Dear Family of APUMC, 

It’s Vacation Bible School…and what a wonderful week it has been!  

Since I am still in my first year of appointment here at Ashland Place, I did not know exactly what to expect. I imagine that most of the 70+ children who have participated felt much the same way. Will I know anybody there? Will the leaders be glad to see me? Will I have any fun?  

I am delighted to confirm that all of those questions have been answered with a great, big YES! The children have learned new scriptures and new songs of praise. They’ve learned about trusting Jesus in the face of life’s challenges and fears. They’ve also learned (as Jesus clearly teaches) that when it comes to giving the pastor a pie in the face, that “the measure you give is the measure you get” (Matt. 7:2).  

Best of all, new friends have been made and new leaders have been developed along the way. This week has been a ton of fun, and we are already making plans for what could come next in the schedule for future fellowship. Have I mentioned our plans for an intergenerational flag football tournament this fall? Mark your calendars for August 24–The Kickoff Cookout at APUMC. More on this to come! Stay tuned for further details.  

As for the immediate schedule, I would encourage you to consider these upcoming events: 

• This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. Dr. Kristen will be preaching the message “Happy Birthday, Church!” 
• The 2025 Annual Conference will be held June 8-10 at First UMC Pensacola. Please be in prayer for Bishop Jonathan Holston, the members of his Cabinet, and all of the lay and clergy delegates across our Alabama-West Florida Conference. 
• The following Sunday, June 15, will be our farewell for Kristen, Micah, and Callie Wright. Please make plans to celebrate the impact of their ministry for the last 6 years here at Ashland Place.
• Starting June 18 through July 9, I will be offering a four week Bible Study discussion on the Beatitudes of Jesus (Matthew 5:1-11). We will begin our gathering in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30. All are welcome to join us!
• Sunday, July 6, will be the welcome reception for our future Associate Minister, Rev. Jennifer Porto. She and her husband, Evan, are eager to be a vital part of our next chapter of ministry here at APUMC. I have assured them that this is a wonderful place to serve. Let us give them a fitting introduction!

I know it is summer break for many, but there is no break in our sense of mission and purpose as the body of Christ here in midtown Mobile. Disciple-making is an everyday discipline! So whenever you are in town, I look forward to seeing you in worship.  

Clearly, God is doing a new thing in the life of this church. The Spirit is on the move! You do not want to miss it! 

The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ 

And let everyone who hears say, ‘Come!’ (Rev. 22:17).

With God’s Great Love, 

Darren