Springing Forward: Ministry Growth and a Palm Sunday Picnic

In the post-Covid era it has been challenging to restart every ministry of the church.  Slowly but surely these things are coming back.  Some ministries have been amazing lately. 

Children’s Sunday school, under the great leadership of Kelley Poynter, is regularly drawing between 10 and 15 children—up from one post-Covid. 

Pastor Kevin has reinvigorated the Youth Ministry with exciting activities each week and new youth participating including two coming for Chino Valley.  As Kevin said, the vision of regional youth ministry is starting to happen.

With these successes in mind, I am excited to invite you to a picnic on Palm Sunday.  Prior to Covid, church picnics were an annual event.  This year our picnic will be on Palm Sunday, which is April 13 beginning at 12:30pm. 

We have reserved the Hilltop Ramada at Willow Lake Park and will include parking in our reservation.  Our sister churches in Chino Valley and Prescott Valley will be joining us.  This is part of the effort to restart joint activities between the churches.

Hot dogs, beverages and paper goods will be provided.  Each congregation is being asked to bring side dishes — “potluck” style.  PUMC’s assignment is “starchy sides” — think potato salad, pasta salad, rice salad, mac ‘n’ cheese and the-like.  The other churches are responsible for green salads and desserts.

We are planning on games, singing together, and fellowship with our neighbor Methodists.

A picnic reminds us of so many of our blessings.  Our Methodist neighbors, the beauty of the natural surroundings, and best of all, God is with us.

See you in church,

—Pastor Dan