The Bridge United Methodist Church in Phoenix, Arizona has welcomed Pastor Michael to its church.
The church made the announcement on a Facebook post on Monday, July 4.
According to the church’s post, the worship session recording is always accessible at the church's website, https://www.thebridgeumc.church/sunday-worship.
Those who are experiencing trouble accessing the church’s Facebook livestream may visit the link provided.
They may also visit The Bridge United Methodist Church’s Facebook post for more information written on this article.
Church’s Leadership
According to the church’s website, Michael is accustomed to living in the desert. He was raised in the small community of Holtville, California, which is west of Yuma, Arizona.
The church said he made the choice to enroll at Lincoln's Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU) because his parents were born and raised there.
It added that he responded to the call to ministry by earning a BS in Business Administration with a philosophy minor and becoming a certified candidate in the Nebraska Annual Conference (now the Great Plains).
He got his Masters of Divinity from Southern Methodist University's Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas after being admitted there (MDiv), according to the church.
In 1995, he received the deacon's ordination; in 1998, the elder’s, it added.
The church said he served seven congregations in Nebraska throughout the course of his 20 years of ministry, with memberships ranging from 25 to 1300.
Michael joined the Desert Southwest Conference in 2014 and now serves Faith United Methodist Church and University United Methodist Church in Las Vegas, Nevada (Phoenix, AZ), according to the church.
Elias and Faye, his two adopted children who were raised by him and his spouse John Lefeber through the foster care system, the church said.
The church said although he has many interests, visitors can usually find him reading a book, working in the yard, or planning their next trip.
It added that when his worry gets the best of him, he may also be seen cleaning the house. Animal rights are very important to Michael.
He has had various rescue dogs throughout the years, which has been a blessing and a source of much joy in their life, according to the church.
Church’s Community Garden
The church claimed to have constructed a raised garden planter prototype, The Bridge United Methodist Church said.
It said that it is currently being cared for by church members, but the goal is to expand it, invite neighborhood residents to participate, and designate it as a "Community Garden.”
They anticipate having to construct a few additional planters, according to the church.
The church said they will share images of their development.
It added that it will welcome everyone to plant, tend to, and take pleasure in the Lord's bounty once they have the system working.
Families visiting the final resting place of their loved ones can find peace in Memorial Rose Garden.
They may call the office at (602) 840-1080 for more details on the columbarium and memorial services.
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