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April / May 2026 Newsletter

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:47:28 GMT

April / May 2026 Newsletter

The Season of Becoming

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of a new season. A season not marked by an empty tomb alone, but by a living presence. A season the Church has long understood as a time of becoming .

For forty days after the Resurrection, Jesus appeared repeatedly to His disciples and to many others. Scripture tells us that He taught them about the Kingdom of God, opened their understanding, and prepared their hearts for what was to come. These were not random appearances. They were intentional, formative, and deeply relational. This was a sacred in-between time; no longer the grief of Good Friday, not yet the power of Pentecost. It was a season of transformation.

This forty-day period culminates in the Ascension of Jesus, when Christ commissions His followers and promises the gift of the Holy Spirit. But before that moment, He walks with them, speaks peace to them, and gently shapes them into who they are becoming.

We see one of the most powerful examples of this in Gospel of John 20:19–31. The disciples are gathered behind locked doors, fearful and uncertain, when Jesus suddenly stands among them and says, “Peace be with you.” He breathes on them and speaks of the Holy Spirit, a foretaste of what is to come.

And then there is Apostle Thomas. Thomas was not present for that first appearance, and when the others tell him what they have seen, he struggles to believe. He wants to see for himself. He wants to touch the wounds. He wants a faith that is real and grounded.

And Jesus meets him there. Rather than rejecting Thomas’ doubt, Jesus invites it into relationship, “Put your finger here… Do not doubt but believe.” In that moment, Thomas offers one of the most profound confessions in all of Scripture, “My Lord and my God!”

Because of Thomas, we are reminded that questions are not the enemy of faith. They are often the doorway into deeper faith. We, too, long to see what we cannot physically see. We wrestle with what we do not fully understand. And yet, the risen Christ still comes to us, still speaks peace, still invites us to trust.

This season of becoming is not only something we read about in Scripture, but also something we live through in our own lives.

In these next few weeks we will see high school seniors preparing to graduate, standing on the threshold of a new chapter. Families will gather to celebrate accomplishments; to honor long days of study, growth, and perseverance. There is joy in these milestones, but also a quiet ache. Endings and beginnings often arrive hand in hand.

At the same time, creation itself bears witness to this sacred rhythm. The earth is in full bloom. Trees bud, flowers open, and the world seems to come alive again. It is breathtakingly beautiful, and yet, even this beauty reminds us of change, of seasons passing, of life moving forward whether we are ready or not.

This is the tension of Easter. It is a season of both beauty and pain, of celebration and uncertainty, and of resurrection and becoming.

The disciples knew this feeling well. Their world had been turned upside down. They were filled with hope, yet still unsure of what came next. And amid it all Jesus kept showing up.

So how do we encounter the Living Christ in this season of becoming?

We encounter Him:

· In gathered community , where Christ is present when we come together in His name

· In Scripture , where the Word becomes alive and speaks into our lives

· In the quiet whisper of peace that settles our fears

· In acts of love and service , where we become the hands and feet of Christ

· Even in our questions , seeking leads to deeper knowing

This Easter season is not just something we remember. It is something we embody. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is alive within us. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Epistle to the Romans 8:11, that Spirit is still giving life, still renewing, still transforming.

We are not the same people we were before Easter. And yet, we are not fully who we are becoming.

Like the disciples in those forty days, we are being shaped, taught, and prepared.

This is the Season of Becoming.

We are becoming a people of resurrection hope.
We are becoming a people who trust even when we cannot see.
We are becoming a people who carry Christ’s peace into a changing world.
We are becoming a people filled with the Spirit, ready to live and love boldly.

So, as you celebrate graduations, as you marvel at the beauty of spring, as you navigate both joy and uncertainty know the risen Christ is with you.

Christ is risen, and in Him, we are becoming.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Amy

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March / April 2026 Newsletter

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:55:25 GMT

March / April 2026 Newsletter

A New Start – Easter Is Coming!

As we journey through the final days of our forty day Lenten season, our hearts are turning toward the joy of Easter morning. On April 5th , we will gather to proclaim the greatest good news the world has ever known: Christ is risen!

Matthew tells us that early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb (Matthew 28:1–10). What they expected to find was death and finality. Instead, they encountered an empty tomb, a messenger from heaven, and the astonishing announcement: “He is not here; for he has been raised.”

In that moment, everything changed. Fear turned into joy. Mourning turned into hope. The end they expected became a new beginning . Easter is God’s declaration that death does not have the last word. In the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God gives the world and each of us a new start .

During these forty days of Lent, we have walked a spiritual journey together. Lent invites us to slow down, reflect, confess, and open our hearts to God. It is a season of preparing ourselves not by striving harder, but by learning something deeper: the gift of receiving .

After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples. John tells us that Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). Just as God breathed life into humanity in the beginning, the risen Christ breathed new life into his followers. The Spirit was not something they could earn or manufacture. It was a gift to receive .

And that gift was never meant for only a few. In the book of Acts, when Peter was speaking in the home of Cornelius, the Holy Spirit fell upon everyone who heard the message (Acts 10:44–46). The Spirit was poured out freely—across boundaries, across backgrounds, across every dividing line.

The same invitation is extended to us today.

Easter is not only a celebration of something that happened long ago. It is a living promise that the risen Christ is still breathing new life into his people. The same Spirit given to the disciples… the same Spirit poured out in Acts… is the Spirit God longs for us to receive today .

As we approach Easter Sunday, may we come with open hearts. Let us lay down what burdens us, release what we cannot carry, and make room for the life God desires to give.

This Easter, let us receive anew—
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

And as we receive, may the resurrection of Jesus Christ become for each of us what it was for those first witnesses at the tomb:

A New Start.

I look forward to celebrating the joy of Easter with you.

Halleluiah He is Risen,

Pastor Amy

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February / March 2026 Newsletter

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:11:16 GMT

February / March 2026 Newsletter

As we turn the page toward another holy season in the life of the Church, we prepare to enter the sacred journey of Lent. Our Lenten walk will begin with our Ash Wednesday Service at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, February 18th , and together we will travel the road that leads us to the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday, April 5th .

