Wrightsville First United Methodist Church is nurturing hearts, building legacies

Church establishes Education Plan for Wesley and Henry Hagan

By Kelly Roberson
 
Wrightsville First United Methodist Church stands as a beacon of love and faith in their community. 
 
Rev. Dr. Mike Bankston, the senior pastor of Wrightsville First, shares a deeply rooted philosophy of shepherding children and youth with care and intentionality. For this church, children are not just the church's future; they are its present. Through intentional engagement, education, discipleship, worship, and inclusion in church life, Wrightsville First ensures that the children and youth of the congregation understand the significance of their faith and their place within the church community.
 
“I believe that when you are intentional in letting children and youth participate in the life of the church, the participation becomes a powerful connection to the church for the children and youth when they become adults,” said Dr. Bankston. "We believe that every child and youth should know the love of God, recognize their sacred worth, and cultivate a relationship with Christ.”
 
Janibeth Outlaw, the Children's/Youth Director at Wrightsville First, spearheads initiatives aimed at engaging youth and children both within the church and in the broader community. From Sunday School classes to outdoor adventures with Campfire Kids, the church provides opportunities for spiritual growth and connection with nature.
 
"Our aim is to show children the beauty of God's creation and help them understand its spiritual significance," explained Outlaw.
 
Betsy Garnto, the Preschool Director at Wrightsville First, also understands the importance of nurturing faith from a young age. Through the church's preschool program, children are not only educated academically but also immersed in a Christian atmosphere where they learn about prayer, the teachings of Jesus, and the importance of serving others.
 
"Our goal is to make a lasting impact on each child's life, instilling in them God's love that will endure throughout their lifetime," says Garnto.
 
The preschool serves as a gateway for families to become part of the church community, fostering connections and spreading the message of love and acceptance to all who enter its doors.
 
At the close of 2023, further demonstrating their love and commitment to children and youth, the congregation of Wrightsville First established a 529 Education Plan for Wesley and Henry Hagan. 
 
Rev. Kirk Hagan and his wife, Robin, served Wrightsville First from June 2013 - June 2019. Wesley was four years old when the Hagans were appointed to Wrightsville First, and Henry was born in 2014, just a little over a year after their arrival. For six years, the Hagans were an integral part of the congregation and the community. 
 
In the Fall of 2023, Robin passed away at the age of 45 after a hard fought battle with cancer. The members of Wrightsville First felt the loss tremendously and knew they wanted to do something to honor her memory. Building on the church's belief that every child deserves to feel valued and loved, it felt natural to do something for Wesley and Henry.
 
Joseph Sumner, a member of the congregation, recalls a moment of clarity amidst personal grief, driving him to rally support for the Hagan family.

The idea for creating an education fund came to Sumner the day after Robin’s passing as he drove alone to his daughter's cross-country meet. Reflecting on his own children and the impact of Robin's death on Kirk and their two children, Sumner was moved to find a way to support them through the tragedy. 

Sumner’s belief in the importance of education, instilled in him by his grandfather who lived through the Great Depression, further fueled his dedication to creating the education fund. He views the fund as a way to provide Wesley and Henry with something that can never be taken away, ensuring that their mother's legacy lives on through their education.

Sumner recognized that the strength of the community lay in its people, and he wasted no time in rallying support. He contacted key individuals in Wrightsville, who all immediately offered their assistance and asked, "What can I do to help?" This outpouring of support demonstrated the community's deep care for the Hagan family and their willingness to come together in times of need.

"The story is not and should not be about me,” explains Sumner. “It should be about Wrightsville, Georgia, and the community there that welcomed Kirk, Robin, Wesley, and Henry, delighted in their triumphs, and prayed for, stood with, and ultimately grieved with them after Robin died."

For Sumner and the Wrightsville community, the establishment of the education fund is a tangible expression of love and solidarity, ensuring that Wesley and Henry will have the support they need to pursue their dreams and carry forward their mother's legacy.

“The whole thing comes down to the love of a community for a pastor and good guy, his late wife, and their children," said Sumner. 

If you are interested in giving to the Education Fund, you can contact Wrightsville First UMC at wrightsvillefirst@gmail.com or visit their website to give online (on the note line under general budget, put Hagan Family). 

Kelly Roberson is the Director of Communications/Conference Ministries for the South Georgia Conference.