From Lay Minister Toviao Hopkins BBeloved Friends in Christ, As we welcome the month of June, we find ourselves standing at the beautiful doorway between spring and summer. The school year is coming to an end, children and families are preparing for summer activities, and throughout our communities the fields and gardens are alive with planting, growth, and new beginnings. Everywhere we look, we are reminded that God is always at work bringing new life into the world around us. This season also reminds us of the gift of the Holy Spirit, whose presence continues to abide within us each and every day. Even in the busyness of life, we are called to continue “living in the presence of God”, walking daily with faith, hope, love, and trust in our Lord. The Spirit strengthens us, comforts us, guides us, and gently reminds us that we never walk alone. One of the greatest blessings I have witnessed is the way our small close-knit congregations continue to grow even stronger together. Through worship, fellowship, prayers, caring conversations, and helping hands, you truly reflect the love of Christ to one another. In a world that can sometimes feel divided and uncertain, our church families remain places of warmth, encouragement, compassion, and faithful support. As your lay minister, I want you to know how incredibly blessed, humbled, grateful, and thankful I am to serve alongside you. Serving these churches has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Your kindness, faithfulness, and dedication continually inspire me. Thank you for welcoming me into your lives and “villages”, for your prayers, and for the many ways you share the love of Christ with one another and with our communities. As summer begins, may we continue planting seeds of faith, kindness, and hope wherever God leads us. And may the Holy Spirit continue to fill our hearts with peace, joy, and renewed strength for the journey ahead. May God bless you all with a safe, joyful, and faith-filled summer. With gratitude and love in Christ, GIGATT, Toviao LME