Lent has been observed by Christians for more than 1,500 years. The word “Lent” comes from an old English word meaning springtime —a season of new growth. In the early Church, Lent was a 40-day period of preparation for new believers who would be baptized at Easter. Over time, it became a sacred season for all Christians, a time of repentance, reflection, prayer, fasting, generosity, and renewal. The 40 days remind us of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, facing temptation and preparing for His ministry.

Lent is not about guilt. It is about grace.

This year, our Lenten theme is “Renewed to Mercy.” Mercy is at the heart of who God is. Throughout Scripture, we see a God who meets wandering people in the wilderness, who provides manna for the journey, who speaks hope into dry bones, and who stretches out His arms in love on the cross. Lent invites us to walk those wilderness roads again, not alone, but guided by God’s promise that God’s steadfast love never fails.

The wilderness is not comfortable. It is a place of honesty. A place where distractions fall away. A place where we rediscover what truly matters. Yet it is also a place of deep grace. In the wilderness, God renews us. In the wilderness, God reshapes us. In the wilderness, God rebuilds us.

You may remember that the word guiding us this year is Rebuild . Lent gives us space to rebuild our understanding of God’s plan and purpose for our lives. It calls us to rebuild our trust in His love. It challenges us to rebuild our commitment to live as people who reflect the Kingdom of God in our homes, our church, and our community.

To be “Renewed to Mercy” means we receive mercy—and then we become mercy. We forgive as we have been forgiven. We extend grace as grace has been extended to us. We walk humbly, love deeply, and serve faithfully. We remember that we never walk alone. Christ walks with us.

The Spirit strengthens us. The Church journeys together.

As we begin this holy season, I invite you to commit to the journey. Join us for worship. Set aside intentional time for prayer. Consider what you may need to lay down, and what God longs to rebuild in you. Allow this to be more than a season on the calendar. Let it be a season of transformation.

The road to Easter always passes through the wilderness. But the wilderness does not get the final word. Resurrection does.

May this Lent renew our hearts in mercy and lead us together into the joy of Easter morning.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Amy

January / February 2026 Newsletter

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:39:30 GMT

January / February 2026 Newsletter

Rebuild

A New Year Reflection in the Season of Epiphany

As we step into a new year, we do so not in the quiet stillness of Christmas, but in the bright, revealing light of the Epiphany season. Epiphany reminds us that God is still showing up, still making things known, still revealing light in places we did not expect. This year, the word that has been stirring in my heart is Rebuild .

Rebuilding begins first within us. The past seasons of life; personally, congregationally, and globally have taken their toll. We carry weariness, grief, and questions about what comes next. Yet Scripture gently invites us not to be defined by what has been lost, but by what God is still doing. Through the prophet Isaiah, God says, “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18–19). Rebuilding does not mean erasing the past; it means trusting that God can make a way forward even through wilderness and dry ground.

For me, rebuilding my spiritual life this year means creating space again. Space for prayer that is honest, scripture that shapes my thinking, and trust that God’s Spirit is at work even when progress feels slow. Rebuilding is rarely flashy. It often happens quietly, one brick at a time. Choosing hope, practicing faithfulness, and showing up again and again.

This same call to rebuild extends to us as the Church of White Oak UMC. Rebuilding is not simply about programs, attendance, or buildings, though those matter. It is about reclaiming who we are called to be; a community rooted in Christ, open to the Spirit, and committed to loving God and neighbor. Epiphany reminds us that the light of Christ is meant to shine through us, guiding others toward hope.

The good news is that we do not rebuild by our own strength alone. Paul’s words in Ephesians ground us in promise: “Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine… to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations” (Ephesians 3:20–21).

This promise matters. God’s power is already at work within us, within each person, and within this congregation doing more than we can yet see. Rebuilding is not about sheer effort or anxiety over outcomes. It is about trusting that God’s power is greater than our limitations and God’s imagination exceeds our own. When we rebuild with God we rebuild with hope.

impossible to take away any one of these four postures when seeking God’s plan for renewal and rebuilding. All four are needed and required.

First , Patience : rebuilding takes longer than we wish, and progress is often slow and hidden.

Second, Participation : the Church cannot be rebuilt by a pastor or a committee alone. Every member’s prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness matter.

Third, Perseverance : there will be setbacks, disappointments, and days when it feels easier to settle for what is familiar rather than press toward what is faithful.

Lastly, Pardon: (forgiveness) in order for God to answer our prayers, our hearts need to be clean and open. Mark 11:25 – “ And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

As we begin this new year, my prayer is that we will rebuild together with patience, courage, and expectation. I invite you to pray with me:

What might God be asking you to rebuild in your own life; faith, trust, rest, courage, joy?
And what might God be asking us to rebuild together as a church rooted in love, hospitality, and service?

Epiphany light reminds us that God is not finished with us yet. There is still more to be revealed, more to be restored, and more to be imagined together.

May this be a year where we rebuild with faith, trusting that God will accomplish far more than we can ask or imagine, for the glory of Christ and for the good of all generations. So, let this be our shared prayer as we step into this Epiphany season:

“Lord, rebuild my heart in Your love, and rebuild Your church in Your power.”

As we invite Christ to rebuild us from the inside out, White Oak UMC can become again a place where light is seen, hope is heard, and people discover that God is not finished with them or with this congregation. May the God who begins good work among us carry it on, and may this be a year when the word Rebuild becomes a living testimony of what God has done in us and through us. May we trust that God is making a way where none seemed possible. May we perceive the new thing God is doing among us. And may the light revealed in Epiphany guide us as we rebuild faith by faith, heart by heart, and community by community to the glory of God!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Amy

December/January Newsletter

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:02:08 GMT

The Promise

From Pastor Amy’s Desk

Finding Holiness in the Hardest Season

Dear Friends,

As December settles in around us, the days grow shorter, the shadows longer, and the nights seem to stretch on endlessly. The winter solstice reminds us that these are, quite literally, the longest nights of the year. For many of us, those long nights echo something inside; heaviness, grief, a quiet ache that doesn’t fit neatly into the bright and cheerful images that often define the Christmas season.

