Celebrating Laura Byrd

Dear Church Family,

We have some exciting news to share with all of you! Laura Byrd, our Pastoral Intern and Mosaic Worship Leader, will be commissioned as an elder in June at Annual Conference. In concert with her commissioning, our Bishop, Michael McKee and the cabinet have appointed Laura to a full-time appointment to begin July 1. Laura will be serving on staff at Grace Avenue UMC in Frisco as the Pastor of Adult Discipleship & Outreach with shared responsibilities in Modern Worship. This is a wonderful appointment for Laura at a great church in our conference, one that recognizes her many incredible gifts for pastoral ministry.

We will deeply miss Laura’s ministry among us at FUMC Denton. She has not only led our Mosaic worship service for the last six years, but she has also preached and assisted in Mosaic, Open, and our Sanctuary services, led chapel services, officiated funerals and taught in various venues including, most recently, our College & Career class. It was here, at FUMC Denton, that Laura discerned her call to ministry and fulfilled the requirements of her Perkins internship. Her pastor’s heart, her incredible gifts in music and as a worship leader, and her deep commitment to creating a church where are all are welcomed, will serve her well in all of the ministry adventures ahead of her. While she will be deeply missed, I hope that you will all join me in celebrating this important and wonderful step in Laura's ministry journey.

We are also grateful that Vaughn Faison and Lizzy Williams will continue sharing their worship-leading gifts along with the Mosaic band. As we approach Laura's summer transition, we will partner with the Mosaic community to plan for what's next and take the steps that will allow the Mosaic community to continue to live into its calling as a part of FUMC Denton and to celebrate the wonderful work that Laura has done during her time here. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself, Jonathan, or Josh. 

We are so grateful to Laura Byrd and all that she has taught us in her time here. May we send her forward with great love and full of light.

Peace & Thanks,
Pastor Don