For the past five years we have been blessed with Jennifer Lapa as our Preschool Director.  She has provided outstanding leadership, direction and teaching, while caring deeply for each child and their family.  Jennifer has been a tremendous gift to our community. 

With a heavy heart we share that Jennifer has decided to resign from her position as the First Steps Preschool Director.  This was a difficult decision for Jennifer, one that she took very seriously.  

The First Steps Preschool Advisory Committee, alongside the Staff Management Team of First United Methodist Church shares with great joy that Hilary Bott has been hired as the new Preschool Director for First Steps Preschool.  Hilary has been a part of First Steps Preschool for many years, as a teacher in the three-year-old classroom, and as a member of the Preschool Advisory Committee when her children attended First Steps Preschool.  Hilary has a tremendous love for the children and families of First Steps Preschool, and will step into this new role with great experience and knowledge of our preschool community.  Hilary and her family are also members of the congregation at First United Methodist Church.

As Hilary steps into the Preschool Director role, a new teacher assistant will be hired for the 2026-2027 school year.

FUMC Brighton & Whitmore Lake Friends,

We are excited to share six areas of focus that emerged from our strategic planning process since the beginning of this year. Over the past months, our leadership team, staff, and committed members have worked diligently on a strategic plan that will guide us into a season of growth, connection, and mission. This plan reflects our dedication to our mission to Know God, Love God, and Serve God together in ways that meet the needs of all ages and stages of life. With prayerful discernment, we have identified six key priorities that will shape our ministry in the coming years.

1. Grow in Biblical Literacy and Theological Formation Across All Ages
   We believe that deepening our knowledge of Scripture and our understanding of our faith is foundational for a strong church. We will be expanding resources and opportunities for Bible study, theological education, and spiritual growth for individuals and groups. We will equip all members, from young children to seniors, in their faith journeys.
2. Build Sustainable Children, Student, and Family Ministries
   Our young families are a vital part of our church community. We will be increasing support and resources for children, youth, and family ministries, ensuring that we create a nurturing and welcoming environment where young people can explore their faith, find community, and feel valued.
3. Modernize Facilities and Address Building Needs Across Campuses
   To serve effectively, our facilities must reflect both our mission and our vision for the future. We are committed to updating and maintaining our spaces so they can support our worship, fellowship, and service activities while providing a safe, welcoming environment for all.
4. Develop a Vision for Being a Church in More Than One Location
   As we grow, so does our opportunity to expand our reach. We will be exploring what it means to be a church in more than one location. We will foster connections and hold events to build relationships between our two campuses and our online community.
5. Enhance Ministry, Community, and Support for Seniors
   Our church is blessed with a vibrant community of seniors, and we are committed to ensuring they feel supported and valued. By expanding programs that address their unique needs and foster fellowship, we aim to deepen our ministry with and for our seniors.
6. Become a “Church without Walls” by Focusing on Inclusivity and Accessibility
   In line with our call to be a welcoming and inclusive community, we aspire to remove any barriers that might keep people from experiencing the love of God here. This means enhancing accessibility, fostering inclusivity, and reducing barriers to participation in our church and community.

As we embark on this exciting journey, we invite you to join us in prayer, participation, and support. We are a congregation filled with gifted, dedicated individuals, and together, there is so much we can accomplish. May God guide us as we take these steps toward a future that brings us closer to God’s vision for our church.

With faith and gratitude,
Rev. Jon Reynolds & Rev. Lindsey Hall

See Strategic Plan

February 2025

The leadership board voted to affirm Rev. Lindsey Hall as the lead clergy person for children and student ministries. This has been a passion area for her throughout her calling, and she has been enthusiastically doing the work in an “interim” capacity since April. In addition to her leadership in this area, Pastor Lindsey will continue as Co-Pastor, including preaching, adult discipleship, pastoral care and other clergy responsibilities. Administrative Assistant Karen Wagg will support the work of Children & Student Ministry with increased administrative assistant hours, making permanent the interim position she began April 1. These decisions come after an eight-month hiring search for children and student ministries.

As a result of this reorganization of responsibilities, Rev. Jon Reynolds will coordinate worship planning, previously done by Pastor Lindsey, and the church will seek to fill a new Director of Mission and Justice Engagement position. “We believe these decisions will provide continuity and energy to our children and student ministry areas along with opportunities for our church to continue to grow its mission and outreach initiatives,” said Board President Mike Kelly.

Additionally, Linda Barach, the afternoon Brighton campus custodian, will retire at the end of the year. Please join us in expressing our gratitude to Linda. Michelle Lucas will expand her custodial position to include afternoons. If you have any questions about these staffing changes, please reach out to Mike Kelly or any members of the Leadership Board, board@brightonfumc.org.

December 2024

Blanket Sunday