UPDATES:
Discerning Together: Town Hall Meeting #2
Wednesday, April 23 6:00 PM | Great Hall Join us Wednesday, April 23 at 6pm for our second Town Hall meeting as we discuss the future of Faith UMC and First UMC. This will be a time for open conversation, updates on the discernment process, and space to ask questions as we seek God’s will together. We encourage everyone to attend!If you have questions about the adoption discernment process or regarding Faith UMC, you may email the Executive Council at [email protected]. |
Read the updated Informative FAQ Document
We know you may have questions about what an adoption process means for both congregations. To help guide this discernment, we have prepared a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document that outlines key considerations, including mission and ministry, worship, staffing, and decision-making. Printed copies of the FAQ are available at the church. Download a PDF of the updated FAQ document: |
April 9, 2025
Praying for Discernment in the Adoption Process
As we continue praying our Breakthrough Prayer, we again invite you to join us in focused prayer this week. Each day, we lift up specific requests as we seek God’s wisdom and guidance in the adoption process. Please take time to pray intentionally for our church, our lay and clergy leaders, and the future of our ministry in Fort Smith and the larger River Valley.
Below is a schedule of prayer topics for the coming days. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer as we discern God’s path together.
Wednesday, April 9- Friday, April 11
Praying for Our Community: Reaching New People
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)
Saturday, April 12 - Monday, April 14
Praying for Willingness to Commit Resources
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life… Look at thee birds of the air… Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:25–26)
Tuesday, April 15 - Wednesday, April 16
Praying for the People of Faith UMC
Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor" (Romans 12:10)
As we continue praying our Breakthrough Prayer, we again invite you to join us in focused prayer this week. Each day, we lift up specific requests as we seek God’s wisdom and guidance in the adoption process. Please take time to pray intentionally for our church, our lay and clergy leaders, and the future of our ministry in Fort Smith and the larger River Valley.
Below is a schedule of prayer topics for the coming days. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer as we discern God’s path together.
Wednesday, April 9- Friday, April 11
Praying for Our Community: Reaching New People
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)
- Pray for those in the River Valley who are unchurched or spiritually seeking.
- Lift up the people who feel distant from God or disconnected from faith, especially those who have never been part of a church family.
- Ask God to help us become a place of invitation, hospitality, and hope—ready to share Christ with new people in new ways.
- Pray for eyes to see the mission field around us and courage to engage it.
Saturday, April 12 - Monday, April 14
Praying for Willingness to Commit Resources
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life… Look at thee birds of the air… Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:25–26)
- Pray for a spirit of freedom from worry as we discern what it might take to adopt a second campus.
- Pray for deep trust in God’s care and provision—financially, logistically, and spiritually.
- Ask for generous hearts willing to offer time, energy, and presence for the sake of new ministry.
- Give thanks for what God has already given us, and pray for a heart of gratitude that overcomes fear.
- Hold space in prayer for those grieving potential changes, that they may also find faith and peace.
Tuesday, April 15 - Wednesday, April 16
Praying for the People of Faith UMC
Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor" (Romans 12:10)
- Pray with compassion for the members of Faith UMC during this season of change and discernment.
- Give thanks for their history, their sacrifices, and their ongoing love for their church and community.
- Ask God to bless them with clarity, peace, and hope as they consider their future.
- Pray that both congregations will listen to one another, honor each other’s stories, and be united by shared mission and mutual care as fellow United Methodist Christians.
March 25, 2025
As we continue our journey of discernment, we invite you to engage in prayer, reflection, and conversation about the potential adoption of Faith UMC. Below are important ways you can participate in this process.
- 1) Continue the 40 days of Prayer for Discernment
- 2) Take the Readiness 360 Survey
- 3) Attend the Town Hall on April 6 During Sunday School
- 4) Read the “Frequently Asked Questions” informational document.
Take the “Readiness 360” Survey
Dear Church Family,
At First United Methodist Church, we are taking seriously our call to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. One of the ways we’re living into that calling is by discerning whether God is leading us to adopt Faith UMC as a second campus of our congregation.
This decision has deep spiritual, relational, and missional implications. As we prayerfully consider the possibility of adopting Faith UMC as a second campus of First United Methodist Church, we are asking every member and regular participant to take part in a brief, online survey called Readiness 360, which has been used around the country in thousands of congregations exploring new opportunities such as the one we are facing now. This survey is an important tool that will help us assess our congregation’s spiritual readiness for growth and new ministry. The Readiness 360 survey looks at four vital areas of congregational health: spiritual intensity, dynamic relationships, missional alignment, and cultural openness.
