Family & Friends Day: A Celebration of Faith, Fellowship, and Hope
Sunday, June 28, 2026
St. Paul Union American Methodist Episcopal Church joyfully welcomed members, visitors, families, and friends for a spirit-filled Family & Friends Day Worship Service filled with praise, heartfelt fellowship, and the life-changing Word of God.
Adding to the spirit of the day, members proudly wore their red UAME Conference T-shirts, creating a beautiful sea of red throughout the sanctuary. The shirts boldly displayed this year's conference theme, "One Family, One Fire, One Faith," perfectly reflecting the purpose of Family & Friends Day. As members worshiped alongside their loved ones and welcomed visitors, the T-shirts served as a visible reminder that, through Christ, we are united as one church family, strengthened by one faith and inspired by the fire of the Holy Spirit.
From the opening prayer, we thanked God for bringing families together and asked the Holy Spirit to lead and strengthen everyone in attendance. The sanctuary was filled with joyful worship, uplifting music, Scripture, and prayers that reminded us of God's faithfulness and His abiding presence.
One of the highlights of the morning was hearing from our guests and church family as they shared testimonies of God's goodness, His healing power, safe travels, restored relationships, and the lasting impact St. Paul has had on their lives. These heartfelt moments beautifully reflected the love and unity that make our church family so special.
Pastor Rev. Kay Randall delivered a powerful and timely message entitled "Jesus Said There'd Be Days Like This," based on Matthew 24:3-14. She reminded the congregation that while the world faces uncertainty, conflict, and trials, none of these events take God by surprise. Jesus Himself warned that difficult days would come, but He also gave believers hope and assurance that He remains in control.
Pastor Randall encouraged everyone to respond to today's challenges by remembering three simple yet powerful truths:
Look Up – Keep your eyes fixed on Christ and trust His promises.
Look Out – Stay spiritually alert through prayer and God's Word.
Look Around – Share God's love by serving others and reaching those who need to hear the Gospel.
As Family & Friends Day reminds us, our greatest desire is not only to worship together but to ensure that those we love know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Pastor Randall closed with a moving challenge inspired by Noah's Ark: "Is the family in the ark?"—a call for each of us to pray for, encourage, and lovingly lead our family and friends to Christ.
Following worship, everyone gathered in the Fellowship Hall to enjoy delicious food, warm fellowship, and meaningful conversations as new friendships were formed and old ones renewed. It was truly a day of encouragement, connection, and renewed faith.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to every member, volunteer, ministry, musician, choir member, visitor, family member, and friend who helped make this Family & Friends Day a wonderful celebration of God's love and the unity of His people.
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" — Psalm 133:1
We look forward to welcoming you again soon at St. Paul Union American Methodist Episcopal Church, where everyone is family, everyone is welcome, and together we worship with One Family, One Fire, One Faith.
St. Paul Union American Methodist Episcopal Church joyfully welcomed members, visitors, families, and friends for a spirit-filled Family & Friends Day Worship Service filled with praise, heartfelt fellowship, and the life-changing Word of God.
From the opening prayer, we thanked God for bringing families together and asked the Holy Spirit to lead and strengthen everyone in attendance. The sanctuary was filled with joyful worship, uplifting music, Scripture, and prayers that reminded us of God's faithfulness and His abiding presence.
One of the highlights of the morning was hearing from our guests and church family as they shared testimonies of God's goodness, His healing power, safe travels, restored relationships, and the lasting impact St. Paul has had on their lives. These heartfelt moments beautifully reflected the love and unity that make our church family so special.
Pastor Rev. Kay Randall delivered a powerful and timely message entitled "Jesus Said There'd Be Days Like This," based on Matthew 24:3-14. She reminded the congregation that while the world faces uncertainty, conflict, and trials, none of these events take God by surprise. Jesus Himself warned that difficult days would come, but He also gave believers hope and assurance that He remains in control.
Pastor Randall encouraged everyone to respond to today's challenges by remembering three simple yet powerful truths:
Look Up – Keep your eyes fixed on Christ and trust His promises.
Look Out – Stay spiritually alert through prayer and God's Word.
Look Around – Share God's love by serving others and reaching those who need to hear the Gospel.
As Family & Friends Day reminds us, our greatest desire is not only to worship together but to ensure that those we love know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Pastor Randall closed with a moving challenge inspired by Noah's Ark: "Is the family in the ark?"—a call for each of us to pray for, encourage, and lovingly lead our family and friends to Christ.
Following worship, everyone gathered in the Fellowship Hall for food, laughter, and warm fellowship, celebrating the many blessings God has given our church family. It was truly a day of encouragement, connection, and renewed faith.
We thank every member, volunteer, ministry, musician, choir member, visitor, family member, and friend who helped make this special day such a blessing.
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" — Psalm 133:1
We look forward to welcoming you again soon at St. Paul UAME Church, where there is always a place for you.