Over the years, I have learned, sometimes slowly, sometimes painfully, that grief does not take a holiday. Depression does not pause for Christmas carols. The heart does not always feel “merry and bright” just because the calendar tells us it should. I know this personally. I live with it personally. And if you do too, I want you to hear this from your pastor’s heart: It is okay if this season is hard. It is okay if you are not okay.

One of the questions I hear often, and have asked myself in difficult seasons, is: “How can the holidays still be holy when my heart is hurting?”

And the answer that keeps rising softly, gently, persistently is this: holiness is not the absence of sorrow. Holiness is the presence of God within our sorrow. Holiness is God showing up in our darkness with a light that is steady, tender, and unforced. Holiness is Emmanuel “ God with us ” especially when the nights feel overwhelming.

To know Jesus is to know community. When we come to Jesus, He invites us into the deep and loving fellowship of His family, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The holy community of God is not a community of pretending but of presence. A community that sits with us in our tears, stands with us in our questions, and holds us when we are too weary to hold ourselves.

If Jesus draws us into that kind of community, then surely, we are called to be that for one another as well. We were never meant to grieve alone, especially on the dark days.

That is why I want to offer a heartfelt invitation to our Longest Night Service on Thursday, December 18th, at 6:30 PM in the Sanctuary . This service is created especially for those who struggle during this season, for those who find the darkness a little too familiar, the memories a little too sharp, or the festivities a little too heavy.

The Longest Night Service is gentle.
It is quiet.
It is honest.

And it is a sacred space where you can bring every part of yourself, your grief, your longing, your fatigue, your questions, and your fragile hope.

We come together not to “fix” anything, but to tell the truth about our lives, to rest in God’s presence, and to remember that the Light of Christ shines in the darkness, not after it, not around it, but right in the very middle of it.

My prayer is that this service will be a place of refuge for you, as it is for me.
A place where your aching heart can breathe.
A place where the holy draws close, even when happiness feels far away.
A place where community holds us gently through the longest nights.

With love and grace,

Pastor Amy

Full newsletter can be downloaded here .

October/November Newsletter

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 18:10:06 GMT

Stand Firm and Hold Fast

From Pastor Amy’s Desk

From the Pastor’s Heart: A Season of Renewal and Gratitude

by Pastor Amy

Dear White Oak Family,

I want to begin by expressing my deep gratitude for the gift of time away for Spiritual Renewal Leave. What a blessing it has been to step aside for a season; to breathe, to listen, and to allow God to renew my spirit. Your support and prayers made this time possible, and I return to you with a heart filled with peace and gratitude.

During these past weeks, I experienced renewal in so many ways. I enjoyed intentional time with my family, finding a new rhythm of prayer and quiet with God. I even began horseback riding lessons, something that was both exhilarating and deeply therapeutic. Those moments in the saddle became a tangible lesson in faith: learning what I could control, letting go of what I could not, and trusting the gifts that God has already placed within me.

I have learned there is something sacred in the art of horseback riding—a rhythm of trust and grace shared between humans and horses. Riding Lady Mercedes , a beautiful Tennessee Walker, has been a lesson in balance, humility, and awe. With her smooth gate and gentle spirit, she reminds me that strength and gentleness can dwell together. Each ride is a conversation without words, and a partnership built on trust and respect. In her steady stride, I see the handiwork of our Creator God, who crafted such majestic creatures to teach us patience, courage, and the quiet joy of moving in harmony with His creation. I am grateful to Cindy the owner and my instructor/counselor at Hearts & Hooves Horse Therapy in Soddy Daisy, TN.

This season also brought moments of deep grief and grace. I walked with families through the loss of our beloved members Mrs. Evelyn Wolff and Connie Doyle , and I continued to grieve the passing of my dear friend, Wetherly Kennedy . In each of these sacred moments, God reminded me again that faith is not passive—it is a movement. It is trust in the unseen, and it is gratitude even when our hearts are tender.

One of the greatest blessings of this time was traveling to Kericho, Kenya to teach at the Pastors Conference hosted by Gateway to Victory School. Standing alongside fellow ministers and sharing God’s Word was a humbling and joy-filled experience. I went to pour out what I could, but I returned feeling that I had received even more than I gave.

I carried Wetherly in my heart, as she had planned to go with me to help the teachers at Gateway. I honored Wetherly in my teaching to the pastors and celebrated Wetherly by loving everyone and sharing joy.

Wetherly left so much joy with the children and families of Gateway last February and I am forever grateful for Chuck & Cris Darsey who not only introduced me to the ministry and family of Gateway to Victory School but have also traveled with me each time. God has used Chuck & Cris to open my heart, expand my heart and help to heal my heart. We are always Better Together!

My time away renewed my faith and deepened my understanding that wholeness is found in gratitude—not only in physical healing or answered prayers, but in the quiet, steady trust that God is with us in every step, every season, and every breath.

Thank you, White Oak family, for the grace to rest, reflect, and return refreshed. I am so grateful to serve alongside you as we continue to grow in faith, hope, and love—trusting that God is

always doing a new thing among us.

With love and deep appreciation,
Pastor Amy

Full newsletter can be downloaded here .

November/ December Newsletter

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 18:10:04 GMT

The Promise

From Pastor Amy’s Desk

A Season to Pause and Give Thanks

1 Chronicles 29:13 (MSG): “And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to you, praising your splendid Name.”

Dear White Oak Family,

As we once again move toward the Holiday Season—Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas, and finally New Year’s Day, I want to invite you to pause with me and reflect on just how good God has been to us over this past year. Before the calendars fill, before the to-do lists grow, before the rush of holiday activity surrounds us, there is a holy invitation to simply notice God’s goodness.

