A NOTE FROM PASTOR MADELINE

Resting in God's Presence

Just before I got married, during that particularly overwhelming week before the wedding when you are trying to wrap up every detail and tie up all the loose ends (in the midst of out town in-laws arriving and throwing monkey wrenches in all your carefully crafted plans - oh wait, that's a whole other story...), someone gave me a bit of advice that I have always remembered. They said that I should take a minute in the middle of all of the festivities and just breathe, look around and remember that moment in time - because I probably won't remember the rest. Well, the marriage didn't end up lasting, but that advice has always stayed with me!

This past week we had one of those vacations that will always be on my list of favorites. We went to Little Gasparilla Island off the west coast of Florida and literally just sat on the beach, swam, played board games, read books and enjoyed God's incredible Creation and each other's company! I unplugged and completely recharged my batteries. My "one moment to remember" happened when I was on a raft floating in the ocean and gazing up at the perfect blue sky dotted with puffy white clouds. I was literally the only one in the ocean (at least at that beach) and I had never felt closer to God. I just floated and talked with God for a good 30 minutes or so. The incredible feeling of being so small in relation to the vastness of God's Creation, yet so loved by the maker of the universe was exactly what my weary heart needed. 

How is your weary heart doing? These moments to remember don't just happen by accident. We need to prayerfully plan for them. We need to remove ourselves from the busyness and distractions of this broken world and put ourselves in places and spaces where we can see, hear and feel God's presence. I am often guilty of feeling like I have to keep moving and that I don't have time for this type of rest and renewal. But, boy am I wrong when I feel that way! Our contribution to the world is important, but our self care and our time with God is equally important. News flash - the world does not revolve around us! Second news flash - God also created the Sabbath and told us we should rest!

It is my hope and my prayer that in these slower days of the waning summer you will find the time to rest and renew. And remember to find a few minutes to take in everything around you so you can remember what it feels like to be in the presence of the Divine! God is always there - but we are not always paying attention. 

"Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27)

Grace and Peace

-Pastor Madeline

P.S. - This picture is of my Elsa also enjoying the Sabbath!

Our First Fundraiser!

Help us raise money to help support our immigrant community!

Join us for a fun evening of live music, a mini burlesque show, silent auction, information about our organization, light bites, a donation based cash bar and maybe a surprise or two!

Enjoy the musical delights of Jill and Jesse, Anna Hecht, and Jerrod Isaman who are all generously donating their talent to our fundraiser. Local drag queen, Puddin' Tain, will be slinging drinks and generally being fabulous. We have some great items in the silent action including local art, swag bags, gift cards to your favorite boats, and more. Not to mention, a One Human Family bench that is the real star of the show!

We hope you can join us as we raise money for a much needed local cause and a night of fun!



Facebook page link here!

HAPPENING IN THE CHURCH

July Financial Report

God’s people are amazing. Which is what I truly know about our wonderful giving congregation. As we slow down to recuperate from busy season, so does our giving. Although, this year, everyone is paying special attention, and we are financially in a much better position than most summers. Please, be thankful to all who give. And do so willingly to keep on doing God’s work here on earth.

-Mary Olson, Finance Chair

* includes $100,000 gift from Mary Ann Causley’s Estate 

Please Provide Dinners for

Wednesday Night Worship Attendees

We are looking for individuals and groups to provide Wednesday Night dinners on a rotating basis. If you would like to help, please sign up for a specific date by clicking on this link Sign Up for Dinners Meals should be enough for 15-20 people and need to be ready to be served by 5:15pm.

If you would like to help but cannot be there on Wednesdays, please make a donation and notate on your check, Wednesday Night Dinner.

Key West United Methodist Church

on Social Media

You can connect with other members and also follow the church and see what's going on.

In addition to Facebook we now have Instagram and YouTube channels. The links are below if you wish to LIKE, FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE!

Upcoming Bible Studies

Bible Study meets in the J.O.Y. Room at 7pm. The meeting is also available on Zoom.

Here is the Zoom Link (click here)

• No Bible Study on September 3rd

New Study Begins!

9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1 & 10/8 

Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life

in an Ordinary World 

by Bob Goff

The book is available on Amazon for $10.99

Click on the title above to go to Bob Goff's site, click on the Amazon button under Buy Now and it will take you to his Amazon page.

These links have options for new and used books:

THRIFTBOOKS

WORLD OF BOOKS

Betty Stott Lanier Obituary

It is with sadness that we announce that Betty Stott Lanier, 88, of Wilmington, NC, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025.

“Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free. I’m following the path God has laid, you see.” With these words she cherished, Betty entered the Lord’s peace. Born May 12, 1937, in Bailey, NC, she was the daughter of the late Clovis and Chrystabel Glover and sister of the late Gerald Glover. Betty married her high school sweetheart, James Stott, and later, Elwood Lanier, sharing many joyful years with both.

