Rev. Gary Kennedy shares insight into the Advent Candle of Hope. Advent is a reminder not only of the coming of the birth of the Messiah, but also the second coming of Jesus. God is a God of hope for a world that is off-base while culture leads us toward danger. We have hope for…
The November 2021 Edition of the “Good News” Willowbrook newsletter is available to download.
Rev. Gary Kennedy speaks of the importance giving thanks for what God has provided rather than dwelling on what we do not have. God’s love is full of mercy and provision.
Rev. Ruth Blum shares the significance of the curtain being torn from top to bottom when Christ died on the cross. Before His sacrifice every year on the Day of Atonement the High Priest was the only person who could enter through the curtain into the Holy of Holies in the temple. He would go…
Rev. Ruth Blum asks, “What is Grace?” Grace is not elegance or politeness. It is not a prayer before a meal. Then what IS grace? Who does it affect? Is grace available to me? How do I get it? Yes! Grace is available to everyone!
As Senior Pastor, Gary oversees the daily operations of Willowbrook, leads in worship and supports the staff in their varied ministries. He is a graduate of U.Cal. Fresno and received a Masters of Divinity degree from The School of Theology at Claremont in CA. Prior to his appointment to Willowbook, Gary served eight years as…
Ruth’s primary responsibility is in Membership & Evangelism, doing visitation and conducting the new member classes. Prior to retiring in 2016, Ruth served as Director of Children & Family Ministries at Dove of the Desert UMC in Glendale, AZ.
Rev. Lois Hedden, is retired clergy, and a member of this annual conference. She says this is sort of her third or fourth career. She began working in food service, and retail, then banking plus raising two rambunctious boys. She knew God had called her into ministry, but she kept trying to make God happy…
Laurie Lineberry joined the Willowbrook lay staff as Director of Laity in April 2020. Born into the Methodist church in Anchorage, Alaska she has been active in the church ever since. She served as District Lay Leader under Pastor Gary and currently serves as Conference Lay Leader.