Until Next Time - Pastor Michelle

By As I prepare for my last two weeks in Edinburg, I can’t help but find joy in all the things we have done together. All the things God has done in us and through us as a faith community, a faith family. It’s important to me that we celebrate our time in ministry together, our time in real relationship, knowing I am a better person and pastor for having these eight years with you all. 

     I’ve been reminiscing over some of my favorite experiences and ministry work with my EFUMC family. One of the things I’m most proud of us for is our relationship with UTRGV Agroecology department and the creation of the HUB of Prosperity on our back five acres. The work we all shared in to have the property designated agricultural again, clearing, first planting, seeding. Later, the support our congregation gave to the farmers’ markets and the community garden beds. Most recently, our communion offering for the HUB to show our solidarity to the program after the new federal administration rescinded one of their grants. EFUMC wrote a check for just shy of $1000 in May from your support for the HUB. 

     The stained-glass cross that hangs over our altar will always be a beautiful reminder to me of my time at Edinburg. A simple idea of creating a physical testimony that God makes our broken pieces beautiful took on a deeper meaning and powerful act of worship. When I asked Marty Engelbrecht if he could build a frame for the project, he sought Jimmy Billings’ help with the wood working, Jimmy provided the wood for the frame, a pew from the old church downtown. Shortly after starting the project, we stopped meeting for worship due to COVID. Throughout that time, leading up to Easter, people scheduled time to come in and places their broken pieces.

People who had moved away sent pieces or brought them in to have their family members place them in the frame. That cross contains memories of loved ones passed, tears of grief and restoration, prayers for situations that only God can heal. We brought our pieces, God made them beautiful. 

       Our Wednesday night Bible Study became a weekly gathering of family. It started as Wine and the Word, a women’s study group. Then, it became a weekly study for anyone who wanted to attend. In 2024, the group committed to reading the bible in a year. So many in congregation and online family read together daily. It was hard. We are better for it.

       My last Sunday is June 8th. I find it fitting that it is Pentecost Sunday. We look for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon EFUMC, on our incoming pastor Sarah Solis, and upon me as you send me forward to a new appointment. Following the service we will have a “great big potluck.” I’m going to have a notebook there. I’d love it if you would share one of your favorite things about the last eight years together. 

       I was asked by the SPRC of Laurel Heights how I felt about leaving my home of eight years. I told them, “…home and family aren’t defined by geography. I’m not leaving anything behind, I’m bringing it all with me.” 

       Thank you for loving me well. Thank you for serving tirelessly and faithfully. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for supporting me through dark and difficult times. Thank you for trusting me with your joys and most vulnerable places. Thank you joining me at the Table. Thank you for being my family. 

Much Love Always, 

Pastor Michelle