This past year has reminded many of us of the fragility and preciousness of life. We have celebrated joys, walked through grief, stood beside one another in sorrow and hope, and witnessed God’s faithfulness in countless ways. These moments, large and small call us back to gratitude. They remind us that every breath is a gift, every relationship a blessing, and every day an opportunity to love more deeply and fully.

1 Chronicles 29:13 in The Message translation gives us a beautiful starting point:
“And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to you, praising your splendid Name.”

Gratitude is not just an emotion. It is a posture of the heart, a way of walking through the world with open eyes and open hands. When we begin the holiday season with thanksgiving, we prepare our souls to receive the deeper blessings ahead.

As we approach Advent and move toward Christmas, I encourage you to intentionally cultivate this spirit of thanksgiving. I truly believe that gratitude will expand your appreciation for the Christ of Christmas, deepen your joy in the coming season, and help you enter December with renewed wonder and peace.

When I pause to acknowledge all the blessings at White Oak, I am overwhelmed with the Love that God shows us daily. I find that when I strive for an attitude of gratitude, I find more Joy. This joy comes from the Hope that I have because of Christ Jesus and what Jesus has done for me, done for all of us. This

acknowledgement brings such a sense of Peace and an overwhelming feeling of Love. My prayer is for you and yours to not only live this life of gratitude but to embrace the Hope, Peace, and Joy of really knowing God.

May this November be a month of pausing, remembering, giving thanks, and recognizing God’s goodness in every step.

With gratitude and love,

Pastor Amy

Full newsletter can be downloaded here.

September/October Newsletter

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:14:00 GMT

Choosing Faith

From Pastor Amy’s Desk

Finding Peace, Love, and Joy

Dear Friends of White Oak,

I want to share with you about the valuable time I recently spent away at the 5-Day Spiritual Academy at the beautiful Camp McDowell in Nauvoo, Alabama. August 11-15 ^th . The theme for our week together was “Finding Peace, Love, and Joy in Today’s World,” and it could not have been more timely or more needed.

The Academy followed the rhythm of the Benedictine monastic tradition, which offers a sacred balance of silence, solitude, worship, liturgy, deep learning, heartfelt

community, and restorative free time. Each day we gathered in prayer—beginning with morning prayer, ending with night prayer, and sharing in the Eucharist before dinner each evening. This rhythm shaped our days and gave a holy framework for everything in between.

The days themselves provided space to pause, to go deeper, and to listen not only to the wisdom of our teachers and the voices of fellow participants, but also to the quiet whisper of God. I found myself in a community that was both ecumenical and

Spirit-filled, where differences faded, and the common bond of Christ brought us

together. I reunited with some old friends and made wonderful connections with new friends.

For me, this time away was nothing short of transformational. It drew me closer to the heart of God. It renewed my spirit. It reminded me of the power of silence and prayer, of learning and worship, of community and solitude. I returned carrying new strength, deeper joy, and a renewed sense of peace and love to share with you, my church family. Only God could have known that I would need this renewed sense of strength to face the grief of losing my dear friend, Wetherly Kennedy on Saturday, August 23rd. My heart is still hurting and will continue to hurt, as grief has no set time frame or rules.

I am deeply grateful for this time apart and for your support in allowing me to step away for renewal. My prayer is that the fruits of this experience will overflow into my ministry with you—that together we may discover afresh the peace, love, and joy that Christ longs for us to know, even in the midst of loss and grief.

I will return to preach on Sunday, October 5 ^th and look forward to sharing worship and Holy Communion, together, as a family.

My Takeaway/ Devotional Thought to Share:

Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”

This scripture captures the essence of pausing, breathing, and finding peace in God’s presence. I have heard this scripture countless times in the past 30 days, and I am still lingering on the mystery of God’s presence. Both through word and stillness.

In the stillness of prayer and the rhythm of worship, we are reminded that peace, love, and joy are not found in the world’s noise but in the presence of God. When we pause, breathe, and open our hearts, we discover that Christ is already here—renewing,

restoring, and drawing us closer to His heart.

Grace and peace,

With heartfelt gratitude and love,

Pastor Amy

Full newsletter can be downloaded here.

August/September Newsletter

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 16:00:25 GMT

I Will Call Upon the Lord

From Pastor Amy’s Desk

Dear Beloved White Oak Family,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I’m writing to share something important with you regarding my upcoming schedule and ministry at White Oak. This summer I will be taking a six-week spiritual renewal leave , a time set apart for prayer, rest, and renewal.

This period of leave is provided for in the United Methodist Book of Discipline and has been prayerfully and thoughtfully approved by our District Superintendent, the Reverend Nathan Malone , as well as our Staff Parish Relations Committee and Church Council . I am deeply grateful for their support and for your continued trust in the care of our shared ministry.

The purpose of this leave is not a vacation, but a time to tend to the deeper places of my spiritual life—to reconnect, refocus, and renew the well from which I draw to serve. As your pastor, I want to be faithful not only in doing the work of ministry but also in being rooted in God’s presence and listening to His voice. Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray, and I seek to follow that same rhythm.

I want to assure you that you will be in excellent hands during my time away. We have secured strong, capable, and spirit-led individuals to bring the Word each Sunday and to guide the life of the church during my absence. All pastoral care needs will be fully covered, and the leadership of our church will continue forward with strength and grace.

My spiritual renewal leave will begin on Monday, August 11 and will conclude when I return, from the mission trip to Kenya. I will be back in the pulpit on Sunday, October 5 ^th . I look forward to returning to you refreshed, renewed, and ready for all God has in store for our future together.

During my time away, I am honored to share that I will be traveling to Kenya to help lead a Pastors’ Conference at Gateway to Victory School , where area pastors will gather for encouragement, learning, and spiritual renewal. It is a blessing to partner in ministry with our brothers and sisters across the globe, and I carry your prayers and support with me as we grow together in God’s mission. The conference will be held at Gateway School beginning, Monday, September 22 ^nd - Saturday, September 27 ^th . My exact travel dates are waiting to be determined.

