Dear Church Family,
As I sit down to write this newsletter, I realize this will be my final monthly newsletter as your pastor. That is not an easy sentence to write.
Over these past two years together, you have welcomed me into your lives, your homes, your celebrations, and your sorrows. We have worshiped together, prayed together, laughed together, and carried one another through difficult moments. Serving this church has been one of the great blessings of my ministry.
When I arrived at Malvern First United Methodist Church, I saw a congregation with deep faith, generous hearts, and tremendous potential. Since then, I have watched this church continue to grow in compassion, courage, and community. Together we began new ministries, explored new ideas, cared for our neighbors, and reached beyond the walls of the church in meaningful ways. Whether through the Caregivers Support Group, Hymns on Tap, children and youth worship opportunities, yoga ministry, outreach events, or simply the countless quiet acts of kindness that happen every week, you have shown what it means to be the body of Christ. Thank you for allowing me to walk alongside you.
Transitions are never easy, but they are also part of the life of the Church. The people called Methodist have always understood that ministry is bigger than any one pastor or any one season. God continues to lead the Church forward, and I truly believe God has wonderful things ahead for Malvern First United Methodist Church.
I encourage you to continue loving boldly, serving faithfully, and welcoming generously. Keep supporting one another. Keep reaching out to your community. Keep singing loudly. Keep trusting that God is not finished with this church yet.
As I prepare to begin my new appointment at Rector First United Methodist Church, please know that a part of my heart will always remain here in Malvern. I will carry the memories, friendships, and love of this congregation with me wherever I go.
One of the things I have said often is that the Church is not a building. It is people bound together by the love of Christ. That love does not end with a pastoral transition.
So while this chapter closes, the story continues. Thank you for letting me be part of yours. Thank you for your prayers, your kindness, your patience, and your faithfulness.
Most of all, thank you for allowing me to be your pastor.
May God continue to bless this church richly in the days ahead.
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Candace Barron
“United in Hope. Growing in Love.”