I mentioned on Sunday morning that David Kellum, who with his wife Mae, served among Friends in Africa for more than 30 years, had died last week. David lived a life that is worth remembering and celebrating (that will happen in Chandler, OK the last weekend of this month). David was not a pastor, but a mechanic, engineer, builder and fixer of all things. He established a technical school in Burundi that is now named in his honor. He started an auto repair garage that became known as the best in the country. And he and a friend also built a bridge across a local river that gave their community life-changing access to markets, schools and hospitals which had been previously unreachable.
One of the reasons I’m telling you about David is that he is the grandfather of our student pastor, Josiah Brown. Yes, Josiah has inherited a wonderful legacy from his grandfather, and he is living faithfully into that legacy. But truthfully, we have all inherited a legacy that calls us into faithfulness. The book of Hebrews names many of our faith ancestors and then urges us to “also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us” (12.1). The idea the author wants to convey is that as followers of Jesus, we all have a legacy of faithful people in our past that can inspire us, help us endure, and spur us on to love and good works. They “surround” us in a way that prompts and encourages us to keep pressing on and in to the Christian life. And ultimately, Jesus, who the author of Hebrews calls “faith’s pioneer and perfecter,” encourages us and helps us keep living out our faith. So Josiah’s grandfather has motivated Josiah to a life of Christian love and service. But Josiah, his grandfather and all of us, are motivated by a great cloud of witnesses, and ultimately by Jesus. May He be your guide and example this week.
This Week:
There are still a couple appointments open for the blood drive in Fleta Hill’s honor this coming Sunday. Click here to schedule an appointment.
There will be a come and go baby shower for Kelly and Nathan Browning in the Coffee Café right after worship this Sunday.
The annual high school volleyball tournament is this Sunday night (Sept 18) from 7-10pm in the gym. Josiah would be grateful to anyone who might bring snacks or drinks.
If you missed out on the sale of the church pews from the chapel, a few more have become available. Contact Josiah Brown if you’re interested.
The Missions Committee is holding their annual BBQ Luncheon on Sunday, October 2nd. Tickets ($15) are available in the coffee café after worship or at the church office. starting next Sunday, September 9th. All meals will be served “to-go” style, but you can stay and eat in the Coffee Café if you’d like. There will also be multiple items available for the Silent Auction, including two of Roy Skeeter’s beautiful benches made from the oak tree in front of the church, and a wonderful quilt made by the Bee Pieceful Quilters. Winners will be announced at the BBQ Luncheon.
A Couples Wedding Shower honoring Hannah Jacobson and Blake Stanfield will be held at Bobby and Shanna Kirkpatrick’s home (412 Fieldcreek Dr) on Sunday, October 9th from 2-4pm. Blake and Hannah are registered at Anthropology and Crate and Barrel.
A Wednesday evening women’s bible study begins on September 28th at 6:30pm at the home of Susan Tam (1916 Lundy Lane). The study, from seedbed.com, is called, “The Epic of Eden,” and is led by Sandra L. Richter. Contact Kimberly Jones or Susan Tam for more information. All women are welcomed!
A recent Family Promise guest left us this note: Dearest friends, Thank you everyone who collectively came together and poured out unconditional love for Kemar and myself. From day one we felt like a part of the Friendswood Friends family. We thank everyone who prepared every yummy dinner. Everything was great, and it sent us to bed with a full belly so we slept well. Love always, Kimberly & Kemar. Thanks to all of you who help with this generous ministry. Your service makes a difference! Our next dates to host Family Promise guests are November 13-19. New volunteers are welcome!
Peace,
David Bridges