Honoring Our 2025 Graduates

Celebrating Brody Leach & Lucy Poston
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Graduation is a time to reflect, cheer, cry happy tears, and prepare for the biggest glow-up yet—adulting. And this year, we are thrilled (and a little emotional) to celebrate two of the finest teens ever to grace our halls and help stack chairs: Brody Leach and Lucy Poston.

As the Children’s Director (and lucky enough to be married to the Youth Director), I’ve had a front row seat not only to their faith and leadership, but also to their jokes, snack preferences, and incredible growth. These two are unforgettable. And NUMC family, it’s time to show them how proud we are.

Brody Leach

Fort Walton Beach High School – Class of 2025

Graduation Date: May 23
Heading to: University of Central Florida
Major: Biomedical Engineering & Physics (because he doesn’t believe in taking it easy)

Brody is the guy who never asks for recognition but deserves all of it. He’s the one quietly picking up trash after everyone leaves, moving chairs before you even realize they need moving, and asking with total sincerity, “How are you doing today?”

He has been in our youth group since 6th grade, and in that time, he’s become a true servant-leader. He’s the go-to guy in both youth and kids’ ministry, and honestly, I don’t know what we’re going to do without him. He’s mentored younger students, tutored my own child, and made a deep impact in so many quiet, faithful ways.

Brody accepted Christ at youth camp, and it shows in how he lives every single day—with humility, kindness, and zero drama. He’s the kind of teen who doesn’t need a spotlight to shine. (Though we do wish he’d let us brag on him more—so here we are.)

He’s also:

• A cross-country and track star

• FCA Runner of the Year (his teammates voted, not just his mom)

• Representing our church at the Annual Conference

• A former Trustee Committee member at church—yes, even the adults trust him

His motto?

“God’s plan, not yours.”
It’s tattooed on his heart (not literally... yet), and it’s how he lives.

Brody, we’re going to miss your quiet strength and your kind heart. UCF, you're getting one of the best. We’ll be here, keeping the chairs straight in your honor.

Lucy Poston

Navarre High School –              Class of 2025

Graduation Date: May 30
Heading to: Pace University in New York City
Majoring in Business and chasing Broadway dreams (yes, both)

Lucy Poston is a whole vibe. She is sharp, bold, hilarious, and just the right amount of theatrical. If you’ve ever had a conversation with Lucy, you probably laughed, learned something, and left wanting to wear glitter.

I’ve known Lucy’s family since we moved to Florida in 2014—and they’ve become like family to us. Watching Lucy grow into the confident, capable, wise-beyond-her-years young woman she is today has been pure joy.

Lucy has:

• Starred in dozens of productions (including Rock of Ages, where she stole the show)

• Led Navarre’s improv troupe as President (yes, she’s that quick-witted)

• Done hair, makeup, mentoring, and theatre fundraising

• Been involved in student government and Sacred Heart fundraisers

• Made us all laugh ‘til we cried... more than once

She’s heading to Pace University with big dreams and big plans—and we’re already predicting red carpet interviews where she says, “Well, it all started at my church in Navarre...”

Her advice for life?

“Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you and do your best to be that person for others.”

And that’s exactly who she is.

Lucy, we’re going to miss your sass, your sparkle, and your soul. Keep shining, keep trusting God, and please remember us when you're accepting your first Tony.

Church, It’s Our Turn

These two have poured love, leadership, and laughter into our church. Now it’s our turn to return it.

Please bring a card, note, small gift, or prayer to place at their table in the lobby. We’re keeping the table up for TWO Sundays to give everyone a chance to show Lucy and Brody just how much they’re loved.

Let’s fill their arms with blessings and their hearts with encouragement. They may be heading off to new adventures, but they’ll always belong here.

Easter: Not Just Another Box To Check

With all the busyness of spring—sports, school, schedules—it’s easy to treat Easter like just another holiday on the calendar. But this year, I invite you to slow down and make Easter more than just a box to check. Let this be a season when your family truly reflects on Jesus—His love, His sacrifice, and the victory of His resurrection. We want to help you create meaningful moments together as a family that are centered around what Easter is all about.

