Giving
  • Pastor’s Monthly Musings
  • Online Sunday Services
  • Connected Ministries
    • Our Neighbors Pantry
    • First UMC Foundation
    • Kairos Prison Ministries
    • Walk to Emmaus

First United Methodist Church - Safford, AZ

First United Methodist Church - Safford, AZFirst United Methodist Church - Safford, AZFirst United Methodist Church - Safford, AZ

Loving Like Jesus, Acting For Justice, United In Hope

Loving Like Jesus, Acting For Justice, United In Hope Loving Like Jesus, Acting For Justice, United In Hope Loving Like Jesus, Acting For Justice, United In Hope

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

leslimcgowan@gmail.com


FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 

1020 S. 10th    Avenue

Safford, AZ 85546 

(928) 424-1190                     



Copyright © 2018 First United Methodist Church - Safford, AZ - All Rights Reserved.


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