Weekly Missive

January 22, 2026

Dear Friends,

As I write this on Thursday morning, the weather forecast has been doing what winter forecasts often do — changing its mind.

Earlier in the week, we were hearing predictions of icy conditions for both Saturday and Sunday. By tonight, those forecasts have shifted. It’s now looking more like a cold, wet, and messy weekend — but with ice less likely. At the moment, it appears we will probably be able to gather for worship as usual on Sunday, though we’ll continue to keep a close eye on things.

Because our weekly Missive goes out on Thursday afternoons, I wanted to let you know how we’ll stay in touch if weather conditions change.

If we are unable to meet for in-person worship, here’s how you’ll hear from us:

• An announcement will be posted on our Facebook page by Saturday
https://www.facebook.com/HampsteadUMC

• A recorded message will be placed on the church office phone
(910-270-4648)

• I will record my sermon and it will be posted on Facebook at 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning

If you do not see an announcement, we will plan to worship at our normal time.

If we are able to gather this Sunday, our main scripture will come from Luke 17:11–19, the story of the ten lepers — and especially the one who turned back.

The sermon is titled “Turning Back.”
It’s a story about gratitude that does more than say thank you — gratitude that changes direction, slows us down, and turns our hearts back toward God, the Giver of every good gift.

As part of our ongoing stewardship emphasis, Al Smith will also share a brief testimony about his own stewardship journey — how faith, gratitude, and trust have shaped his response to God’s generosity.

Whether we gather in the sanctuary or connect online because of weather, my hope is the same: that we might pause, remember, and notice again the grace at work in our lives.

Please stay warm, stay safe, and know that you are held in prayer — no matter what the forecast brings.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Dr. Debbie Matthis
Pastor, Hampstead United Methodist Church
(Most folks call me Pastor Debbie)

Reminder: come join us for Consecration Sunday, February 1.

Reserve your spot here: https://bit.ly/HUMCConsecrationSunday2026

or email or call the church office