Your honest input will help us listen for God’s guidance, identify areas of strength and growth, and discern our readiness to partner with God in creating new places for new people. Participation is quick and easy—and completely confidential. The Arkansas Conference is covering the cost of this survey resource for us, and we need as many responses as possible to get a clear picture of where God is leading us.
Please take about 20 minutes this week to share your voice in this important season of discernment.
How to Take the Readiness 360 Survey:
1) Go to: http://app.readiness360.org/survey/login
2) Enter our church’s unique survey code: 9122864016
3) Complete the survey by April 7
Dear Church Family,
At First United Methodist Church, we are taking seriously our call to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. One of the ways we’re living into that calling is by discerning whether God is leading us to adopt Faith UMC as a second campus of our congregation.
This decision has deep spiritual, relational, and missional implications. As we prayerfully consider the possibility of adopting Faith UMC as a second campus of First United Methodist Church, we are asking every member and regular participant to take part in a brief, online survey called Readiness 360, which has been used around the country in thousands of congregations exploring new opportunities such as the one we are facing now. This survey is an important tool that will help us assess our congregation’s spiritual readiness for growth and new ministry. The Readiness 360 survey looks at four vital areas of congregational health: spiritual intensity, dynamic relationships, missional alignment, and cultural openness.
Your honest input will help us listen for God’s guidance, identify areas of strength and growth, and discern our readiness to partner with God in creating new places for new people. Participation is quick and easy—and completely confidential. The Arkansas Conference is covering the cost of this survey resource for us, and we need as many responses as possible to get a clear picture of where God is leading us.
Please take about 20 minutes this week to share your voice in this important season of discernment.
How to Take the Readiness 360 Survey:
1) Go to: http://app.readiness360.org/survey/login
2) Enter our church’s unique survey code: 9122864016
3) Complete the survey by April 7
Praying for Discernment in the Adoption Process
As we continue praying our Breakthrough Prayer, we again invite you to join us in focused prayer this week. Each day, we lift up specific requests as we seek God’s wisdom and guidance in the adoption process. Please take time to pray intentionally for our church, our lay and clergy leaders, and the future of our ministry in Fort Smith and the larger River Valley.
Below is a schedule of prayer topics for the coming days. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer as we discern God’s path together.
Wednesday, March 26 - Thursday, March 27
Pray for Understanding the Impact of the potential Adoption
"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
● Pray for both churches to clearly see the positive benefits of this adoption for their church.
● Pray for the parent and the joining church to identify potential pitfalls and challenges.
● Pray that leaders and congregation members from both churches will listen and discern the right path for this moment.
Friday, March 28 - Saturday, March 29
Pray for Willingness
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? (Psalm 56:3-40)
● Pray for the parent church (FUMC) to be open, eager, and willing to consider an adoption.
● Pray that the joining church (Faith UMC) be open, eager, and willing to consider being adopted.
● Pray for clarity for which path to take in this season.
Sunday, March 30 - Monday, March 31
Pray for Clarity of Values
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ (Matthew 25:34-36)
● Pray the church can address injustice in our community
● Pray that we will see how our personal values align with God’s call to care for hurting people.
● Pray we can be open to how we use our resources to witness to God’s grace, share with the hungry in body and spirit, and be a blessing in the River Valley.
Tuesday, April 1 - Wednesday, April 2
Pray for a Spirit of Trust
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. (Matthew 25:34-36)
● Pray for people in both churches to put their trust in God during this discernment process and possible adoption.
● Pray for the leadership to continue to seek and follow God’s will.
● Pray that people in both churches faithfully follow God’s leading.
As we continue praying our Breakthrough Prayer, we again invite you to join us in focused prayer this week. Each day, we lift up specific requests as we seek God’s wisdom and guidance in the adoption process. Please take time to pray intentionally for our church, our lay and clergy leaders, and the future of our ministry in Fort Smith and the larger River Valley.
Below is a schedule of prayer topics for the coming days. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer as we discern God’s path together.
Wednesday, March 26 - Thursday, March 27
Pray for Understanding the Impact of the potential Adoption
"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
● Pray for both churches to clearly see the positive benefits of this adoption for their church.
● Pray for the parent and the joining church to identify potential pitfalls and challenges.
● Pray that leaders and congregation members from both churches will listen and discern the right path for this moment.
