Friends:

My first month at Rome First UMC has flown by! The first year in a new appointment is usually a wild and wonderful whirlwind as you learn about a church and community. It’s full of firsts: first worship services; first meetings with people and groups; and first iterations of special events. It is a challenging time, but it’s also incredibly joyful.

Thank you for your warm and gracious welcome. Thank you for continuing to introduce yourselves when we meet. Thank you for sharing church history and current needs with me. Thank you for dreaming about what we can do with God’s help. Thank you for loving God, loving people, and serving the world! There are lots of great things ahead. You’ll be hearing more about fall Bible studies soon, as well as special events like Blessing of the Animals and the fall carnival.

We closed out July with a great performance from the praise band and a reminder that many people
don’t yet know that God loves them. Let’s show them God’s love. Seeing the people of Rome First UMC kneeling in prayer along the chancel railing was inspiring and moving. May we continue to pray about our efforts to make disciples and share the love of Jesus!

God is at work, my friends! Let’s continue to join in God’s holy work.

Blessings,
Valerie