“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

Dear Pleasant Valley UMC Family,

I am pastor Sophia. As we move through the busyness of life, I invite you to pause for a moment and remember a simple but life-changing truth: God knows your name.

In Isaiah 43:1, God says,

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”

What a beautiful promise. In a world that often identifies us by our job titles, accomplishments, mistakes, medical appointments, or overflowing calendars, God knows us personally and lovingly. God remembers all of us by our names.

Many of us are facing health challenges. Some are grieving losses. Some are navigating difficult decisions. Others are simply trying to remember why they walked into a room in the first place. Through it all, God’s promise remains: “Do not fear… I am with you.”

God never promises a life without challenges, but God does promise that we will not face them alone. When life feels overwhelming, God walks beside us. When the waters rise, God is with us. When the path is unclear, God continues to guide us.

This Sunday, we will celebrate a special and joyful moment as Addisyn and Jace will be baptized. What a gift! Baptism is one of the clearest reminders that God’s grace reaches us before we can earn it, explain it, or even fully understand it. God simply says, “You are mine.”

As we celebrate their baptism, I invite you to reflect on your own faith journey. Where have you experienced God’s presence? How has God carried you through difficult seasons? How might God be inviting you to grow, serve, encourage someone, or share Christ’s love in a new way?

Sometimes God’s call comes through a conversation, an invitation, a prayer, or a simple act of kindness. Sometimes it nudges us beyond our comfort zones. Sometimes it reminds us that faith is not just about sitting comfortably in a pew; it is about following Jesus wherever he leads.

Come, rejoice, and celebrate new life in Christ. Come ready to sing, pray, smile, welcome one another, and maybe even get a little excited. After all, whenever someone takes a step closer to Christ, heaven celebrates—and I suspect heaven is a lot louder than most Methodist congregations!

I look forward to worshiping with you.