Friday, March 28 - Saturday, March 29
Pray for Willingness
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? (Psalm 56:3-40)
● Pray for the parent church (FUMC) to be open, eager, and willing to consider an adoption.
● Pray that the joining church (Faith UMC) be open, eager, and willing to consider being adopted.
● Pray for clarity for which path to take in this season.
Sunday, March 30 - Monday, March 31
Pray for Clarity of Values
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ (Matthew 25:34-36)
● Pray the church can address injustice in our community
● Pray that we will see how our personal values align with God’s call to care for hurting people.
● Pray we can be open to how we use our resources to witness to God’s grace, share with the hungry in body and spirit, and be a blessing in the River Valley.
Tuesday, April 1 - Wednesday, April 2
Pray for a Spirit of Trust
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. (Matthew 25:34-36)
● Pray for people in both churches to put their trust in God during this discernment process and possible adoption.
● Pray for the leadership to continue to seek and follow God’s will.
● Pray that people in both churches faithfully follow God’s leading.
March 18, 2025
Dear First UM Church Family,
As we continue our journey of discernment, we invite you to engage in prayer, reflection, and conversation about the potential adoption of Faith UMC. Below are important ways you can participate in this process.
As we continue our journey of discernment, we invite you to engage in prayer, reflection, and conversation about the potential adoption of Faith UMC. Below are important ways you can participate in this process.
Discerning Together: A Town Hall Meeting
Sunday, April 6 | 9:45 AM | Great Hall
Join us during the Sunday School hour for an important Town Hall meeting as we discuss the future of Faith UMC and First UMC. This will be a time for open conversation, updates on the discernment process, and space to ask questions as we seek God’s will together. We encourage everyone to attend!
Read the FAQ Document
We know you may have questions about what an adoption process means for both congregations. To help guide this discernment, we have prepared a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document that outlines key considerations, including mission and ministry, worship, staffing, and decision-making.
Printed copies of the FAQ will be available at the church. We will continue to share updates online at fsfumc.org/faith-umc-adoption
DOWNLOAD THE FAQ DOCUMENT:
Sunday, April 6 | 9:45 AM | Great Hall
Join us during the Sunday School hour for an important Town Hall meeting as we discuss the future of Faith UMC and First UMC. This will be a time for open conversation, updates on the discernment process, and space to ask questions as we seek God’s will together. We encourage everyone to attend!
Read the FAQ Document
We know you may have questions about what an adoption process means for both congregations. To help guide this discernment, we have prepared a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document that outlines key considerations, including mission and ministry, worship, staffing, and decision-making.
Printed copies of the FAQ will be available at the church. We will continue to share updates online at fsfumc.org/faith-umc-adoption
DOWNLOAD THE FAQ DOCUMENT:
Click to view and download the 8 Page FAQ Booklet
Praying for Discernment in the Adoption Process
As we continue praying our Breakthrough Prayer, we invite you to join us in focused prayer this week. Each day, we lift up specific requests as we seek God’s wisdom and guidance in the adoption process. Please take time to pray intentionally for our church, our leaders, and the future of this ministry.
Below is a schedule of prayer topics for the coming days. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer as we discern God’s path together.
Wednesday, March 19
Pray for our Church’s Vision
"Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path" (Ps 119:105)
Thursday, March 20
“Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with rejoicing, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres.” (Nehemiah 12:27)
Pray for our staff members as they tour Faith UMC for the first time.
Friday, March 21 - Sunday, March 23
Pray for a Desire To Make New Disciples
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations . . . . Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Monday, March 24 - Wednesday, March 26
Pray for Understanding the Impact of the potential Adoption
"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
As we continue praying our Breakthrough Prayer, we invite you to join us in focused prayer this week. Each day, we lift up specific requests as we seek God’s wisdom and guidance in the adoption process. Please take time to pray intentionally for our church, our leaders, and the future of this ministry.
Below is a schedule of prayer topics for the coming days. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer as we discern God’s path together.
Wednesday, March 19
Pray for our Church’s Vision
"Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path" (Ps 119:105)
- Pray for unity and wisdom about the direction of adoption.
- Pray for wisdom in discerning if FSFUMC and Faith UMC are a good match for shared ministry.
- Pray for clarity about the timing and clarity for our direction.
Thursday, March 20
“Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with rejoicing, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres.” (Nehemiah 12:27)
Pray for our staff members as they tour Faith UMC for the first time.
- Pray that they will see the ministry potential in this space.
