A Word from Pastor Doug:
What a joy it is to serve at Lexington Park UMC! Let me count the ways!
- I really enjoy being able to serve with my wife, the Rev. Lori Hays. From the earliest days of our marriage we have dreamed of being able to work as a team using our complimentary gifts. There are pastoral tasks that I dread that Lori relishes and vice versa. Because we work together both of us can spend much more time working in areas of our strength and effectiveness and a lot less time “doing the best we can” in areas where we are weak. We both feel exceedingly blessed to have this opportunity.
- Lexington Park UMC is the church both of us dreamed of serving one day. It is a church filled with people who have a strong faith in Jesus Christ as Lord who are especially committed to expressing that faith in service to and with our community. We love the fact that the church is multi-ethnic, multi-economic, and multi-generational. Everyone can feel comfortable and welcome at LPUMC!
- The staff here is outstanding. Sara Martin, our Office Administrator, exercises her gift of administration with patient grace and efficiency in the midst of days that can be dizzyingly busy! Sara is known countywide for her community activism and compassionate service for very good reasons. Joey Hoopengardner, our Worship Director, brings tears of joy to my eyes every time he does a solo, but he is much more than a soloist. He is a man of faith who loves to teach others how to express their love for God through music. The list of musical groups he directs is amazing – and he makes it look easy! Even the custodian here, Jason Carter, is the best I’ve ever worked with. LPUMC is used hard every day of the week and Jason keeps the place clean, functional, and inviting.
- We get to live in Southern Maryland! I happen to love to walk, sail, and ride my bike. Southern Maryland is a great place to do all of these things and more. If only I didn’t have to drive to Annapolis to play ice hockey!
Purpose and Mission: “Our purpose is to create a caring and Christ-centered community of believers who stand as witnesses to God’s grace in the world and make faithful disciples who are empowered to serve Jesus Christ.”
We will fulfill our purpose as we faithfully:
- Proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ
- Teach the Word
- Equip people for ministry
- Help those in need
- Minister through music
- Practice prayer
- Bond through fellowship
Come grow in your relationship with God and experience the many blessings our congregation has to offer. We look forward to seeing you!!
- Rev. Doug Hays
- Rev. Lori Hays