First Things First Newsletter

Dear Members & Friends of First Church Roseville,

I greet you all in the name of our life-giving and liberating God!

Today, July 1st, marks a special kind of New Year’s Day in The United Methodist Church—it’s the beginning of a new appointment year. For me, it begins my sixth year as an appointed pastor and my third year serving as your pastor here at First Church Roseville. I can hardly believe how quickly the time has passed, and I truly consider it a gift to journey alongside each of you.

I’m writing to remind you of my upcoming renewal leave, which was previously announced in worship by Jan Sechrist, chair of our Staff-Parish Relations Committee, and approved by Bishop Sandra Olewine and the Board of Ordained Ministry. I will be away from Friday, July 18 through Monday, September 1. During this time, I’ll step away from regular pastoral duties to rest, pray, study, and listen deeply for where God is leading me—and us—as we continue our ministry together.

This time apart is a gift, and I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement many of you have already extended.

This renewal leave is a time for me to be renewed in spirit, mind, and body. I look forward to spending unhurried time with my husband Martin, our cats, and family and friends—the kind of presence that nourishes relationships and restores energy. I’ll also immerse myself in God’s creation through birding, hiking, and kayaking as a way to reconnect with joy, stillness, and wonder.

My sabbatical will include a focus on study and spiritual growth, including:

• A preaching retreat in New Mexico
• Meeting with a coach
• Time with a spiritual community outside the UMC
• A carefully chosen reading list that explores ministry, healing, justice, and discernment

Reading List:

• Beyond Majority Rule – Michael J. Sheeran
• Christ in the Rubble – Munther Isaac
• The Deepest Well – Nadine Burke Harris
• Generation to Generation – Edwin H. Friedman
• Into the Mess & Other Jesus Stories – Debie Thomas
• Missional, Monastic, Mainline – Elaine A. Heath & Larry Duggins
• Officer Clemmons: A Memoir – François S. Clemmons
• Practicing Discernment Together – Fendall, Wood, & Bishop
• Sabbath as Resistance – Walter Brueggemann

I also plan to incorporate spiritual practices such as praying the Jesus Prayer, journaling, and reading through John Wesley’s Sermons: An Anthology as a devotional. Finally, I’ll be tending to my physical and emotional well-being, working with trusted professionals as part of my commitment to serve with integrity and wholeness.

The life and ministry of First Church Roseville will continue with faithful leadership. Our staff, volunteers, and lay leaders will carry forward worship, pastoral care, and administration that make our community vibrant.

Sunday Mornings

Our worship services will remain a space for inspiring music, meaningful connection, and spiritual renewal:

• July 20 – A lay-led worship service to mark the beginning of the sabbatical season
• July 27 – Guest preacher Rev. Kendra Dickinson, an ordained Anglican priest and hospice chaplain
• August Sundays – Rev. Steve Lundin, a retired United Methodist elder, will serve as our sabbatical pastor, preaching, presiding at the sacraments, and offering pastoral presence

Pastor Steve retired from appointed ministry in July 2024 after serving congregations across the California-Nevada Conference, including the former Rocklin church and, most recently, Salinas First UMC. He is married to Rev. Karla Lundin, who serves as pastor at Church of the Wayfarer in Carmel.

In addition to preaching in August, Pastor Steve will:

• Lead the Holy Grounds Lectionary Study on Thursday mornings
• Visit with volunteers and guests during the Monday Meal
• You may reach him, or one of the other on-call pastors, through one of our lay leaders for urgent care matters

While I am away, spiritual care is just a phone call or email away. Our lay leaders—Ruth Ann Baker and Jan Sechrist—and the Prayer Chain, led by Connie Witherow, are ready to support you and can connect you with an on-call pastor if needed.

On-call pastors include:

• Rev. Alison Berry – Loomis First UMC
• Rev. Wendy Weller – Newcastle UMC
• Rev. Steve Lundin – Sabbatical pastor for August

[On call pastoral care: pastoralcare@firstumcroseville.org .]

I encourage you to continue your regular worship attendance, stay connected in community, and engage in acts of service. Together, we remain the body of Christ—supporting and encouraging one another in love.

I also want you to know that I am still here and fully available in the coming weeks. I look forward to worshiping with you, sharing in conversation, and continuing our ministry together right up until my leave begins. These remaining Sundays and moments together are precious to me, and I welcome the chance to connect before I step away for this time of renewal.

Thank you again for your support, your prayers, and your trust. It is truly a blessing to serve as your pastor, and I look forward to returning in September with a renewed spirit and fresh energy for the journey ahead.

With gratitude and love,

Pastor Angel