James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Transitions can be intense.  Moving from spring to fall creates life.  Plants, trees and wildlife are busting out all over.  The same transition also creates tornado season.  Change is not a punishment.  They are a practical reality of life. Our seasons At Friendship UMC, The COVID-19 pandemic, the economy and our personal walk with God are also transitioning.  Following God touches all of the corners of our lives.  Sometimes the changes are gentle, often they are as subtle as a hurricane.  As we know that change is certain, transitions are unsettling. Back in March of 2020 we set two goal for this pandemic that we supposed to over by Easter 2020:  first, to stay connected and second-to be a better church because of COVID.  How did we do?  Staying connected started strong.  The year plus absences took their toll.  Some have moved on, others have  added video instead of in-person meetings, while even more are making their way back.  ALSO, we have a thriving core that remains strong and new members that are active and growing.  We did better than many organizations and are renewing relationship every week. Your church calendar is a balanced, carefully planned activities to encourage your personal growth! We have made many improvements to the facility, our communications, tailored our worship to video and are re-emerging with stronger ministries in small groups, education, and age level ministries. Now we move ahead and watch God work.  The future is bright and our best days are ahead. May is about renewal, as seen in spring flowers.  Renewal is our message, as lived inJesus Christ.  He is the ultimate answer to our personal renewal and He is our unchanging anchor in this wonderful spring season of Friendship UMC.  Blessings to you as we renew, re-invent, and innovate our mission to “inviting all people into a personal, loving relationship with Jesus Christ.  
 
All for Christ,