- Pray for wisdom, insight, and open hearts as we all consider the next steps.
- Pray for meaningful conversations between the leaders of both churches.
Friday, March 21 - Sunday, March 23
Pray for a Desire To Make New Disciples
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations . . . . Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
- Pray that the people of FUMC will tell others about Jesus.
- Pray that those who hear will have open hearts.
- Pray for the people in your specific neighborhood, so they may grow in discipleship.
Monday, March 24 - Wednesday, March 26
Pray for Understanding the Impact of the potential Adoption
"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
- Pray for both churches to clearly see the positive benefits of this adoption for their church.
- Pray for the parent and the joining church to identify potential pitfalls and challenges.
- Pray that leaders and congregation members from both churches will listen and discern the right path for this moment.
March 12, 2025
Praying for Discernment in the Adoption Process
As we continue praying our Breakthrough Prayer introduced last week, we invite you to join us in focused prayer this week. Each day, we lift up specific requests as we seek God’s wisdom and guidance in the adoption process. Please take time to pray intentionally for our church, our leaders, and the future of this ministry.
This week, our Trustees toured the Faith UMC building, and we received key financial information. These initial steps provide much for our leadership to research and study in the coming weeks as they prepare recommendations for our Administrative Board. Please keep our leadership in your prayers. As more information becomes available, they look forward to updating the congregation.
Below is a schedule of prayer topics for the coming days. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer as we discern God’s path together.
Wednesday, March 12 - Friday, March 14
Pray for Openness to God’s Leading
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Saturday, March 15 - Monday, March 17
Pray for the Leaders of Both Congregations
"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." (James 1:5)
Tuesday, March 18 - Wednesday, March 19
Pray for Our Church’s Vision
"Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path" (Ps 119:105)
As we continue praying our Breakthrough Prayer introduced last week, we invite you to join us in focused prayer this week. Each day, we lift up specific requests as we seek God’s wisdom and guidance in the adoption process. Please take time to pray intentionally for our church, our leaders, and the future of this ministry.
This week, our Trustees toured the Faith UMC building, and we received key financial information. These initial steps provide much for our leadership to research and study in the coming weeks as they prepare recommendations for our Administrative Board. Please keep our leadership in your prayers. As more information becomes available, they look forward to updating the congregation.
Below is a schedule of prayer topics for the coming days. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer as we discern God’s path together.
Wednesday, March 12 - Friday, March 14
Pray for Openness to God’s Leading
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- Pray for the entire church to be open to God’s leading in the adoption process.
- Pray that those in lay, staff, and clergy leadership will prayerfully and continually seek God’s direction.
- Pray that the potential parent church (FSFUMC) and the potential joining church (Faith UMC) will communicate openly.
Saturday, March 15 - Monday, March 17
Pray for the Leaders of Both Congregations
"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." (James 1:5)
- Pray that people will be engaged and ask good questions about the adoption process.
- Pray for a passion and excitement for reaching new people.
- Pray for the wisdom of the church leaders regarding adoption as they do research and due diligence.
Tuesday, March 18 - Wednesday, March 19
Pray for Our Church’s Vision
"Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path" (Ps 119:105)
- Pray for unity and wisdom about the direction of adoption.
- Pray for wisdom in discerning if FSFUMC and Faith UMC are a good match for shared ministry.
- Pray for clarity about the timing and clarity for our direction.
Breakthrough Prayer
God of boundless grace,
Lead our church into deeper faith and unity.
Lift our eyes beyond what is familiar
– beyond our walls, beyond downtown –
to see the whole River Valley as our calling in ministry.
Break through every barrier that hinders growth and vision.
Grant us wisdom and clarity as we discern the potential
of adopting another church and creating a new ministry eastward.
Make us bold in faith, humble in service,
and ready to step into the future you are shaping.
We trust you, God of new beginnings, and seek your will.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
our firm foundation and guiding light.
Amen.
God of boundless grace,
Lead our church into deeper faith and unity.
Lift our eyes beyond what is familiar
– beyond our walls, beyond downtown –
to see the whole River Valley as our calling in ministry.
Break through every barrier that hinders growth and vision.
Grant us wisdom and clarity as we discern the potential
of adopting another church and creating a new ministry eastward.
Make us bold in faith, humble in service,
and ready to step into the future you are shaping.
We trust you, God of new beginnings, and seek your will.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
our firm foundation and guiding light.
Amen.
