🎊 How to Celebrate Lisa + Her Ministry to Mars Hill

May 19

We’re so grateful for Lisa and her ministry to and with Mars Hill United Methodist Church and and the broader Madison County community. Since 2018, we have been honored to have Lisa reappointed as pastor of our congregation [in addition to Spring Creek and Bright Hope Laurel United Methodist Churches].

As Lisa’s appointment comes to an end in June, we wan to take time to express our gratitude to and for Lisa and Zoe.

On June 16, Lisa’s last Sunday at Mars Hill UMC, our special June 16 worship will include:

Baby Boone’s baptism as we celebrate alongside Sydney and Alex.
A fellowship meal at with Lisa and Zoe at 12:45 pm (once Lisa returns from Bright Hope Laurel)
A fond farewell as part of our worship and afternoon fellowship.

Ways to Celebrate Lisa

Beginning June 9, a book will be available to sign in ways Lisa has inspired your faith and witness.
If you wish to contribute to a farewell gift, you may give money to Leigh Guth.

A Few Highlights of Our Ministry with Lisa

Transitioning to outdoor and online worship at the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic
Beginning online worship on March 15, 2020 and have continued weekly since
A refreshed exterior with updated paint
A fully accessible sanctuary with expanded seating for those requiring additional accommodations
Generously supporing the Ukrainian people through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)
Renewing our conneciton with Mars Hill Manor, the retirement community opposite our church grounds on South Main Street
Collaborating with Bright Hope Laurel UMC on a monthly men’s breakfast and United Methodist Women’s group
Participating in the WNC Pride Parade and co-hosting a booth with Central United Methodist Church
Partnering and ministering with Bright Hope Laurel UMC to host conversations on abortion rights, a pumpkin carving, a Blessing of the Animals service and support the Outland Family Clinic, the Ebbs Chapel Clothing Closet and the Ebbs Chapel Food Pantry
Continuing to support My Sisters Place, Haywood Street, back to school supply drives, Angel Tree Gifts and other local missions
Supporting Reconciling Ministries with spiritual and financial gifts
Hosting the location of Mars Hill’s first 24/7 Little Free Food Pantry in partnership with a local Girl Scout Troop, a much-needed ministry within our community
A vibrant online congregation that saw year-over-year double-digit growth and now exceeds our in-person attendance
Being home to a first-of-its-kind book exchange in Mars Hill with the Little Free Library
Being designated among the first “Lighthouse” congregations in the Blue Ridge District
Being among the first churches in N.C. to call a member of the LGBTQ community as senior pastor
Hosting the first Pride Eucharist at a United Methodist Church in our area
Being among the first organizations to help launch the Madison County Racial Justice Coalition
Hosting an interfaith dialogue series on the intersection of race and faith (Sacred Ground)
Helping to organize, support and volunteer for the Annual Soup Supper benefiting the Historic Mt. Olive Cemetery
Installing Mars Hill’s first Little Free Library