I'm gonna call this meeting to order.

And uh today we are privileged to have for uh invocation the Reverend David Edinger, Pastor Bailey United Methodist Church.

Okay.

If you're all willing willing and able, please stay.

Thank you, Mayor.

Let us pause now for a moment of reflection.

Divine Creator.

We gather this evening with grateful hearts, remembering that the city is more than its buildings, its streets, or its boundaries.

A city is its people, people of different backgrounds, beliefs, and traditions, united by the common hope that dignity will be honored and justice will prevail, and every person will matter.

Bless those entrusted with the responsibility of leadership.

Grant them wisdom beyond personal interest, courage beyond convenience, and patience in motions of disagreement.

Remind us that leadership is not simply an exercise of authority, but a privilege of service that reaches into homes, touches families, and shapes futures.

Grant us the ability to listen before we speak, the understanding to respect those with whom we disagree, and the courage to do what is right.

And when the work of this evening is finished, may we have accomplished more than the business of government.

Guide our minds with wisdom, fill our hearts with compassion, and direct your actions in common good.

So be it.

Thank you.

So by a

vote of close it.

I'm sorry, nine to zero with Councilmember Luci obstacing on both sets of minutes.

And it'll be eight to zero for the October of the 13th minutes.

You have approved the minutes that's submitted.

Okay, thank you very much.

Okay, now's the time that our city councilers looked forward to, and that is to honoring individuals and groups that make us the city of Virginia Beach, the great city that it is.

The first one will be a resolution of Bay Lake United Methodist Church, 70th anniversary.

And with Reverend Endiger, Pastor, come on back up.

And reading the resolution will be my friend and colleague, Josh Schulman.

Thank you, Mayor.

Reverend Edinger, that was a beautiful prayer you offered.

Thank you very much.

And it's an honor for me to read this resolution.

I see members of uh your church community here and welcome.

Um

a

lot of friendly faces and thank you for uh the great neighborhood relationship that you have with the folks in Bay Lake Pines and along the Bayfront.

So it gives me great pride to read the resolution.

Whereas, founded in 1956 under the sponsorship of Epworth Methodist Church in Norfolk, and with a membership of 75 people, Bay Lake United Methodist Church grew its congregation and membership to a thousand plus over the span of 70 years.

And whereas, as years passed, what began as a vision to establish a Methodist presidence in the growing Baysac community has become a vibrant congregation whose ministry has touched countless lives in Virginia Beach and around the world through worship, discipleship, outreach, and mission.

And whereas since 1993, Bay Lake United Methodist Church has sheltered and fed the homeless living in Virginia Beach by providing overnight shelter, meals, clothing, and personal care items, reflecting its commitment to caring for neighbors in practical and compassionate ways.

And whereas Bay Lake United Methodist Church established a tree lot fundraiser that over the last 70 years has blossomed into a vital hub for hospitality and community connection with the proceeds from the tree sales supports the church church's outreach and community organizations.

Whereas for many years, Bay Lake United Methodist Church has prepared and distributed food bags to Bayside Elementary School, ensuring students have weekend meals.

And whereas in 2024, Bay Lake United Methodist Church reaffirmed its commitment to the community by embracing the general conference of the United Methodist Church's decisions regarding the ordination of LGBTQ plus clergy and the celebration of same-sex marriages.

And whereas in 2026, Bay Lake United Methodist Church celebrated a 20-year partnership with Upward Sports through Upward Soccer League.

This program has provided athletic experiences for children ages three to eighth grade, resulting in a welcoming environment where children and families experience encouragement, teamwork, and God's love while also developing and improving their soccer skills.

Volunteers from Bay Lake United Methodist Church have stepped into vital leadership roles, serving as league directors, coaches, referees, and moment of encouragement leaders each spring.

And whereas Baylake United Methodist Church has a long history of supporting Boy Scouts of America and remains committed to Scouting America, which led to the establishment of Bay Lake Youth Programs, encompassing Cub Scouts Pac 67 and Scouts Troop 67 boys and Troop 5067 girls.

And whereas through Bay Lake United Methodist Church's dedicated service over the years, the congregation has remained deeply committed through the following.

Music ministries and rich worship through the gifts of the choir, while children, youth, adults, small groups on Sunday school classes provide opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship.

The endowment committee continues to invest in future generations through scholarship support.

And wow, you guys are busy.

Whereas through worship, education, missions, community outreach, and faithful stewardship, Bay Lake United Methodist Church has continually adapted to meet the needs of a changing community while remaining rooted in its beliefs.

Now, therefore, be a result that the Virginia Beach City Council hereby celebrates the 70th anniversary of Bay Lake United Methodist Church and recognizes 70 years of dedication, success, untiring efforts, and tenacity of the congregation and its members.

Given by the Council of the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia this 20th day of October 2026, and presented this resolution duly signed by each member of the Virginia Beach City Council.

Congratulations.

Well deserved.

This is my church.

Sorry, Mr.

Chair.

Thank you very much.

Mr.