March 6, 2025
Dear First UMC Family,
I want to share with you an important moment in the life of our church. Over the past month, our leadership has been prayerfully exploring the possibility of adopting Faith United Methodist Church into our congregation. Faith UMC, along with our District Superintendent, has asked us to consider this path, and we are seeking God’s guidance together.
This would not be a property purchase or a “two-point charge” but a true church adoption merger—bringing our two congregations together as one, with First UMC serving Fort Smith from both our downtown campus and a second campus to the east at the current Faith UMC location. Our current plans for this would not include any changes to our weekly worship schedule downtown.
While I have shared this with our Administrative Board, for many of you, this may be the first time you’re hearing about it. That’s why we are entering into a season of prayer and discernment, listening for God’s direction. We don’t take this step lightly—our goal is to be guided by the Holy Spirit, to seek wisdom, and to faithfully consider what this could mean for our mission and ministry. Meanwhile, our administrative committees, particularly our Finance Committee and Trustees, will be doing due diligence feasibility studies of Faith UMC’s facilities and finances. Please include these leaders in your prayers as well.
To help guide us in this process, we are asking every member of our church to join in a 40-day season of prayer. Above, you’ll find a short video sharing more about this time of discernment, and below is the Breakthrough Prayer we are inviting the entire congregation to pray daily.
As you pray, please also lift up the members of Faith UMC, who are walking their own path of discernment. This is a sacred and emotional journey for them as they consider their legacy and future. May we surround them with love, support, and prayer as they seek where God is leading.
We will continue to share more in the weeks ahead, and as always, I welcome your prayers, your thoughts, and any feedback you may have as we step forward in faith.
In Christ,
Blake
Rev. Dr. Blake Bradford
Lead Pastor
Fort Smith First United Methodist Church
I want to share with you an important moment in the life of our church. Over the past month, our leadership has been prayerfully exploring the possibility of adopting Faith United Methodist Church into our congregation. Faith UMC, along with our District Superintendent, has asked us to consider this path, and we are seeking God’s guidance together.
This would not be a property purchase or a “two-point charge” but a true church adoption merger—bringing our two congregations together as one, with First UMC serving Fort Smith from both our downtown campus and a second campus to the east at the current Faith UMC location. Our current plans for this would not include any changes to our weekly worship schedule downtown.
While I have shared this with our Administrative Board, for many of you, this may be the first time you’re hearing about it. That’s why we are entering into a season of prayer and discernment, listening for God’s direction. We don’t take this step lightly—our goal is to be guided by the Holy Spirit, to seek wisdom, and to faithfully consider what this could mean for our mission and ministry. Meanwhile, our administrative committees, particularly our Finance Committee and Trustees, will be doing due diligence feasibility studies of Faith UMC’s facilities and finances. Please include these leaders in your prayers as well.
To help guide us in this process, we are asking every member of our church to join in a 40-day season of prayer. Above, you’ll find a short video sharing more about this time of discernment, and below is the Breakthrough Prayer we are inviting the entire congregation to pray daily.
As you pray, please also lift up the members of Faith UMC, who are walking their own path of discernment. This is a sacred and emotional journey for them as they consider their legacy and future. May we surround them with love, support, and prayer as they seek where God is leading.
We will continue to share more in the weeks ahead, and as always, I welcome your prayers, your thoughts, and any feedback you may have as we step forward in faith.
In Christ,
Blake
Rev. Dr. Blake Bradford
Lead Pastor
Fort Smith First United Methodist Church
Breakthrough Prayer
God of boundless grace,
Lead our church into deeper faith and unity.
Lift our eyes beyond what is familiar
– beyond our walls, beyond downtown –
to see the whole River Valley as our calling in ministry.
Break through every barrier that hinders growth and vision.
Grant us wisdom and clarity as we discern the potential
of adopting another church and creating a new ministry eastward.
Make us bold in faith, humble in service,
and ready to step into the future you are shaping.
We trust you, God of new beginnings, and seek your will.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
our firm foundation and guiding light.
Amen.
God of boundless grace,
Lead our church into deeper faith and unity.
Lift our eyes beyond what is familiar
– beyond our walls, beyond downtown –
to see the whole River Valley as our calling in ministry.
Break through every barrier that hinders growth and vision.
Grant us wisdom and clarity as we discern the potential
of adopting another church and creating a new ministry eastward.
Make us bold in faith, humble in service,
and ready to step into the future you are shaping.
We trust you, God of new beginnings, and seek your will.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
our firm foundation and guiding light.
Amen.