Welcome from the Pastor

  When my daughter, Bethany, was three we were walking together one Sunday morning up to the front door of the church for worship hand in hand when suddenly she stopped walking just a few steps short of the door, defiantly pulled her hand away from mine and began walking in the opposite direction.  “Bethany,” I called, “What are you doing?”

  “I don’t want to go to church today,” she replied.

  I pleaded. I cajoled. I declared. I used every parental trick I could think of short of “excessive use of force” to get her to change her mind.  I was hoping for quick and quiet resolution.  

  It is embarrassing when the pastor can’t even get his three year old to go to church and the defection takes place at the front door to the sanctuary during church “rush hour” surrounded by the great cloud of witnesses.  We were definitely attracting a growing group of onlookers.

  Finally, in an act of desperation I offered, “You can stay home this morning if you want to but if you’re not in church your friend Laura in the nursery will miss you.”

  Upon hearing the name of a valued friend, Bethany’s entire countenance changed.  Her frown turned to a smile.  She did an immediate about face and with a skip in her step eagerly approached the front door of the church.  She couldn’t wait to see her friend.



  I want to welcome you to our church.  Holt UMC is a world class community of caring.  We care for each other and our world and are motivated by the gracious and life transforming love of Jesus.  

  Christians have been effectively loving God and neighbor through this congregation of the United Methodist Church here in the heart of Holt and the greater Lansing Metro area since 1868.  The embrace of this church today touches missions in Bolivia and hungry children in Haiti.  We support blood drives in Michigan and outreach in Appalachia.  We annually supply backpacks and coats for children in Holt.  Our child enrichment center offers great day care in a loving Christian environment and has developed a well deserved local reputation for excellence with children and families.  Bereaved persons find comfort here.  Seniors make friends.  Youth are nurtured.  Families of all shapes are strengthened. Our prayer team is a blessing to all. People grow in their love for Jesus here through inspirational worship, study, and service.

We are a people of open hearts, open minds, and open doors.

  I am praying that you too will decide to move from this contact through your computer screen through the front door to join us for worship on Sunday morning and in discipleship for Christ through the week.  Know that someone here can be a friend who will miss you.

  I know that a loving relationship made a difference for a reluctant three year old. It certainly makes a daily difference for me.  I believe that making Jesus and a church community an important part of your life will make a positive difference for you too.  See you in church on Sunday.

  In Christ,

  Rev. Dr. Glenn M. Wagner, Pastor