Betty began working at Superior Stone Company at 17 years old and advanced from receptionist to purchasing agent and sales before retiring at 55 years old. A devoted Christian, she was active in Methodist churches in Raleigh, Wilmington, and Key West, FL, enjoying Bible study, teaching Vacation Bible School, and volunteering for the Salvation Army. She lived her faith fully, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and joy.

She is survived by her sons Ronnie (Patricia) Stott and Phil Stott (fiancée Courtney); grandchildren Tyler (Hannah) Stott, Austin (Kelsey) Stott, Kirsten and Zachary Stott, Leah (Grayson) Murphy, Noah, and Cohen; great-grandchildren Airlie, Tatum, Fallon, Winslet, Cale, and Wyatt (expected); and Elwood’s sons, Darrell (Gwen) Lanier and Ryan (Kainen) Lanier, and family.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal service. Her ashes will be spread at sea, a place she cherished for reflection and prayer with the Lord. Her family takes comfort in her favorite words: “Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.”

Memorial contributions may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare by clicking this link.

Visit Betty's online memorial page by clicking below

Coastal Cremations 6 Jacksonville St., Wilmington, NC 28403

910.392.6032

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• PASTOR’S OFFICE HOURS: The Pastor is In! Schedule your time to meet personally with Pastor Madeline! You may arrange a meeting with the Office 305-296-2392.
• Mondays 9:00am-12:00noon and 1:00pm-3:00pm
• Tuesdays 1:00pm-4:00pm
• Wednesdays 9:00am-12:00noon and 1:00pm-3:00pm
• Evening hours available upon request.



OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 10am-2pm. Closed Friday and Saturday.

WORSHIP THIS WEEK

Sunday

Traditional Worship

11:00am

"I Send You!"

Jeremiah 1:4-10

Photo by Sara Baum

PRAYER POINTS

Please be in prayer this week

for the following:

The Family of Betty Stott Lanier

The Blake Family

John Scott Lowe • Meghan Stewart

Hector Sanchez • Kimberly Pierce

Hollie Hopkins • Joe Devlin 

Milagros Alonso • Luis Gomez

The Partrick Family • Debbie Burchfield

Pam Albury • Chris Homberg • Rick Jones 

Family of Elizabeth Cheng • Lopez Family Mike Monsalvatge • Mike & Tiffani Green

Becky Strauss • Allen Meece • Eric Thie

Brenda Haskins • Yvonne Torrado (Julio Torrado’s mom)

and

-Our Sister Church in Cuba- 

Entronque de Herradura, La Iglesia Metodista

Names will be listed for 30 days unless requested to be removed before that time.

How to make a prayer request: 

1. Fill out the Connect Card in your Bulletin. 

2. Send us an email or call the church office 

August Birthday Blessings go out to:

8/3 Kevin Lowe

8/3 Dr. Ann McFarland

8/3 Rafael Richgruber

8/4 Renee Ortiz

8/6 Nicholas Monsalvatge

8/10 Carter Harnett

8/10 Christopher Juban

8/11 Jane Geer

8/11 Wilder Venter

8/12 Briana Bosco

8/13 Alexandra Moore

8/14 Michael Jachelsk

8/14 David Slawson

8/15 Lisa Canaday

8/16 Emil Loether

8/17 Dewey Warner

8/20 William Spottswood

8/21 Charles Getter

8/22 Nathan Gay

8/23 Micky Maddux

8/24 Boom Reger

8/24 Virginia Spottswood

8/26 Carolyn Blackwell

8/28 Sandy Quillen

August Anniversary Blessings go out to:

8/19 Scott & Jeanne Rickert 

8/28 Bill & Andrea Spottswood 

8/30 Fred & Mary Ann Riley 

May God continue to bless you with Peace and Contentment!

If you have a birthday or anniversary this month and are not listed please contact the church office so we can update our database and include you! 305-296-2392

BUILD UP YOUR FAITH

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING: Join us in daily scripture reading on Facebook each day. 

ON THE CALENDAR THIS WEEK:

• SUNDAY 8/24
• 9:30am Old Stone Coffee House LITE
• 9:30am-10:30am Adult Sunday School
• 11:00am Traditional Worship
• 12:15pm Worship Committee Meeting
• MONDAY 8/25
• 5:30pm OSCH Meeting in the J.O.Y. Room
• TUESDAY 8/26
• 11:30am Small Group Facilitators Meeting
• WEDNESDAY 8/27
• THURSDAY 8/28
• 6:30am Men's Virtual Bible Study on Zoom (Email Dr. John for link at jfckwf@gmail.com)
• FRIDAY 8/29
• 8:00am-9:00am Plogging the Keys - Click here to see the schedule and join in!
• SATURDAY 8/30

Check out what is happening on our website calendar Upcoming Events

DO YOU HAVE INFO TO SHARE? If you have something you’d like to share with others in our weekly email please email those items to the Office Admin by Wednesday morning of each week.