We’re offering a special Easter Story Activity Kit for every family to make this season impactful for all ages. Inside each kit, you’ll find:

10-Day Family Devotional with Scripture

Walk through the story of Easter—Jesus’ plan, His life, His death, and His resurrection—in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

Mini Family Activities and a Special Three-Part Activity

These simple and fun activities are designed to fit into your family’s everyday routine, helping you connect spiritually and emotionally, no matter how full your calendar is. We’ve also included a larger family experience (with supplies provided!) to help create a lasting memory.

Discussion Questions for All Ages

From preschool to high school, these questions are crafted to spark honest, faith-centered conversations at the dinner table, in the car, or during bedtime.

Easter is an incredible opportunity to grow closer—not just to God, but to each other as a family. These kits are a great way to help you do both. You can pick them up in Hildreth Hall or the nursery before or after service.

We’d also love for your family to join us during Holy Week. Each gathering is designed to help us experience the story of Jesus in a powerful and memorable way.

Palm Sunday (April 13th)

-Egg Hunt at 9:30 AM during kid’s worship

-Palm Procession during the 11:00 AM service

Maundy Thursday (April 17)

-Foot Washing Service at 6:00 PM

This service is a beautiful reflection of Jesus’ humility and servant-hearted love.

Good Friday (April 18)

-Tenebrae Service at 6:00 PM

This service is a moving, candlelit service focused on the depth of Christ’s sacrifice.

Easter Sunday (April 20)

-Services at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 AM

Nursery available during all services

Kids Worship and Small Groups at 9:30 and 11

Whether it’s your first time joining us or your hundredth, there’s something special about coming together to remember and celebrate that Jesus is alive.

A Season to Reflect—and Invite

Easter is the foundation of our faith. It’s a reminder that death doesn’t have the final word and hope is alive. It’s also one of the best times to invite a friend, neighbor, or coworker to come and experience God’s love authentically. Easter is the perfect time to reach out. Who’s one person or family you can invite to join you this year? Whether it’s for the egg hunt, the Tenebrae service, or Easter morning worship—your invitation could change someone’s life.

Let’s not just go through Easter…

Let’s live it. Reflect on it. Share it.

Let’s make it about Jesus.

We hope to see you and your family this Easter season.

“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” – Matthew 28:6

Blessings,

Christine

I Thought I Had More Time

Over the winter school break, my daughter Katie and I experienced a moment of sheer panic that

taught me an important lesson about time. Her high school band had planned a trip to Pigeon

Forge, Tennessee, which Katie had eagerly anticipated for months. She’d saved money, counted

down the days, and made plans with her friends. When we first signed up, the departure date was

set for January 2nd.

As time passed, various updates came through the band’s communication app, but most seemed

trivial, so I began to tune them out. By the time Christmas rolled around, I was running on fumes

and ready to unwind. My husband Chris and our son Henry visited family in Iowa, leaving Katie

and me at home. What did we do? We lived in pajamas, indulged in too many Netflix marathons,

and barely moved from the couch. It was a much-needed reset—or so I thought.

On January 1st, around 3 PM, I figured we should start packing and doing laundry for the trip. I

casually asked Katie to check the communication app for snack suggestions. A moment later, her

panicked voice broke the stillness: “MOM!! It says we’re supposed to be at the school

TONIGHT, not tomorrow!”

I froze, sure it had to be a typo. But when I checked for myself, there it was in black and white:

the departure date had been moved up, and we were supposed to be at the school in six hours.

Panic doesn’t begin to describe what followed. Her laundry wasn’t done. Snacks weren’t bought.

Her suitcases weren’t packed. A typical teenager, Katie didn’t handle the abrupt schedule

changes gracefully. I kept repeating to myself, I thought I had more time!

By some miracle (and a few tears), we managed to get her ready and to the school on time. But

after the chaos subsided, I couldn’t shake the nagging question: How did I let this happen?

This wasn’t the first time I’d fallen into the trap of thinking there was “more time.” Just last

February, I’d planned to visit my grandmother in Colorado. I kept putting it off, convinced I’d

get to it soon enough. Then I got the call: she was gravely ill. I booked the earliest flight, but

before I even boarded, I received the heartbreaking news that she had passed away. Once again, I

was left with the painful realization: I thought I had more time.