Thank you for being a church that understands the importance of spiritual rhythms. I’m honored to be your pastor, and I carry you with me in prayer as I step away for this sacred season.

With heartfelt gratitude and love,

Pastor Amy

Full newsletter can be downloaded here.

July/August Newsletter

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:48:27 GMT

Living Ready: Remembering My Baptism

From Pastor Amy’s Desk

Dear White Oak Families,

As we move through this summer season, I find myself reflecting on the sacred milestones that shape our journey of faith. One memory in particular rises to the surface; my baptism as a child. I was eight years old, just a kid, maybe not fully understanding all the meaning behind it, but I knew it was special. I remember what I was wearing to church that day, as I sat on the wooden pew, waiting for the pastor to call me to the front, as we had talked during the week for the preparation of my baptism. I remember the water; I remember the white gown I wore into the water of the Baptistery. I remember the gentle hands of my pastor, who happened to be my maternal grandfather, and the church family gathered around me. I also remember the song they sang that day:

“Buried with Christ, my blessed Redeemer, dead to the old life of folly and sin……. Living a new obedient but free. Dead to the joys that was enthralled me, yet tis not I, Christ liveth in me.”

That old hymn has stuck with me over the years. Maybe it’s because even as a child, I sensed something sacred was happening. That moment planted something deep in me, a seed of faith that would keep growing.

Now, as a United Methodist pastor, I see baptism a bit differently. It’s more than a moment. It’s more than a ceremony. It’s the beginning of a journey with Jesus. It’s God’s way of saying, “You are mine. You are loved. You are never alone.” Whether we’re baptized as babies or older children or adults, it marks us forever as part of God’s big family. Your baptism is a declaration: You belong to God. You have been claimed by grace. And you are sent to live in the light of resurrection.

Our United Methodist tradition teaches that baptism is not merely a ritual, it is a sign of God’s grace, a visible word of an invisible truth. In baptism, we are marked as God’s beloved, joined to the Body of Christ, and invited to live in the power of resurrection life.

Paul writes in Romans 6:4, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too may live a new life.” That new life is not always easy, but it is always possible, because Christ lives in us.

The song from my baptism still sings in my heart, reminding me that baptism is all about new life. Just like Jesus rose from the grave, we rise from the waters ready to live a new kind of life; one filled with love, forgiveness, and hope. Baptism is not a one-time event to be tucked away in a photo album; it is a calling. Each day, we are invited to remember our baptism and be thankful. We are called to “die daily” to sin and rise daily in Christ, to live as those who are “Living Ready”; ready to serve, to forgive, to bear witness to the hope within us.

This summer, as your family enjoys time together, picnics, road trips, and pool days. I invite you to take a moment to talk about baptism. If your children have been baptized, share stories about that day. If they haven’t, let’s talk. I’d love to walk with your family toward that beautiful step of faith.

And whether you’re 8 or 88, remember this: You are a beloved child of God. You were made for more. You’ve been given new life, and we are called to live it boldly and faithfully. Let’s keep Living Ready! Ready to love, ready to serve, ready to follow Jesus wherever He leads.

With heartfelt gratitude and love,

Pastor Amy

If you would like to listen to the song, “Buried with Christ” that I have referenced above, enjoy this link.

Buried With Christ - Song

Full newsletter can be downloaded here.

June/July Newsletter

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:38:25 GMT

Dear Children of God

From Pastor Amy’s Desk

Memories from the Lake

Serving as a Pastor in the United Methodist Church translates as a lot of responsibility. There are tons of education requirements, many lifelong goals, and more blessings than you can count as a Shepherd to a flock. It requires being on call 24/7, managing a multi-million dollar “business”, employees, and volunteers. I love having the pleasure of meeting so many people through our “Connectional” system and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, every day, not just on Sundays.

One of the most fun aspects of being a Methodist Pastor is going to Annual Conference “Holy Conference” with the other clergy and laity in your Conference. Here is just a little bit of history and information.

· John Wesley desired Annual Conference to be a means of God’s grace through Christian “conferencing.”

· The Holston Annual Conference of The Methodist Church was organized in 1824.

• Historical – John Wesley initiated the practice of having a “Conference” with the first Methodist clergy. The practice has continued and expanded. Annual Conferences are mandated by the United Methodist Constitution as outlined in Division Two – Organization of The Book of Discipline.

Upon my commissioning as a Licensed Local Pastor in the Holston Conference in 2006, this year made 19 years I have had the privilege of attending our Annual Conference at Lake Junaluska, NC. Except for two years due to COVID restrictions.

Every year I look forward to our time together at “the Lake” as we affectionately call Lake Junaluska. Not only is Lake Junaluska a beautiful campus, and the facilities are always maintained with excellent care, but it is the memories of the sacred space that draws me back each year.

Memories of powerful, Spirit-filled messages delivered. Memories of the holiness of ordination services, miracles shared of the transformation of lives through the power of Jesus Christ, and celebration of missions that expand from Jerusalem, (local) to the very ends of the Earth. Memories of when Bishop James Swanson laid hands on me for my commissioning as a Licensed Local Pastor. I truly remember the heat and power coming from his hands that came through the Holy Spirit.

Memories of Bishop Debra Wallace Padgett laying hands on me in 2023, in my ordination of becoming an Elder in the United Methodist Church. Truly a high and holy day for me!

As I sit in Stuart Auditorium each year for Annual Conference, I am filled not only with memories but with a sense of pride to be a pastor in Holston Conference representing White Oak UMC. Truly the best part of the Annual Conference is on the last day of the Conference when the Bishop “Fixes and Approves the Appointments” and my name is called, once again to serve the White Oak congregation!! Thank you, God, for this blessing, and thank you, White Oak for allowing me such an honor to serve alongside each of you. July 1 ^st will mark the beginning of my 10 ^th year of serving White Oak, and I truly believe God is just getting started and the best is yet to come!

