FOR METHODIST PASTOR MICHAEL WELCH AND FAMILY
[Visitation with the family of the late Pastor Michael Welch, his wife Julie, and their young children, Hannah and Jesse, will be conducted at the Lafayette United Methodist Church on Bartton Avenue from 4-until-8 p.m. Monday, February 11.
A "Celebration of Life" for the Welch family will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday morning, February 12 at the Bratton Avenue church.
Methodist Bishop Richard Wills will deliver the greeting, and testimony by several personal friends of the Pastor Welch and his family, and local and visiting Methodist preachers, including Brentwood United Methodist Church pastor Jeff Wilson, a close friend and colleague of Michael Welch.]
EMOTIONAL CHURCH SERVICE
An emotionally drained congregation gathered at the Lafayette United Methodist Church Sunday morning, their pastor and his entire family tragically killed in a six-vehicle accident just three days before. But Rev. Amanda Diamond led an uplifted congregation into a spirit of celebration, concluded by the breaking of bread and a sharing of the sacraments with the entire membership.
The Sunday worship service was conducted by Rev. Diamond, who had preceded Welch at the Lafayette United Methodist Church.
Bishop Richard J. Willis also spoke, telling the packed sanctuary "...you had a special pastor and his family with you for four years--but you are not alone--we all stand with you in these difficult days. The circle that was broken today, will be reunited with God tomorrow."
Quoting from Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future," Rev. Diamond also remembered Julie Welch saying to parishioners "we are to praise God in all circumstances!"
Earlier in the service, Pastor and friend Jeff Wilson has said "Michael was a country boy from Soddy Daisy...an incredible husband and father. His wife, Julie had a profound intimacy with God, and Michael gave her the opportunity to be all that she could be--as a couple and parents theirs was a journey of faith."
The text for Rev. Diamond sermon came from Matthew 5:14-16: "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let you light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Micheal and Julie Welch, and their beautiful children, touched the hearts of all who knew them. "Our loss is Heavens gain. We will miss you!" read the sign in front of the Bratton Avenue Church.
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