Time Is Precious

These experiences have reshaped how I think about time. The Bible repeatedly reminds us that

our days on earth are fleeting and precious. Psalm 39:4-5 offers a sobering perspective:

“Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.

You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you.

Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.”

Life is fragile and brief. But this truth doesn’t have to be discouraging. Instead, it calls us to live

intentionally. As Psalm 90:12 says,

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Every moment is a gift from God, and how we spend our time reflects our values and priorities.

Are we investing in eternal things—our relationship with the Lord, serving others, and building

His kingdom? Or are we coasting through life, assuming we’ll get around to what matters later?

Psalm 103:15-18 contrasts the brevity of human life with the everlasting nature of God’s love:

“The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it

and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s

love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those

who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.”

Living With Purpose

These scriptures challenge me to make the most of the time I’ve been given. Yes, rest is

important. God Himself rested on the seventh day, and Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to

pray. But there’s a difference between intentional rest and mindless complacency. We must

remain vigilant and aware of the opportunities God places before us.

Hug your loved ones. Make that phone call. Write that note. Schedule that dinner. Invite that

friend to church. Build God’s kingdom. Time is fleeting, and there’s much work to be done. As

believers, we know that Christ is coming back. Let’s not waste the precious days we’ve been

given.

So often, I hear that small voice whispering, “You still have time.” But the truth is, we don’t

know how much time we have. Let’s live today purposefully, knowing that our time on earth is a

gift meant to be stewarded well—for God’s glory and the good of others.

800 Beds

Navarre United Methodist Church and Sleep in Heavenly Peace: A Partnership of Love

At Navarre United Methodist Church, we believe in serving our community with the love of Christ. One of the ways we’re putting our faith into action is through our partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that no child has to sleep on the floor. Their mission is straightforward and powerful: "No kid sleeps on the floor in our town."

Founded by Luke Mickelson in 2012, SHP began as a small project in a garage and has grown into a worldwide movement. With over 300 chapters in 44 states and operations in four countries, SHP is bringing hope to families in need—one bed at a time. We’re proud to be part of that mission, and we’re making a real difference right here in Navarre and in our county.

A Community in Action

Our journey with SHP started in 2023, and the partnership has been nothing short of amazing. Last weekend, NUMC volunteers helped the SHP Pensacola chapter deliver their 800th bed! Can you imagine the joy on those children's faces? Getting a new bed is life-changing for kids who have spent countless nights sleeping on the floor or on a couch.

These beds aren’t just places to sleep—they’re symbols of care, security, and dignity. And the best part is that we can all be a part of it. Whether you’re handy with tools or not, SHP has a place for you to serve. You don’t need special skills or tools—SHP provides all the necessary materials and training. All you need is a willing heart and the desire to make a difference!

We’re also excited to announce that two more bed-building events are planned on our campus in 2025. These build days bring together our church family in such a meaningful way. It’s a chance to roll up our sleeves, work side by side, and know that we’re doing something tangible to help children in our community.

How You Can Get Involved

There are plenty of ways for everyone at NUMC to get involved in this vital work. If you’ve wanted to lend a hand but weren’t sure how SHP makes it easy. As we mentioned, you don’t need any special skills or equipment—show up with a heart to serve, and SHP will train you on the spot. From sanding and assembling bed frames to delivering the finished products to families, there’s a role for everyone.

If building and delivering isn’t your thing, you can still make a difference. Consider donating new bedding or making a financial contribution. For just $20 a month, you can join the Bunkhead Club, and your recurring donation will cover the cost of one complete bed by the end of the year—mattress, bedding, pillow, and all. You can do that here:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=EKHPFHJN4X2KW

Every contribution counts. Together, we can provide children with a safe, comfortable place to sleep, bringing them the gift of rest and the comfort of knowing they are loved.

The Power of Partnership

Our partnership with SHP is more than just a service project—it’s an extension of our mission to love our neighbors. By building and delivering beds, we’re showing the love of Christ in a practical way. It’s incredible to think about how something as simple as a bed can profoundly impact a child’s life.

