By Linda Elissalde
FAREWELL
Bay Vue Methodist Church’s Easter Service on April 5, 2026 was bitter sweet. Pastor Valerie Hudson retired. This was her last service for the 3 churches she faithfully served for over 10 years. Pastor Valerie was leaving the day after Easter for her new home in Bellingham, WA. She will be near her daughter, son-in-law and beloved grandson Isaac. Members from Port Bolivar Methodist and St. Mathew Methodist gathered at Bay Vue to honor her. It was almost standing room only as family, friends and members came to thank the pastor who brought so much to Bolivar Peninsula and her parishioners.
Reverend Hudson presented her first sermon to the 3 Methodist churches on July 5, 2015. Her accomplishments in service to the Lord are too many to list. However, here are a few. Teachers’ appreciation, singing choir, chime choir, bell choir, fish fry, blessing of animals, beach ministry, women’s group, Christmas pageants, artistic presentations, Children’s Church, back to school parties, birthday parties, Bible Study, gifts to help those in need all over the world and graciously welcoming new members. People were invited to, “Come as you are; Leave transformed.” And they did.
Her Easter Service included not only special music, but also a surprise presentation by lovely Texas House Representative Terri Leo-Wilson. Pastor Hudson received a Texas Flag that had flown over Texas Capitol Building and a special proclamation. After the service attendees flowed into Fellowship Hall to share in a magnificent farewell party provided by church members and friends. As the party ended everyone joined together to sing, “God Be With You ‘Till We Meet Again”. Rev. Hudson will be missed by many, but she will take her love, her talents and her faith to new friends. I will miss my friend with whom I shared joys and sorrows. All her congregations wished Pastor Valerie Hudson Godspeed as they sadly bade, “ FAREWELL”.
HELLO
Bay Vue Methodist, St. Mathew’s Methodist, and Port Bolivar Methodist welcomed Reverend Joseph (Joe) and Dora Summers on Sunday, April 12. Rev. Joe was unanimously chosen by search representatives to be pastor of all 3 peninsula Methodist churches. He was born into a military family and met his future wife Dora in high school. Minister Joe joined the Coast Guard during Vietnam. He became a journeyman carpenter eventually acquiring his own general contracting business. He served in the Army National Guard, Air Force Reserves and volunteer Fire Department-EMT in Alaska.
His charming wife Dora is a Lay Minister. They have been married 40 plus years, have 4 children and 9 grandchildren. His hobbies include carpentry, scuba and fishing. ( Bolivar Peninsula seems a good match.) Pastor Summers served in the Evangelical Methodist, United Methodist, Methodist Church of the Caribbean and Americas and the Global Methodist Church. He graduated from United Theological Seminary in 2026.
The delightful Pastor Joseph (Joe) and Dora Summers were happily welcomed by Bay Vue Methodist with a big, “WELCOME”.