As I reflect on the past decade serving as your pastor, my heart is filled with gratitude. It is hard to believe that ten years have passed since I first stepped into this role, and I want to take a moment to celebrate this journey we have shared together.

Throughout these years, we have experienced countless blessings—joyful celebrations, challenging trials, and everything in between. Together, we have grown in faith, forged deeper connections, and strengthened our community. Each moment has shaped not only this congregation but also my journey as a pastor, and for that, I am profoundly thankful.

I want to express my sincere appreciation for your unwavering support, encouragement, and love. Your dedication to our mission has been a constant source of inspiration. As we have navigated through changes and embraced new opportunities, your commitment to our shared vision has illuminated the path ahead.

As I look toward the future, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for our community. With faith and community at our core, we will continue to reach out to those in need and spread kindness and compassion throughout our neighborhoods. I am eager to see how God will continue to lead us in our mission to serve, love, and grow together.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives for these past ten years. I am truly blessed to walk this path with each of you and believe that the best is yet to come!

With heartfelt gratitude and love,

Pastor Amy

Full newsletter can be downloaded here .

May/June Newsletter

Fri, 16 May 2025 15:02:45 GMT

The Power of Water and Community

From Pastor Amy’s Desk

As I write this article, it is raining. Once again, it is raining. The rain seems to be non-stop. I have felt an internal conflict with God over all this rain. Spoiler alert, God does win! The juxtaposition of the beauty of rain and the damage it can inflict is a poignant metaphor that reflects the duality of nature and life itself and leaves me reflective.

This juxtaposition serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of life. Just as rain can bring beauty and destruction, human experiences are often intertwined with both joy and sorrow. Acknowledging this duality encourages a deeper understanding of resilience—appreciating the beauty even amidst challenges and recognizing that from destruction can come growth and renewal. A painful process but, nevertheless, a beautiful outcome.

In literature and art, this theme is often explored to convey the nuances of human emotions and experiences, inviting reflection on how beauty and adversity coexist. Ultimately, the interplay of rain’s beauty and its potential for damage teaches us about balance, acceptance, and the intricate dance of nature. Water is so needed for our creation. Water is the lifeline for our babies to grow in their mother’s womb, yet the same water can be destructive and harmful, if too little or too much. This dance is not an easy one to find the rhythm of.

As I reflect on the recent flooding that affected the first floor of our church, my heart is filled with gratitude for each and every one of you. God never fails and in times of unexpected trials, it is often the community that rises to the occasion. White Oak, your response during this unexpected and difficult time truly exemplified the spirit of our congregation.

When we faced the challenges of such immediate and catastrophic flooding on the weekend of May 2nd, many of you stepped forward without hesitation. From offering your physical assistance in the cleanup efforts to providing financial support for repairs, your generosity and willingness to help were nothing short of inspiring. It is heartwarming to see how our church family comes together, embodying the love and compassion that we strive to live out in our daily lives. We truly are Better Together!

I want to extend a special thank you to the volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to manage the water and those who continue to work to restore our beloved space. Your hard work has made a significant difference, and we are now on a path to recovery and renewal. It is a reminder that even in challenging times, we are never alone; we have each other and our shared faith to guide us.

Additionally, let us take a moment to pray for those who have faced similar challenges in our community. May we continue to support one another, offering kindness and assistance wherever we can. Let us live out being Christ’s Church, not just saying we are the “church”. I have come to learn that “church” is a verb, not a noun!

As we move forward, let us also remember the lessons learned through this experience. Together, we have shown resilience and unity, qualities that define our congregation. I am thankful to serve as your pastor and honored to witness the strength of our faith community. I am grateful for your patience with me as I have grieved the loss and damage to our children’s space.

As many of you know, Charla and I spent many hours together in that space for the renovation and big reveal of the space back in 2021. So many wonderful memories seem to literally float past me that Friday night as I was bailing water from the children’s space. I was not sure if the water was coming from my tears or the rain outside. Just so much water overtaking the pieces of furniture that Charla and I learned to build together. Don’t ever tell two women, that something is impossible, because they will spend 27 straight hours to accomplish the task, just because they love a good challenge and want to look good while doing it!!

As those memories float past me, I realize that furniture can be ruined but replaced, and love can never be lost or forgotten.

Please join us this Sunday and every Sunday, as we gather to celebrate not only our recovery but also the in credible bonds we share. Together, we will continue to thrive, turning our challenges into testimonies of hope and strength for the Glory of God!

With heartfelt gratitude and love,

Pastor Amy

Full newsletter can be downloaded here .

April/May Newsletter

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:46:05 GMT

Holy Week

From Pastor Amy’s Desk

Greetings in the name of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ!

Looking out my office window as I write this letter, I see beautiful pink Azalea bushes in full bloom, and the flowers planted around the church are standing tall after their fresh drink of water from the recent rain. It seems as if the world around us awakens to the beauty of spring. I am reminded of the power of new life. The cold and barrenness of winter is fading away, making room for fresh beginnings, vibrant colors, allergy medicine, and the warmth of the sun! In much the same way, Easter is a celebration of the greatest new beginning—the resurrection of Jesus Christ!

As we approach this glorious Easter season, my heart is filled with gratitude and hope. The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith—a declaration that light triumphs over darkness, life over death, and hope over despair. In a world that often feels uncertain and weary, Easter reminds us that hope is not just a feeling, but a living reality found in Christ.

The apostle Peter wrote, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). This “living hope” is not wishful thinking; it is the assurance that our God is alive and at work in our lives, redeeming, restoring, and renewing all things.

Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, Jesus conquered the grave and opened the door to new life for all who believe in Him. As Paul writes in Romans 6:4, “Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” This is the promise of Easter: that no matter where we have been or what we have faced, God’s grace is always at work, bringing renewal, hope, and transformation.

