…On July 1, I had the privilege of beginning my appointment as the pastor at Groveville UMC, and looking back today, my heart is filled with gratitude. A year may seem like a brief chapter in the life of a church that has faithfully served Christ for generations, yet when I pause and remember all that we have experienced together, I cannot help but give thanks to God.
This year has been one of learning. Together we have worshiped, celebrated Holy Communion, prayed through Advent, Lent and Holy Week, gathered around tables for fellowship, welcomed guest preachers, shared memories together during Memorial Day, dreamed about the future through our leadership retreat, and continued strengthening the partnership between our church and Crosswicks.
We have rebuilt our website, improved communication and design, strengthened our committees, developed new policies, and begun laying foundations that we pray will serve this church well for many years to come. None of these things happened because of one person, but because many faithful people among us quietly offered their gifts in the service of Christ.
At the same time, this year has brought challenges. We have walked through seasons of grief, celebrated funerals, faced difficult conversations, navigated changes in leadership and ministry, dealt with technical frustrations, and continued wrestling with the financial realities that many churches experience today. Like every family, we have had moments that required patience, grace, forgiveness, and trust in God.
Some dear friends who were once regular participants are no longer worshiping with us for different reasons. While we certainly miss them, we continue to hold them in our prayers with gratitude for the ways they helped shape the life of Groveville UMC. They remain part of our story, and they will always have a place in our hearts.
Yet while some chapters have come to a close, God has been writing new ones, bringing us joy as we have welcomed several first-time young visitors and new faces into worship. Some have returned, bringing fresh conversations and renewed hope.
One of the greatest blessings of this first year has been witnessing the extraordinary faithfulness of real people. I have watched members prepare meals, arrange flowers, sing in worship, care for the building, visit neighbors, serve on committees, pray faithfully, support one another through difficult days, and quietly carry out ministries that often go unnoticed. This is the Church at its best and the Gospel lived out.
As we begin our second year together, I believe God is inviting us to continue healing and also dreaming. The conversations surrounding our future ahead are not simply about strategies or buildings, but about discerning who God is calling us to become. My prayer is that we will continue listening carefully to one another, remaining open to the Holy Spirit, and trusting that the God who has faithfully guided Groveville for nearly 190 years is not finished writing our story.
On behalf of Elizabeth, Laura, and myself, thank you. Thank you for opening your hearts to us. Thank you for your patience as we learned together. Thank you for your encouragement, your prayers, your kindness, and your partnership in ministry. Serving as your pastor during this first year has been a privilege.
May the God who has been faithful throughout this first year continue to guide us with courage, humility, compassion, and hope as we walk together into the future.
Warmly,
Rev. David Gaitan
