January 1, 2026
At the start of the year, Galilee prayed for our neighbors affected by the fires in California. This was only the first of several incidents which called us into action to give generously to UMVIM, the robust disaster relief arm of the United Methodist Church.
In February we entered Lent and asked: “What’s too important in your life? Starbucks coffee? A glass of wine? A streaming service? Eating out? What if for a period of forty days, you gave up these expenses and saved the money? Could you help raise $30,000 for church improvements?” The $30k Lent Challenge was a success!
We were off to the races at our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner in March. Pastor Steven organized pancake games and activities that were a big hit. Click here to learn who won the pancake eating contest.
Galilee UMC’s Eggstravaganza brought together neighbors, friends, and families for an afternoon of spring celebration.
The event took place on April 13, Palm Sunday, and drew 650 to 700 people to enjoy an afternoon of family fun. The weather was fine, though windy, as kids raced across the church lawn to fill their baskets. Parents and grandparents snapped photos as kids hunted for colorful eggs.
In May, eleven young people were confirmed into full membership at Galilee UMC. That same day they were confirmed, ten new members were welcomed at the Galilee Chapel at Lansdowne Woods. In all 46 new members joined Galilee in 2025. We rejoice that God continues to lead is into deeper faith and growing community.
What a joyful Pentecost Sunday we shared together in June! From the sanctuary filled with red—symbolizing the Holy Spirit’s fire—to the heartfelt celebration of our graduates, the morning of Sunday, June 8 was alive with meaning and joy.
Summer can be slow at a church. Not so much at Galilee! Volunteers made 80 pounds of meatballs in a summertime test of our Emergency Neighbor System.
We moved Vacation Bible School to August this year and ran the camp in the evening. Camp Firelight was a place where kids learned that they can always trust God! What a great time we had with the young campers, staff, and VBS volunteers!
We took it back to basics in September, with a worship series based on the Apostles’ Creed. It was a good reminder and refresher on the fundamental tenets of our Christian faith.
Galilee came alive with candy, costumes, and creativity at October’s Trunk or Treat! Kids and families enjoyed a spooky, sweet-filled afternoon, complete with plenty of sunshine, smiles, and surprises in every trunk.
Galilee renewed its ministry in Sierra Leone this fall with a new mission created by Galilee member Juliana Kamara and a visit to old partners and friends by member Mario Brathwaite.
Galilee closed out the year in a big way, with the spectacular Christmas Marketplace in aid of Backpack Buddies and Breakfast with Santa and St Nick.
It was a great year at Galilee. We are thankful to be a church that knows Christ and makes Christ known in the world. Here’s to a happy new year for all of us!