Perhaps you have walked through a difficult season. Maybe doubts, grief, or struggles have weighed you down. Let me encourage you: Easter is for you. The empty tomb is God’s declaration that nothing—no hardship, no sin, no sorrow—is beyond God’s power to transform. Because Christ lives, we can face tomorrow with confidence, knowing that His love never fails, and His promises are true.

Easter calls us to step into the fullness of life God has for us. It is a season to let go of the past, to embrace the joy of salvation, and to walk forward in faith, knowing that Christ’s victory is our victory.

Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” What a powerful truth! The resurrection of Jesus is not just an event to remember; it is an invitation to step into the new life He offers.

No matter what season you’ve been walking through—whether a time of joy or challenge—Easter is God’s promise that God is making all things new. In God, brokenness is restored, sorrow is turned to joy, and what once seemed lifeless is filled with purpose and hope.

As we gather to celebrate this Easter, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Let us rejoice in the victory of the cross and the hope of the resurrection. May our hearts be renewed, our burdens lifted, and our faith strengthened. May we see God’s hand at work in our lives and in our church, bringing forth new life in unexpected and beautiful ways.

I can’t wait to celebrate with you this Easter! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

With much love and many blessings,

Pastor Amy

Full newsletter can be downloaded here .

March/April Newsletter

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 14:33:40 GMT

Easter

From Pastor Amy’s Desk

“Lights of Home” – Pastors Playlist for Lent

In broad daylight the lights were blinding from the firetrucks and police cars. The air was so thick with smoke that I could barely see two feet in front of me. The lights were blinding, and the world felt chaotic and destroyed on Tuesday, March 11th as I walked the streets of South Missionary Ridge Road. The day the brush fires on South Missionary Ridge were engulfed by fierce winds and destroyed over 4 miles of land in a matter of minutes.

I was walking frantically to find church members amid the smoke and fires. I was on a street that I had driven on numerous times to their house. Yet this day, my car could not get near their house because of all the emergency vehicles. I parked my car on the side of the road as ashes were covering my windshield and I could no longer see. I parked thinking I was close to their house but realized immediately that I was disoriented. In these moments I had no idea where their house was, only that I was on the right street. How could I be so confused in such a familiar place?

I started walking straight ahead. Soon I was surrounded by multiple people who were also searching for loved ones. Some were neighbors, some family, but all of us were searching and blinded by the lights of first responders’ vehicles. Suddenly I felt my lungs struggling to breathe and stay in rhythm. The smoke was so thick I felt like choking. The lights were all around me and yet I could not see. I felt panicked for a moment wondering if I would ever find The Buff’s house, (church members Stacy Nelms & Brad Buff’s parents).

An earlier phone call from Jana, Brad’s wife, I had learned that Brad’s parents’ house was on fire. I could hear the sheer terror in her voice as she was watching 20-foot flames engulf their house and was dangerously close to their 500 lb. propane gas tank. Her fear translated loud and clear.

My heart was pounding as I walked the streets, my heart races even now as I type these words. Blinded by lights, straining to see, trying not to breathe in the smoke I felt more and more panic, then words from a song, rushed through my head. Working on my Lent playlist, I had been listening to a wide array of songs earlier that day. One song in particular got my attention that day. “Lights to Home” by U2. Yes, I love the music of U2, but surprisingly had never heard this song before.

I was walking with lights in front of me, I could not see, but this song washed over me as a prayer.

“Hey now, do you know my name?

Hey now, where I'm going

If I can't get an answer

In your eyes I see it

The lights of home

The lights of home”

I kept hearing this chorus. I kept praying, I kept walking, until I could see the lights. In the next moment, I see two people running towards me. They look to be young, but I could not see clearly yet. They keep running towards me, I thought that they were running to me, but I would later learn that they were running to their grandfather’s truck, which I had just passed unbeknownst to me. They kept running, I kept looking, then realized it was Allie & Brody! (Two of our youth that are the grandchildren to the Buff’s)

I opened my arms wide, they both fell into my arms and gave me the warmest embrace, which felt like home. When I opened my eyes, I could see “the lights of home”. Their grandparent’s house was just right in front of us. I had been looking so hard that I could not see it, but God opened my eyes to see the lights of home!

To give a quick close to this longer story, by the grace of God, powerful prayers from many, Brad’s quick response to soak down the propane tank and back of the house, The Buff’s house saved. Sadly, three houses down, their neighbors house was destroyed by the fire, but were all ok, including their beloved dog!

Beloved when the Holy Spirit gave me the nudge to make a playlist for the season of Lent, God knew I would need those songs to save my life! Bono, front man of the band U2 says, “Good music can change your day, a good song can save your life”.

Amen!

I will be putting together a link for a Spotify Playlist to share, soon.

Full newsletter can be downloaded here .

February/March Newsletter

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 18:00:34 GMT

The Lent Season

Once again it seems that Ash Wednesday has snuck up on me! One minute we are celebrating Epiphany and the next thing I know it is Ash Wednesday, how does this happen? Ash Wednesday will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 5th at 6:30 PM in the Sanctuary.

Ash Wednesday is an important day in the church calendar. It marks the beginning of Lent, a season of preparation for the celebration of Easter. It matters not if you are reading this article on the day of Ash Wednesday, or after. The important part is that Ash Wednesday happens. We need Ash Wednesday to happen so that we can remember. Remember just how much God loves us through Jesus Christ.

Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word lencten , meaning “lengthen” and refers to the lengthening days of spring. The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry.

Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. In the early church, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by new converts and then became a time of penance by all Christians. Today, Christians focus on their relationship with God, growing as disciples and extending ourselves, often choosing to give up something or to volunteer and give of ourselves for others. Sundays in Lent are not counted in the forty days because each Sunday represents a "mini-Easter." This is why you will see the designation "Sunday in Lent" rather than "Sunday of Lent" in the naming of these Sundays. On each Lord's Day in Lent, while Lenten fasts continue, the reverent spirit of Lent is tempered with joyful anticipation of the Resurrection.

