Friday, October 3, 2025
I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who joined me for the retirement gathering and playful coronation on Sunday after church, THE MELEBRATION, as well as the staff luncheon held in my honor on Tuesday. Your presence, your kind words, and your generous spirit made these moments truly unforgettable.
As I step away from my active role as “Facility Manager” at Strawbridge UMC, I do so with deep gratitude and hope. This position has been a humble one, but I embraced it as a chance to show what’s possible when the right person is in place and the right structure is envisioned.
My involvement began after my professional retirement, driven by a desire to cultivate new relationships and renew old ones. That journey started when I chaired the Board of Trustees shortly before the COVID outbreak; a time that tested all of us. Relationships were stretched, redefined, and, in many cases, strengthened through shared resilience.
We are not entitled to the Church facilities God has given us. But we have been blessed with them. It is our responsibility to steward these facilities in a way that honors God and His gifts to us. That belief has guided my work—from the smallest repair to the largest planning effort.
My goal was never just to maintain buildings, but to help the church see how thoughtful care, planning, and commitment can elevate our shared spaces and support our mission. I hope my time here has laid a foundation for future growth, and that the systems and standards we’ve worked toward will continue to serve the congregation well.
I am a traditional person, and I believe my first responsibility is to my wife Bev. During this tenure, she has been understanding, sacrificial, and unwavering in her support. Without her, none of this would have been possible. Her quiet strength has been the foundation beneath my service.
Thank you for your trust, the collaboration, and the opportunity to serve.
With appreciation,
Mel Puckett
