Grace in the Hardest Calling

There are moments in ministry I feel equipped for. Teaching kids about Jesus? I could do that all day. Leading or organizing a camp? Sign me up. But a few weeks ago, God asked me to step into something completely outside my comfort zone: officiating a funeral.

I knew the family, but I had never met their sweet son. And suddenly, I was being asked to hold one of their most vulnerable, heartbreaking, and unexpected moments in my hands. To stand in front of grieving parents and friends and try to find words that would both honor his life and offer hope in the middle of a storm.

If I’m honest, it was terrifying.

I’m an intensely emotional person. I feel things big, and it’s hard for me not to wear those emotions on my sleeve. My greatest fear was that I would completely break down in sobs and not be able to do what the family needed me to do. God made me tenderhearted, but that tenderness felt like a weakness in this moment. I had to sit with Pastor David ahead of time for guidance, and because he knows me so well, he didn’t sugarcoat it. He said, “Christine, the biggest thing you need to do is trust that God will get you through it and hold it together.” He’s seen me cry many times- but also knew God’s strength would be enough for me.

This wasn’t a church family. Their experience with God was minimal to none, and they made it clear they didn’t want a “religious” funeral. No heavyhanded sermon, no churchy clichés. They wanted to honor their son in a way that felt true to him while still leaving room for prayer and some measure of hope.

I knew it would be a tightrope walk. One that required me to listen carefully, hold back my own impulses, and lean fully on the Spirit. How do you honor a family’s wishes while still letting God use you as a conduit of His grace? I didn’t know if I could do it.

But here’s the thing about God: He never calls us into the deep end without showing up there with us.

Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that God’s grace is made perfect in weakness. That verse became more than ink on a page for me; it became breath in my lungs. Because in that moment, I had nothing to offer on my own. My words weren’t eloquent. My heart was heavy. My hands were trembling. But His grace carried me through.

And that’s what I want to remind you today: God calls each of us into places that stretch, scare, and grow us. Sometimes it’s public, like standing in front of a grieving family. Other times it’s private, like having a hard conversation with someone you love, forgiving when it feels impossible, or showing up to encourage someone in the trenches of their pain.

Growth is rarely comfortable. But comfort was never the goal- faithfulness is. That day, I got to witness something holy. God took my shaky voice and used it to bring a sliver of light into a very dark room. He allowed prayer to settle over a family who didn’t even know they needed it. He gave me words that weren’t mine, but His. And somehow, in the middle of heartbreak, there was hope.

The writer of Hebrews says, “Now may the God of peace… equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21). That’s exactly what He did for me. He equipped me for what I thought I could never do, and He worked through me in a way that was beyond myself.

Friend, I don’t know what impossible thing God may be asking you to step into right now. But I do know this: if He’s calling you to it, His grace will meet you there. You don’t have to have the perfect words. You don’t have to feel strong. You just have to be willing to show up and let Him work through you.

Because when we are weak, He is strong. And sometimes the most powerful testimony we can give is not of our own ability, but of His grace carrying usthrough what we could never do alone.

Echo Worship Camp: Let the Next Generation Praise His Name

“Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants, you have established a stronghold against your enemies…”
— Psalm 8:1-2 (NIV)

We are launching something new at Navarre United Methodist Church, something that has been stirring in our hearts for a while. Echo Worship Camp is a two-night experience created to help kids begin exploring what it means to worship God, not just with their voices but with their whole lives.

Kids already lead worship in the Children’s church, and our youth faithfully serve behind the scenes each week, running tech. But we want to take it further. We want to show them how worship happens in our sanctuary, both in contemporary and traditional services. Because worship isn’t just about music, it’s about presence, purpose, and praising God in everything we do.

Our theme song this year is “That’s My King.” One of the lyrics that anchors our heart says,
“I’m not letting the rocks cry without joining the chorus…”
Luke 19:40 reminds us that even the rocks will cry out in praise if we stay silent. But we believe the next generation is ready to raise their voices, talents, and lives in worship.

We already see it happening. Several of our youth currently serve on the main worship team, singing, playing instruments, and helping lead our congregation in praise each week. Their passion, humility, and heart for Jesus inspire everyone around them. Echo Worship Camp is another step in continuing that legacy, giving even younger kids a chance to see what it means to serve with joy and boldness.

At Echo, campers will experience hands-on learning with instruments, songwriting, media, tech, and more. They will also dig into the heart of worship, why we do it, what it means, and how it shapes every part of our lives. Worship doesn’t stop when the music fades. It keeps going in the way we welcome people, the way we serve, and the way we love our church and our community.

Not every child will sing a solo or run sound on Sunday morning, and that’s okay. Some will find their place setting up before anyone arrives. Some will discover joy in cleaning up after a big event. Some will feel called to create a welcoming and peaceful space. Every act done in love becomes worship. We believe every child has a place in the body of Christ, and every gift matters.

Romans 12:1 calls us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. That is true worship. And it starts young. From preschool chapel to youth group to adult Sunday worship, we intentionally build a culture where every generation is invited to know God and respond with their lives.

This is just the beginning. Echo Worship Camp is our first, but not our last. We hope this becomes an annual event that continues to grow, inviting more and more kids to discover who God made them to be and how they can serve His church.

Would you join us in prayer?
Pray for God to speak clearly to these kids.
Pray for open hearts and bold steps.
Pray for our church as we raise the next generation of worshipers to sing louder and live fully for Christ.

The rocks are ready to cry out.
But we would much rather hear our kids sing.

Let’s echo heaven together.

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.