Ash Wednesday is not a holiday from work, school, or most other obligations, so if we are not intentional in our observance it is likely to resemble any ordinary Wednesday. To help us find ways to remember the holy during our routines—something we should strive for every day—consider the suggestions offered below for Ash Wednesday, or any day during the Lent season.

Worship - Attend the Ash Wednesday Worship Service, held at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary, on Facebook Live, or on ZOOM. The worship service is a time of intentional prayer, singing, confession and pardon, and the imposition of ashes. The purpose of this service is to help us reflect on our own mortality and the need for us to confess our sins. Make intentional plans to participate in each Sunday worship leading up to Easter. April 20th is Easter Sunday. Look for ways throughout the week to be a part of a small group study to learn more and worship more, see the Bible Study page for more opportunities.

Be Still – Some find meaning in the stillness. Light a candle and pause before the presence of God. Practice your breathing. Inhale the Holy Spirit and exhale a Praise. Listen for the voice of God.

Serve – On Ash Wednesday we remember that we are part of the human family, making it a great day to serve others. If possible, find a place to volunteer for the day. Take an hour and help your elderly neighbor clean up their yard, offer to change the light bulbs in their house, or offer to salt their steps when bad weather is coming. Perhaps you view this Lent season as a season to be in community and look for service opportunities throughout the season to serve others.

Fast/Abstain – “Giving something up for Lent” is a common practice for many Christians. Often, we give up our favorite dessert or try to kick a bad habit during Lent. This fast begins on Ash Wednesday, but don’t confine yourself to just food or habits. Perhaps try to abstain from negative talk, or give up your fears and anxiety. These will be a little more challenging to abstain from, but when the “anxiety” arises, pause for prayer.

Clean something – Ash Wednesday is a good day to get a jump on your spring cleaning. Spend an hour with the junk drawer, that cabinet at work, or organizing the files on your computer. As you remove things you no longer need and reorder those you do, be mindful of the ways God "cleans" us. The Bible tells us "As far as east is from west—that's how far God has removed our sin from us" (Psalm 103:12, CEB). As we get things in order, we remember that Jesus gave his life so that we might be free from our sins and know new life.

Burn something – When you finish cleaning, take some of the papers you no longer need to the fireplace or fire pit in the back yard. Light them and watch as they turn to ashes. The ashes in the fireplace are not the same as the ones used in worship, but can serve as a similar reminder that your sins are forgiven. As the smoke rises-up the chimney, know your prayers are rising to God as well.

Forgive and seek forgiveness – As we pray for God's grace, we should also seek forgiveness from those we have wronged. Ash Wednesday is a great time to go to those you have hurt. It is also a wonderful day to forgive another. Jesus taught us to pray, "Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you, just as we also forgive those who have wronged us" (Matthew 6:12 CEB). Maybe while you are burning those old papers, you might also burn a grudge. If appropriate, let the person know you forgive them. Remember, however, that forgiveness has much more to do about us than the one who offended us.

I believe the Lent season gives us an opportune time to practice these spiritual disciplines and to realign ourselves with the power of the Holy Spirit. As a Pastor, Lent is one of my favorite seasons of the Christian calendar to teach and share with others. As a Soul walking this daily path, my spirit begins to breathe a little deeper in the Lent season and give a sigh of relief when I remember the purpose of Lent . That purpose is to slow our pace and reflect on the life, ministry, and purpose of Jesus, considering, our own calling, purpose and baptism.

O ver the years, as I have learned more about the Lenten season and more importantly learned how Jesus lived his life, amid strife, pain, and turmoil. I have gleaned from Jesus’ wisdom of taking time to pray and meditate, (Luke 5:16). Time to separate himself from others and take in the beauty of silence. Friends, hear me clearly, I have NOT Yet, conquered this technique! I am practicing this technique. In all honesty, some days are truly hard to just hold my head above water and keep a graceful approach to life and to my “neighbors”. Yet, this season of Lent allows me the grace to slow down and remember my Creator and my purpose, NO MATTER WHAT LIES THE ENEMY whispers in my ear! (Luke 4:1-13)

I pray that we once again can approach the 40 days of Lent to gain a new perspective of God and God’s love for us. I pray that during this season, new and longtime Christians alike hear the call to return to God with all their hearts, I pray you will join me each Sunday morning and Wednesday evening for a closer look at Jesus and what it means to give God our heart and discover the Depth of God’s Love. Father God, please allow us to lean into this season with expectant hearts so we can learn together how to breathe in the power of the Holy Spirit and exhale a praise to God!

In Christ,

Pastor Amy

Full newsletter can be downloaded here .

*the seven practices of lent is used with permission from the UMC.org , for more information on the Lent season visit UMC.org

January/February Newsletter

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 20:02:22 GMT

It's a New Year, and a New Beginning!

New beginnings can be both exciting and intimidating. They represent a chance to start fresh and make positive changes in our lives, but they also require us to let go of the familiar and step into the unknown. As Believers, we can find hope and strength in knowing that God is with us in all things, including the new beginnings we face. In Isaiah 43:19, the Lord says, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” God is constantly at work in our lives, creating new opportunities and possibilities for us.

When we encounter a new beginning, it can be helpful to reflect on the past and give thanks for the experiences and lessons we have gained. Sometimes, in order to move forward in our future, we need to make peace with our past. To move forward, with God’s help we can keep an open mind and heart for what God has in store for us in the future.

One way to embrace new beginnings is to plan and set goals for what we want to accomplish. This can give us a sense of direction and purpose and help us to stay focused and motivated. It's also important to remember that we don't have to go through new beginnings alone. We can seek the guidance and support of friends, family, and our faith community. Remember, to know Jesus is to know community, as Jesus introduces you to family of God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

As we begin a new year, let us remember that with God's help, we can face any new beginning with confidence and hope. May we trust in God’s plan for our lives and embrace the opportunities and challenges that come our way. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

I pray this will be a fantastic new year for you and your loved ones and remember that God loves you, God is for you, and God will never leave or forsake you!

In Christ,

Pastor Amy

Full newsletter can be downloaded here .