May 2026 Congregational Letter

May, 2026

To the Congregation of Grace United Methodist Church,

A few months ago I was on a mission with my son, Davy – we were trying to discover the submarine my grandfather had served on in World War II. Davy had heard about a researcher that was finding underwater shipwrecks using advanced technology. Dozens of World War II ships had been found this way and we wondered if maybe my grandfather’s ship had been found, too. The ship was named the SS Scamp. Scamp had been my other son’s nickname in utero until we finally settled on Halloran, to honor my grandfather, Richard Halloran. The Scamp had made several successful runs into the Pacific Ocean during the war, and I remember many tales of his time at sea with his crewmates. The story always ended the same, though. He met a girl, and, when he got a chance to go on leave, he took it so he could marry her. They were married, but near that time he also found out the terrible news that his ship and most of his crewmates had been sunk somewhere in the Pacific. Since then, my grandfather has always struggled with survivors’ guilt, feeling like his decision to take his leave cost the life of another man. Of course, our family has always seen the opposite. His decision to marry led to three beautiful children, and many more grandchildren.

In May we see the days getting longer and warmer. We celebrate mothers and in June, fathers, but right in between is Memorial Day. We remember those who died, especially in war, in service to our country. At Grace United Methodist Church we extend that remembrance even more. There are plaques and memorials all over the church to remember those who gave so much, in support of their families, in support of the church and in support of the kingdom of God. If you know of a memorial at the church, I invite you to reach out to me and tell me the story. I want to share those memorials with the congregation.

In the end, Davy and I did not find the SS Scamp, but we know one day it will be found, and it will serve as a reminder of all those who gave so much. May this season be filled with joy and laughter and celebration, but also a solemn remembrance of lives given in service to others. Isn’t that, after all, exactly the example Jesus gave to us in his suffering and death on the cross? May our lives be like Christ’s as we love and serve one another.

In Christ,
Pastor Brian Neville