Beginning Together in Grace, Love, and Mission
Dear Church Family,
It is a great joy to begin this new season of ministry with you. During these first few weeks, my family and I have been deeply grateful for the warm welcome, kind words, and prayers we have received. Thank you for opening your hearts to us and helping us feel at home.
For those I have not yet met, my name is Jung Du Paik, and please feel free to call me Pastor JD. My wife, Rev. Yoo Jin Kim, is also a United Methodist pastor. We are blessed with our young son, Sean, who brings great joy—and plenty of energy—to our family.
As I begin serving Webberville United Methodist Church and Fowlerville First United Methodist Church, I look forward to learning your names, hearing your stories, honoring the traditions that have shaped these congregations, and discovering together where God is leading us next.
During July, our messages have centered on four affirmations about who we are as followers of Jesus Christ.
First, "We Are One in Christ." Unity does not mean we will always think alike or agree on every issue—Christian unity is deeper than uniformity. We are one because we belong to Jesus Christ, and our different backgrounds, gifts, and perspectives can become the very means by which the whole body is strengthened.
Second, "We Stand on Grace." We do not stand before God because of our achievements or our hard work; we are saved by grace through faith. Grace frees us from constantly proving ourselves, and it teaches us to extend to others the same patience and welcome God has given us.
Third, "We Are Called to Love One Another." Jesus said people would recognize his disciples by their love—a love that listens, forgives, encourages, serves, and remains faithful, especially when relationships are difficult. The strength of a church is not measured only by its programs or attendance, but by the way its people genuinely care for one another.
Finally, "We Are Sent into the World." Jesus calls us the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We are gathered by God so that we may be sent by God—to care for our neighbors, welcome those who feel forgotten, and share the hope of Christ in both word and action.
We belong to Christ. We stand on grace. We love one another. And we are sent to serve. I do not begin this appointment believing I have all the answers. I begin with a desire to listen, learn, pray, and walk alongside you—because ministry is not something a pastor does alone. It is the shared work of the whole church, guided by the Holy Spirit and grounded in the love of Jesus Christ. I am thankful that God has brought us together for this season, and I look forward to all that God will do among us and through us.
Grace and peace,
Pastor JD