September 2025 Breeze Newsletter Online

Good September Disciples,

And just like that, it is over.

What a way to start a monthly letter to you all. Yes, it flew by. Summer that is. It came and went, but honestly, what do you expect out of twelve short weeks?  The kids are going back to school, and teachers have already started. By the time some of you read this, it may be after Labor Day, and everyone is back at school. Please keep all the students and teachers in your prayers as they begin a new school year.

As I reflect on my summer, I realize that I did not get everything done that I wanted to. My bike riding was significantly less than last year, but I realize that it is okay. This summer, I focused on things other than riding a bike, such as my faith journey. I keep telling myself I have procrastinated long enough. But I know my faith is stronger than ever, and I hope yours is too.

As most of you know, Stephanie and I are going to be first-time grandparents. We are excited to welcome our new grandchild into the world. When it happens, which will be soon, we will keep you all posted. I am sure there will be a few pictures to show everyone.

Now on to church stuff!

September is the month when we all begin to come back to worship after the summer. This year is no different. We certainly miss the families and all the children in worship. As most of the families already know, Sunday School is starting on September 14^th. That same Sunday, we will also be blessing the backpacks. I do know that during that time, school had already started, but a blessing for the new school year can’t hurt. So, children, bring your backpack on the 14^th, and we as a church will pray over them.  Additionally, I am looking for children to light the candles every Sunday.

Lastly, since it is September, we will be starting our community breakfast, which takes place on the last Saturday of the month. If you can help, that would be great. If you are hungry, come and eat. Tell all your friends about it.

Have a great September!

Blessings,

Pastor Greg Leslie

August 2025 Breeze Newsletter Online

July 2025 Breeze Newsletter Online

In Memory of Robert “Bob” Wilfred Choate, Jr.

April 17, 1947 ~ December 31, 2024

Robert W. Choate, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday afternoon, December 31, 2024, after a five-year battle with lung cancer.

A service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at 3 pm at the Motley United Methodist Church on Monday, July 7. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service at the church and following the service over light refreshments.

Robert W. Choate, Jr., was born to Robert W., Sr., and Carol M. Choate on April 17, 1947, in Dayton, OH. He graduated from Fairmont West High School, Kettering, OH, in 1965 and from Purdue University in June of 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management. Bob was united in marriage to Jomyla Hasty in January of 1969, and they have two children.

He had a long business career, beginning with Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance, then with NCR for over 25 years, and finally retiring from AT&T. During his work with AT&T, he had the opportunity for international travel, which took him to an 18-month stay in Australia. He enjoyed putting together videos of his travels and sharing the adventures with others. In 1997, Bob and Jomyla moved to the family property and built their home on the east end of Lake Alexander. Bob also had a home-based business for five years, producing aerial views of the many lakes in Minnesota.

Bob very much enjoyed photography, model railroading, computer games, and reading history, especially World War II, and Science Fiction. He was a member of  MotleyUMC and served on various committees of the church. For several years, he assisted in the sound room and made videos of the numerous church activities to share with the congregation.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and brother-in-law.
He is survived by wife Jomyla; daughter Wendy and wife Jennifer; son Matt and wife Nicole; grandchildren J.T., Madi, Kat, Garrett, and Raegan; sister SanDee; sister-in-law Carolyn, and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Motley United Methodist Church (PO Box 119, Motley, MN 56466) or to the American Cancer Society.