Weekly Missive
June 5, 2025
Dear Church Family,
I’m back—and what an incredible journey it was!
Our group followed in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, traveling from Athens to Turkey, and back to Greece to explore Philippi, Thessaloniki, and back to Athens, with a final stop in Corinth. We even spent time on the beautiful islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Every moment was filled with insight, history, and the deep sense of walking where Paul once walked.
One unforgettable highlight came on Day 2, as we explored the ancient ruins of Ephesus—a city where Paul spent nearly three years of his ministry. Once a bustling port city at the crossroads of Asia Minor, Ephesus now lies several miles from the Aegean Sea, surrounded by flat marshland and mountains. Over centuries, silt built up, burying roads under over four feet of earth. Today, only about 10% of the city has been excavated, yet what’s been uncovered is truly awe-inspiring.
Throughout the summer, I’ll be sharing more stories from the trip in these weekly notes and weaving insights into sermons and other moments in our life together.
This Sunday is Pentecost—and we have a special guest!
We’re honored to welcome back Rev. Bruce Stanley, CEO of the Methodist Home for Children and beloved former pastor of this congregation when you worshiped in the little white church down the road. He will be preaching his final sermon before retirement, titled “Order in the Court,” based on Micah 6:1–8. I know it will be a Spirit-filled message! Perfect for Pentecost Sunday!
To honor Bruce’s ministry and mark his final sermon with us, we’re kicking off “Undie Sundays”—a special collection for children in need—and we’ll also gather for a covered dish lunch following worship. Don’t miss this joyful and meaningful Sunday! Remember, one service at 10 AM
See you then!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Debbie
HUMC Vacation Bible School--Registration is OPEN!!
Come join us as we guide kids on the ultimate Alaskan adventure where northern lights glow over majestic mountains, racing rivers, and glistening glaciers. As kids trek the tundra, they’ll explore how easy it is to lose sight of what’s true in our wild world today. Pointing them toward Jesus, True North VBS shows them that he is a faithful friend we can always trust. He’s our True North!
~Registration for Volunteers & Participants~
Now Open!
https://vbspro.events/p/humctruenorth
Donations Are Greatly Appreciated!
https://app.clovergive.com/app/giving/hamp7048570
~VBS Planning Dates~
We need Youth and Adult volunteers!
VBS planning meetings will occur weekly on Tuesdays beginning June 10th and will continue until July 22nd at 6:30 PM in room 5/6. Please plan on joining us as you are able!
Anyone interested in volunteering or working with our children/youth in the coming year must have a background check and attend a safe sanctuary training session (if you have not attended one within the last 2 years).
Youth & Adult Volunteers are needed!
CLICK THE LINK BELOW to register or FOR MORE INFO:
https://vbspro.events/p/humctruenorth
DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
https://app.clovergive.com/app/giving/hamp7048570
QUESTIONS? Feel free to email Jaime Alberti: humcyouth@hampsteadumc.org or call 910-524-1712.