Pastor's Pen
Pastor Steve Gregory
United Methodist Church of Casa Grande
1428 N Pueblo Dr, Casa Grande, AZ 85122
(480) 236-3817
pastor.umccg@gmail.com


May 2025
Pastor’s Pen—
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ!
As May unfolds, we continue to live in the glow of the Easter season, a time that extends far beyond a single Sunday. We are blessed by the reading and hearing of the post-resurrection stories of Jesus. It is a gift to journey with disciples through those transformative days. We’ve seen how Jesus met them exactly where they were – in their fear behind locked doors, in their doubt demanding proof, on the dusty road to Emmaus, and even by the seashore after a night of fruitless fishing. Jesus came to them in their confusion, grief, and uncertainty, offering peace, forgiveness, and renewed purpose. These precious accounts remind us of a profound truth: The Risen Christ meets us right where we are too. In our own moments of doubt, our times of struggle, our everyday routines, and our unexpected joys, Jesus comes alongside us. He understands our hearts, knows our needs, and offers the same grace and presence He offered those first disciples. He meets us in our worship, in our prayers, in the fellowship, and in the quiet moments of reflection. Let us take comfort and find strength in knowing that we are never beyond His reach or His love. Because of His victory over death, we are Easter People! We live in the light and power of the Resurrection. This isn’t just a historical event we remember; it’s a present reality that shapes who we are and how we live. Being Easter People comes with a beautiful commission. Just as Jesus turned to Peter, restoring him and charging him, “Feed my sheep,” He turns to us with the same commissioning. This call to “feed His sheep” is at the heart of our mission here at United Methodist Church of Casa Grande. It’s a call to follow Jesus actively and to share the Good News – the incredible story of God’s love and redemption – with everyone we encounter. It means caring for the spiritual needs of our neighbors, offering a word of hope, inviting them into fellowship, and sharing the transformative power of faith in Christ. But the call extends further. It compels us to care for the physical needs around us as well. Feeding His sheep means offering compassion in action, providing comfort, supporting those who are struggling, and working toward justice and wholeness in our community. It means seeing the face of Christ in the hungry, the lonely, and the hurting, and responding with the love He first showed us. Let us embrace our identity as Easter People with courage and joy. Let us be attentive to the ways Christ is meeting us each day and let us actively look for opportunities to follow His command – to feed His sheep, sharing His love in word and deed with our neighbors, throughout Casa Grande, and the world. As we step out in faith, may we at all times remember His promise to be with us always. May God bless our efforts as we live out our Easter faith together.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Steve
