Stepping Into Sacred Rest: Summer Worship & Care at Westminster

As we move into the heart of summer, we also enter a sacred and intentional season in the life of our church. Beginning July 1, Pastor Dennis will step into a time of Renewal Leave through August 17—a time set apart for spiritual rest, reflection, and renewal.

This decision, rooted in our shared United Methodist covenant (see ¶350.3 in The Book of Discipline), has been prayerfully and carefully discerned by our Staff-Parish Relations Team. Over the past year, we’ve worked alongside Pastor Dennis and other leaders to ensure the life and ministry of Westminster continues with strength and grace throughout the summer.

🕊️ Mark your calendars for a special moment in worship on Sunday, June 29—we’ll share a message from Staff-Parish and offer a Prayer of Sending Forth as we bless Pastor Dennis into this season of sacred rest.

🌿 Guest Preachers: A Summer of Spirit-Filled Voices

Each week, we will be blessed by gifted preachers who will share the Word with us:

• July 6 & August 17 – Rev. Dennis Adams, retired pastor and beloved friend

• July 13 – Camp Don Lee Staff & Leadership

• July 21 & 28 – Rev. Chris Jenkins, Executive Director, Hope Restorations

• August 3 – Rev. Rhonda Grant Jordan, Director of Peace Building & Outreach Ministry, NC Conference

• August 10 – Rev. Lynn Benson, Director of Legacy Giving, United Methodist Foundation

✨ Westminster Worship Leaders

Our own members will lead worship each week in partnership with our guests:

• July 6 – Rev. Libbie Taylor (Communion Celebrant)

• July 13 – Blair Hamilton

• July 20 – Karyl Willis

• July 27 – Gene McAbee

• August 3 – Rev. Libbie Taylor (Communion Celebrant)

• August 10 – Rev. Libbie Taylor

• August 17 – Clara Jo Hill

💛 Pastoral Care During Renewal Leave

Pastoral care will be lovingly provided by Rev. Libbie Taylor and Rev. Kathy McAbee during this time. Here's how to reach out if a need arises:

📞 Call the church office at 252-522-3334 — Linda Hanks will ensure your message is received and responded to.

📬 You may also leave a non-confidential message on Pastor Dennis’s voicemail (ext. 202). Linda Hanks, Libbie, and Kathy will all have access to the Pastor's voicemail. While Pastor Dennis will not be checking messages during his leave, any notes of encouragement will be shared with him upon his return on August 18.

This summer, as Pastor Dennis embraces rest and renewal, we step forward in faith—anchored in Christ, led by the Spirit, and strengthened by one another.

Let us hold this season in prayer and grace. And join us Sunday, June 29, as we send our pastor with blessing into sacred rest.

With gratitude and love,

Your Staff-Parish Relations Team