Beyond the Pulpit 6.14.26

Good Morning!

One of the great joys of serving as pastor of Crozet United Methodist Church is serving alongside faithful lay leaders who care deeply about this church and its mission. Our Church Council—nine dedicated members of our congregation—helps guide our church as we seek to faithfully live out God’s work in Crozet. They pray, discern, plan, and make decisions that shape the future ministries of our church.

I can honestly say that we have an amazing leadership team. Every member of our Church Council is committed to service, grounded in faith, humble in spirit, and dedicated to following Christ. Their leadership is not about titles or recognition; it is about discipleship and a willingness to serve the church with wisdom and grace.

Last night, our Council had the delight of being treated to dinner at the home of our Council Chair, Doug Gaskell, where he and Chef Maryalice prepared a truly wonderful meal. What a gift! The food was incredible, and the company was even better. While I regret not capturing a photo, I can assure you that it was a holy event of breaking bread together. In the midst of meetings, decisions, and the important work of planning for the church’s future, it was good simply to relax, laugh, and enjoy one another’s company.

Leadership in the church is often challenging work, but it is also deeply rewarding. Moments like last night remind me that ministry is not only about decisions and schedules, it is about relationships, fellowship, and sharing life together as the body of Christ.

As we move toward fall, our Committee on Nominations and Lay Leadership will begin discerning leaders for the coming year as some members rotate off Council. If you, or someone you know, is sensing a nudge to serve in leadership in any way, I encourage you to reach out to me or to either of our Lay Leaders, Joanne McDaniel or Sandra Monohan. We will soon enter a season of prayerful discernment about who God is calling to serve.

And truthfully, you do not have to host the entire Council and their spouses for a special dinner to be a leader in the church. You simply need to be a church member willing to serve as Jesus served, with humility, faithfulness, and love.

So I’ll ask the question plainly: Are you feeling led?

Grace and peace, Pastor Christy