Dear Church Family,

As I reflect on my first few weeks at Rector First United Methodist Church, my heart is filled with gratitude. Thank you for the incredible welcome you have extended to me. From the very first Sunday, I have been surrounded by kindness, encouragement, and genuine hospitality. Whether through warm handshakes, thoughtful cards, delicious meals, or simply taking the time to introduce yourselves and share your stories, you have made me feel at home.

Moving to a new community always comes with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty, but you have made this transition a joyful one. I have already witnessed the love you have for one another, your commitment to serving Christ, and your desire to make a difference in the Rector community. It is a blessing to be called to serve alongside you.

One of the things I appreciate most is hearing about the history of this church and the people who have faithfully served here over the years. At the same time, I am excited about the future that God is preparing for us. Together, we have the opportunity to continue sharing the love of Christ with our neighbors, welcoming new people into our fellowship, and growing as disciples.

As we move forward, I encourage us to remember that the church is more than a building or a weekly gathering. We are the body of Christ, called to love God, love one another, and serve the world around us. Every smile, every prayer, every act of kindness, and every invitation to worship is a way of sharing God’s grace with someone who needs it. I got to experience this firsthand during the distribution of food in our community. I had such a rewarding time getting to know you as we served the people in our community.

Thank you again for your warmth, your generosity, and your prayers. I look forward to getting to know each of you better in the weeks and months ahead. If we haven’t had the chance to visit yet, I hope we will soon. My door is always open, and I would love to hear your story.

Thank you for welcoming me into your church family and into this wonderful community. I am excited to see what God has in store for Rector First United Methodist Church as we continue this journey of faith together.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Candace Barron
Pastor, Rector First United Methodist Church