Dear Family and Friends of First United Methodist Church of Torrance,
July is a month of new beginnings.
For many people, January feels like the season of fresh starts. We welcome a new year with hope, make plans for the future, and look forward to what lies ahead. But in the life of the church, July offers us a similar opportunity.
July 1st marks the beginning of a new fiscal year in The United Methodist Church. It is a time to pause, give thanks for God’s faithfulness in the year behind us, and look forward with hope and expectation to the year ahead.
This July is especially meaningful for me personally. It marks the beginning of my fifth year of serving First United Methodist Church of Torrance. As I reflect on the past four years, my heart is filled with gratitude. Through seasons of joy and challenge, celebration and uncertainty, I have witnessed God’s grace at work among us. I have seen people care for one another, pray for one another, serve together, and remain faithful even during difficult times. What an amazing faith community God has given us.
As we begin this new year of ministry together, I believe God is not finished with us yet. There are still lives to touch, neighbors to welcome, children to nurture, youth to encourage, and ministries to strengthen. There are still opportunities to share Christ’s love in a world that desperately needs hope, compassion, and grace.
The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal” (Philippians 3:13-14). We move forward not because everything is perfect, but because God is faithful. Our hope is not based on circumstances. Our hope is deeply rooted in the living presence of Christ who walks with us every step of the way.
July also brings the beginning of summer adventures for many families. Some will be traveling, visiting loved ones, taking vacations, or simply enjoying a change of pace. As a church family, let us keep one another in prayer. Pray for safe travels, meaningful times of rest, and opportunities to experience God’s presence wherever we may go.
At the same time, let us remember those among us who are facing difficult challenges. Some continue to struggle with health concerns. Others carry burdens that are unseen by most people – family difficulties, financial worries, grief, loneliness, or complicated situations that seem overwhelming. They need our prayers, our encouragement, and our presence.
This is what the church does best. We rejoice with those who rejoice, and we walk alongside those who are hurting. We remind one another that no one journeys alone.
As we enter this new year of ministry together, may we do so with faith, hope, and expectation. God has been faithful in the past. God is faithful today. And God will be faithful in the days ahead.
Thank you for being part of this wonderful church family. I look forward to all that God will do among us in the coming year.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jacob