| This last weekend I took a few days to vacation with family and friends. Although the Frio River is not really flowing at the moment, we still had a great time together. When I was teaching, this annual family trip signaled the end of summer for me, returning home straight into training before the new school year. This year’s vacation felt more like a reprieve or rest from the busy summer in student ministry instead of feeling like the last hoorah of summer and the start of a new school year. Right now I am winding down from big summer events and looking forward to a few days of rest before we head back into the routines and rhythms of the school year. As I took time this weekend to bask in the sunshine, poolside, with a good book, I was reminded how important rest is. Not just the physical rest that is needed, but the deep, spiritual rest and renewal that only comes from one source, our God! When we rest in God, we acknowledge that we are not in control and that He is. We let go of our worries and allow His peace to fill our hearts. Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” This stillness is an intentional pause, a moment to reflect on His greatness and faithfulness. It’s in these moments of stillness that we can hear His voice more clearly and experience His presence more deeply. As many of us prepare for a new school year and are looking at our routines, may we remember the vital spiritual practice or rhythm of Sabbath. May we see a time of pausing, a time of resting, a time of stillness, as a reminder that our worth is not tied to our productivity, but that it is a time to reconnect with God, with ourselves, and with our loved ones. As an act of trust, recognizing that God is our provider and sustainer, let us find moments to rest. Blessings, Katelyn |
| Office Closures and Roofing Project |
| The church office will be closed tomorrow, July 24th for a staff meeting. The roofing project on the education building has been pushed back another week due to inclement weather. The new planned construction window is July 29th-August 2nd. Due to the construction, the office will close on July 29th and re-open on July 30th. Please avoid using the office door and enter through the Coffee Cafe if you need to access the church office during the roof project. |
| Scholarship Recipients |
| The Patricia Ann and Robert Ladd Allen Scholarship was made possible through the generosity of the Allen family. Mr. Bob Allen, who started the scholarship in memory of his wife, recently passed away, but his daughter, Tana Jefferson, has continued this generous fund. It was always Mr. Allen’s desire to help students achieve what Patricia always dreamt of… a college degree. We are thankful for the Allen family legacy and that Tana continues to bless our students here at Friendswood Friends Church by providing them opportunity for financial assistance. |
| Scholarship Recipients: J.T. Roher Junior University of Houston Brynn Baumer Freshman Abilene Christian University Jack Dawson Freshman Sam Houston State University |
| Summer Activities |
| We have two more weeks for you to join us as we continue to explore different topics and have opportunities to get to know someone new. We hope you can make it to Coffee Cafe Conversations on Sunday mornings this Summer at 9:00 AM! We hope you will join us for the last Friends Summer Outing of the Summer, Tuesday, July 30th, for Open Gym! Due to roof construction plan on entering through the side door of the gym. The door will be open. Open gym for three year olds-5th graders is 9:00 AM-10:30 AM. Parents can stay and chat with other parents while their kids play, or potty-trained three year olds-5th graders can be dropped off for $5/child(cash only). Open Gym for Students 6th grade-12th grade is 10:30 AM-Noon. |
| Women’s Ministry Game Night |
| Let’s get together and play Tenzi in the Coffee Cafe on August 7th from 7:00-9:00 PM. If you don’t know how to play, that’s okay! It’s a super simple game that is easy to follow, allows for conversation, and encourages laughter! All ladies, going into 6th grade through 106 years old are welcome to come. Bring a friend and a snack to share. |
| Promotion Sunday |
| As we prepare to send students back to school, we are looking to Promotion Sunday where our children and students “level up” in Children’s Church classes and Student Ministry programs. Be looking for more information on Promotion Sunday. |
| Student Ministries Update |
| Did you attend Camp Quaker Haven this year? You are invited to join us for a Late Night reunion! High school and junior high campers will meet in the gym for fun and games from 8 -10 pm on Wednesday, July 31. Girls – bring a snack to share Guys – bring a drink to share Student Ministry Activities kick off the new year with a Back to School Pool Party on August 18th. As prep begins for a new year, Katelyn will host parent meetings to keep you informed. Parents of 6th graders – 12th graders, please plan to attend one of the following meetings: August 11 in the chapel at 11 AM August 18th 6:30-7:00 PM at the Pool Party Location TBD |
| Family Promise Host Week |
| Our host week for Family Promise is coming up soon. We will need volunteers to bring and serve dinner and hosts to stay overnight. Volunteers to help set up and tear down rooms will also be needed on the Sundays before and after our host week. If you would be interested in volunteering or have any questions,please reach out to Beth Skeeter or Desiree Trevino. |
| Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3 |
