Pastor’s eNote: Weekly Update

The Leadership Team at FFMC plays a key role in leading our church into these important days ahead. They have oversight of our church’s strategy for ministry, which uses the resources of both our finances and facilities. The work of the Leadership Team is critically important as we live into a balanced budget, a new vision for our facilities, and vital ministry to love and serve our city.

We had a moment to give thanks for our Leadership Team during worship last Sunday. We were able to thank Craig Nolte for nearly six years of service on the Leadership Team and welcome our newest member, Ruby Englund. I also shared some important news about the leadership of the Team itself.

Starting on September 1, Dr. Margaret Diddams will assume the role of our chairperson of the Leadership Team. According to the Book of Discipline of the Free Methodist Church, the pastor is to serve as the chairperson of the Leadership Team. The pastor, however, is allowed to put forward a name to lead the Team with the consent of the entire Team. I am thankful for Margaret’s willingness to answer God’s call to serve in this way.

Margaret, along with her husband, Stan, has long called FFMC her home. She has seen our church move through its various seasons. She also recognizes the critical importance of the coming months and years in the life of our church. In this upcoming fiscal year beginning September 1, we will be adjusting to a new balanced budget. We are also addressing the future of our facilities so that they serve the ministry of the church well for decades to come. These are critical issues for FFMC which must be informed by God’s vision for us.

Please join with me in praying for our Leadership Team and Margaret’s leadership. I am hopeful and confident that God’s work in our church will advance through the gifts of our Team. We are moving together toward a future of mission and ministry in the grace of Jesus.

Grace to you all,

Craig+

Pastor Craig Brown

P.S. Our next Town Hall meeting is on Saturday, September 19 in the Upper Fine Center at 9:00 a.m. Plan to join the Leadership Team as we hear updates and ask questions about FFMC and God’s next steps for us.

(August 18th, 2026)