A Pastoral Letter 8.6.25

Dear Church Family,

In the liturgical calendar, there’s a beautiful season called The Season of Creation, which spans from September 1 to October 4. This is a time when we intentionally focus on God’s creation—and not just the natural world, but the ways God is actively creating, transforming, and renewing us as individuals and as a community.

God is certainly doing amazing things here at Castle Rock First UMC! Brunch Church was a blast, Outdoor Chapel has been full of joy with the Pop-Up Choir and perfect weather, and we've had rich times of connection through Bible studies, Friday Fellowships, game nights, and the upcoming Vibes game outing with 40 of us attending. These moments of community are shaping us into the creation God is calling us to be here in Douglas County.

Worship Creation: A New Season Begins

One question I’ve been asked often over the years is: “Can we merge into one worship service?” For a long time, my answer was no—and I had my reasons. Still, we occasionally gathered as one for special services, and every time we did, they were powerful and spirit-filled.

After our 150th Celebration Worship last year, I felt the Spirit nudging me to reconsider. More and more of you expressed how meaningful it was to worship together and how much you missed seeing the whole church family each Sunday. The combined Time and Talent Sunday confirmed for me that there’s something sacred about being together.

I began talking with our musicians, worship leaders, and others who had brought up this idea in the past. As those conversations unfolded, it became clear: the Holy Spirit was saying, now is the time.

I brought the idea to the Administrative Council in June, and the consensus was to move forward. I want you to hear this clearly: Merging our two worship services is not a sign of failure—it’s an invitation from God.

At Annual Conference, Rev. Lisa Greenwood spoke about how good wine is made—not by one vine growing on its own, but by grafting and pruning branches to create something richer and more resilient. That image stuck with me. In John 15, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches... if you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” When we come together, something holy happens.

Likewise, by uniting our worship services, we are not giving up—we are grafting together. We are combining gifts, voices, traditions, and passions to create something stronger, more beautiful, and more faithful. This is not about scarcity; it’s about faithfulness. It’s not about what we’ve lost, but what we’re becoming. Like the early church in Acts 2, we are trusting the Spirit to lead us forward into a new creation.

The Plan: Beginning Sunday, September 7, we will launch one worship service at 9:00 a.m. Following worship, we’ll gather for Community Faith Time. (Yes, the coffee and donuts stay!) We're still finalizing details, but the plan includes: Three spaces for children, youth and adults. More information about Community Faith Time will be shared at a later date.

What About Christmas and Easter? We will continue to offer three separate worship opportunities during these high holy days.

What About Summer? Summer worship will continue like it always has from Memorial day-Labor Day at 8:30 a.m. Outdoor Chapel and 10:00 a.m. Modern Service.

What About Music? No one is going anywhere! We will weave together the musical styles of both services—just like we did at the 150th Celebration—to create a meaningful, inclusive, and dynamic worship experience.

Yes, this change may feel different. And yes, there may be grief for what was. But there is also great joy ahead for what can be. We are moving from parallel paths to a shared journey. From multiple voices to a unified song. From “either/or” to “both/and.” Together, we will reimagine what worship can be when all of God’s people gather in one space, at one time, around one table.

Nominations and Leadership Development Change

As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership and streamline planning, our Nominations and Leadership Development process will transition to follow the calendar year rather than the program year. This change will better align us with the Charge Conference timeline and make it easier to recruit, equip, and support leaders for key teams such as SPRC, Trustees, Finance, and the Administrative Council.

As a result, all current committee terms will shift to this new schedule, with transitions taking effect January 1, 2026. Those completing their service will roll off at that time, and newly selected leaders will begin their terms at the start of the new year.

Staff Role Transition

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee is delighted to announce a significant and exciting transition for Theresa, as she steps into a new, dual role as Preschool Director and Business Manager for the Church. This strategic move leverages Theresa's proven capabilities in both early childhood education and business administration. In this comprehensive position, approximately 60% of her time will be dedicated to overseeing the preschool's operations, including curriculum oversight, staff leadership, and ensuring a nurturing and enriching environment for our children. The remaining 40% will be focused on the church's vital business affairs, encompassing financial oversight, resource allocation, and enhancing overall operational efficiency. We are confident that Theresa's expertise and dedication, alongside Pastor Matt's leadership in congregational  development, will be instrumental in the continued growth and success of both the preschool and the Church's broader ministries.

Welcoming Our New Choir Director

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee is thrilled to welcome Sarah Shinn-Molieri as the new Choir Director. Sarah brings not only a deep love for sacred music, but also a wealth of experience as a church musician, choral arranger, vocalist, and instrumentalist. Many of you already know Sarah from her years of faithful service in our music ministry, where she has led children's music, played piano and violin, and shared her voice in worship.

Sarah is passionate about creating inclusive, spiritually uplifting music that invites all people to experience the presence of God. With her background in music performance, education, and collaboration, she is uniquely gifted to guide our choir into a new season of joyful, heartfelt praise. We give thanks for Sarah’s leadership, creativity, and heart, and we are excited for the music we will make together as we grow in faith and community. Please join us in welcoming Sarah into this new role with gratitude and joy!

Volunteer Church Secretary(s)

We are looking for a volunteer church secretary for the First United Methodist Church of Castle Rock. This position is crucial for our daily operations and outreach. The volunteer will welcome visitors, manage communications, and keep the office organized. The role includes answering phones, maintaining the church calendar, and helping with Sunday materials. The secretary will also keep staff informed of member needs, such as illnesses or deaths. We will have a sign-up sheet available with the specific times needed, and a training day will be announced the first of September.  

In Closing 

I am so excited about what God is doing at Castle Rock First UMC. We are being formed, pruned, and grafted into something new—and beautiful. Let’s GROW together.

Let God’s Light and love lead your way. 

Pastor Matt Franks

Sr. Pastor Castle Rock FUMC