A Word From Jerry

Dear Church Family,

Grace and peace to you.

I have just returned from our Holston Annual Conference at Lake Junaluska, and I come home with a heart that is both grateful and encouraged. It was a meaningful few days of worship, prayer, and holy conversation with United Methodists from across our conference. Together, we listened for the movement of God’s Spirit and were reminded of our shared calling—to love boldly, serve joyfully, and move forward with courage in faith.

There were many signs of hope: stories of vibrant ministry, acts of generosity reaching around the world, and a renewed commitment to being the church in our communities. I was especially moved by the way our conference continues to lean into connection—supporting one another, lifting one another up, and trusting that God is still at work among us.

And I want to share this personal word with you—Joy and I return from Annual Conference deeply grateful to continue serving alongside you at First United Methodist Church. It is a joy for both of us to be part of this church family. We give thanks for each of you and for the privilege of walking together in faith as we seek to follow Christ in this place.

As we move into the season ahead, may we carry forward that same spirit we experienced at the conference—trusting God’s presence, loving one another faithfully, and stepping forward together in hope.

Know that you are in our prayers, and we are thankful to be on this journey with you.

With gratitude and hope,
Pastor Jerry and Joy