Pastor's Note

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A Word From the Pastor, Reverend, Daeil Min

Dear Church Family,

I took this photo of our church on a sunny day in September, when the trees along Main Street were still full and green.

If you look above the front doors, you will see words carved in stone: "M.E. Church Built 1872." But our story began even earlier. In 1844, a layman named Ralph Stout gathered the first Methodist class here in Milltown, years before we had a pastor of our own. In 1851, Mrs. Ford gave the bell that still calls us to worship, and today our Sunday school children ring it every Sunday at 10 a.m. as worship begins. From the first members to our youngest ones, the ministry of this church has always been carried by its people. This building is beautiful, but it was never the church. You are.

This month, on October 18, we celebrate Laity Sunday, a day to honor the ministry of every member of this congregation. In the United Methodist Church, ministry does not belong only to the pastor. It belongs to all of us.  Some of us serve in worship as liturgists, musicians, and choir members, and many hands prepare the sanctuary each Sunday. Some serve as ushers and greeters, prepare coffee hour, teach our children in Sunday school, or volunteer in mission. Some tend the church gardens, fix and repair our building, serve on committees, or send cards to people who need to know they are remembered. And some serve simply as faithful witnesses, living their faith day by day. Every act of service is a ministry, and none of it happens by itself. It happens because you say yes to God, again and again.

On Sunday, October 25, at 1:30 p.m., we will gather for our Charge Conference at Aldersgate UMC in East Brunswick, together with other churches in our cluster. This is our yearly time to look back at what God has done among us and to look ahead to where God may be leading. This year, it will be more than a business meeting. It will be a time to celebrate our ministry by sharing stories from the past year. Everyone is welcome to come, and your presence and prayers matter as we plan for the year ahead.

So this month, I have one small request. Thank one person in our church for something they do that often goes unnoticed. A word of thanks can carry someone for a long time.  Thank you for being the church. It is a joy and a privilege to serve alongside you.

Grace and peace,
Rev. Dale Min, senior pastor