When we partner with SHP, we’re not just building furniture; we’re building hope. Each bed delivered represents a child who can now sleep peacefully, knowing they are valued and cared for. And in serving these children, we’re serving Christ Himself, as Matthew 25:40 reminds us: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for our upcoming bed builds in 2025, we’re eager to see even more of our NUMC family get involved. Whether you’re donating your time, talent, or treasure, this ministry has a place for you. Stay tuned for more details about our next build days, and let’s keep the momentum going as we work to ensure that no child in Navarre has to sleep on the floor.

Let’s continue to be Christ's hands and feet in this important work. Together, we can ensure that every child knows they are loved, valued, and safe.

If you or a family you know needs a bed, you can apply for one here:

https://shpbeds.org/apply/

God bless,

Christine

Stay Connected With Your Kids

Staying Connected with Your Kids During Busy Schedules

As we wrap up the second week of school, families are starting to settle back into their new “normal.” The initial rush of school supplies, new routines, and early mornings is beginning to stabilize. But now, another challenge emerges: staying connected with our children as our schedules rapidly fill up again. With kids spending six or more hours at school daily, not to mention extracurricular activities, how do we maintain that crucial connection with them? How do we ensure that the busyness of life doesn’t overshadow our relationships?

One of the best places to connect with our kids is in the car. Whether on the way to school, running errands, or heading to sports or dance activities, the car provides a unique environment for meaningful conversations. Unlike the hustle and bustle of home, where distractions are everywhere, the car is a contained space with fewer interruptions. It’s a low-pressure setting where kids often feel more comfortable opening up, making it easier to get more than just a “fine” answer when you ask about their day.

Car Conversations: A Simple Yet Powerful Tool

Our friends and partners at Parent Cue have offered some fantastic suggestions to help you get started with these car conversations. These questions are designed to be simple yet effective in drawing out more than just one-word answers from your kids. Let’s dive into them and explore how to use these questions to foster deeper connections.

1. What made you laugh today?

Laughter is a beautiful gift from God, and asking this question can bring joyful moments to your child’s day. Maybe it was a funny story from a classmate, a joke from a teacher, or something silly that happened at recess. Sharing these moments of joy lightens the mood and gives you a glimpse into the lighter side of their daily experiences. It’s a reminder that God’s joy is present even during routine school days.

2. Who was kind to you today?

Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit, and recognizing acts of kindness helps our children appreciate the goodness in others. By asking this question, you encourage your child to reflect on positive interactions, whether it was a friend sharing their lunch, a teacher offering encouragement, or a classmate helping with a difficult task. It also opens the door for discussions about showing kindness to others and following Jesus’ example.

3. How did you help someone today?

We are called to serve one another in love, and this question encourages our kids to think about how they can be a blessing to others. Whether it was helping a friend with their homework, comforting someone who was feeling down, or even just holding the door open for someone, these acts of service, no matter how small, reflect the heart of Christ. Discussing these moments can help reinforce the importance of serving others daily.

4. What was your favorite part of the day?

This question allows your child to share what brought them the most happiness or satisfaction throughout their day. It might be a subject they enjoy, a game they played, or an accomplishment they’re proud of. By focusing on the positives, you help your child cultivate a grateful heart, recognizing the blessings that God has woven into their day.

5. What do you look forward to most about coming home?

Home is where the heart is, and this question helps your child express what they cherish about being with family. Whether it’s a favorite meal, playing with a sibling, or simply relaxing after a long day, discussing what they look forward to can reinforce the importance of family time. It’s also an opportunity to remind them that home is where they are loved unconditionally, just as our Heavenly Father loves us.

Creating Meaningful Connections

These questions are a great way to open the conversation with your kids. They’re simple yet intentional, providing a platform for deeper dialogue. But more importantly, they show your children that you care about their day-to-day experiences, joys, challenges, and everything in between.

In a world that often pulls us in many different directions, let’s prioritize staying connected with our kids. Let’s use our time—whether in the car or around the dinner table—to build strong, Christ-centered relationships with them. After all, as Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Staying connected through meaningful conversations is one of the ways we can guide our children on the path that leads to life.

May God bless your efforts to connect with your children, and may your conversations be filled with His love and wisdom.

If these questions are helpful, I’d encourage you to download the Parent Cue app for free weekly resources to help engage with your kiddo:

Parentcue.org/app