Making a Difference

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

These days, so many of us are carrying stress and worry—finances, family, health, work, and the daily pressures of life. Recent studies suggest that most Americans experience significant stress or worry, and for many, that burden affects both mental and physical health.

This Sunday, we will continue our sermon series, Mastermind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life. Together, we will look at the wisdom of the Apostle Paul and consider how God meets us in the very real places of worry and stress. My hope is that our time together will be honest, encouraging, and even a little fun as we learn how faith can reshape the way we think and live. If you are carrying worry or stress—or if someone you love is—you are especially invited to come and find encouragement.

For me, this is more than a sermon series; it is a reminder of who we are called to be together. At our core, we are a church that cares—a joyful community where we strive to live and love like Jesus -offering refuge and kindness to those who need it most.

Recently, Lacey Cesarz, our Care Team coordinator, shared this beautiful update: “Since September 2025, we've provided meals for 12 families, totaling 68 meals delivered to members navigating surgeries, illnesses, new babies, and other seasons of need. This summer alone has been especially active, providing or currently providing meals for 5 families, totaling 38 meals. I am thankful for the volunteers who have shown up time and again to cook, deliver, and care for our members. It has been a joy to step into this role and watch this ministry grow, and to witness firsthand the impact it has on families during difficult seasons.”

What a gift this ministry is. If you know of someone in our congregation who could be blessed by a meal, please let our church office know. And if you would like to be part of caring for others in this simple and meaningful way, we would love to help you get connected. Put your name on the list through our church office.

Here are a few other meaningful places where you can share the love of Jesus through our ministries:

Malvern Classroom Partners – Led by Becky Neeley. A classroom partner gives one hour each week to support a teacher at Malvern Elementary, a socio-economically disadvantaged Title 1 school in MISD. It is a simple, personal way to encourage students and teachers alike. We need 12 to 15 more partners for this school year.

Extended Table Communion Team – Led by Jan Robertson. On the first Sunday of each month, this team brings communion to members who are unable to attend worship, reminding them that they remain a beloved part of our church family.

Care Visitation Team – Led by Becky Neeley. This team works alongside our pastors to visit people in hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes, or at home.

Hospitality Team – Led by Carol Furchak. This team prepares coffee and refreshments each Sunday morning and helps every person who walks through our doors feel seen and welcomed. We never know who might need just a kind welcoming word.

Office Volunteer Team – Led by Emily Smith. This group helps staff our church office on Mondays and on other days as needed. They are the warm voice and friendly face for our church during the week.

These are just a few simple ways we can make a real difference for people who may be feeling worn down by life. We are Stonebridge United Methodist Church, and we worship a God who wants every person to know they are not alone. Because God cares for us, we want everyone to know how deeply God loves them.

See you Sunday!

Blessings!

Pastor John Allen