We have just finished our season of Advent, a time of waiting and anticipating the birth of Christ. This long season of Advent takes place during winter. A time in which every day since the fall it has been getting darker and darker, until winter solstice, and then every day after starts getting lighter and lighter. The light has come! 

With the celebration of Christmas, and the birth of Jesus; the wait is over. The bleakness of winter is now gone, and we transition into a season of more light. Now begins the 12 days of Christmas, Epiphany. Epiphany is “the period in Christian theology that marks the span between the birth of Christ and the coming of the Magi, the three wise men.” Transitioning from Advent season to Epiphany means shifting from the anticipation of Christ to the revelation of His mission, God’s plan of salvation. His mission invites all people to participate in the redemptive work of Christ. The visit of the Magi signifies that Jesus came not only for the chosen people of Israel but for all humanity. 

So, what does this look like for us as the body of Christ at Friendswood Friends? I believe Epiphany can be a time of reflection and revelation. As we begin the new year, we can reflect on how we have personally encountered Christ this past year. It can be a time when we recognize the presence of Christ in unexpected places and to be open to other opportunities of witnessing His love and grace in the future. 

Our situations and circumstances may not have changed from this past year. Our losses are not undone, our grief does not disappear, however, with the arrival of Jesus Christ everything changes. Each story is now permeated with the light of Christ providing hope and trust. His fragrance can seep through, providing a way to live in those darkest places! 

Repeatedly in December, we prayed “Come Lord Jesus, illuminate the darkness.” We are now challenged to carry the light of Christ into the world, to actively participate in the mission of Christ. In Matthew 5: 13-14 it reads, “You are the salt of the earth.” and “You are the light of the world.” encouraging us to continue in our journey of faith of seeking the Lord each day and responding to His presence and call on our lives. This may involve deepening your prayer life or participating in acts of kindness or service with individuals or our community. 

The story of Jesus is not confined to a historical event, but it is ongoing. May we all be bearers of His light and illuminate the darkness. Be blessed dear friends as you begin this new year.

Love,

Tena Roher

New Year’s Eve Services

Sunday, December 31, join us for Worship Service at 10:00 AM. There will be no Sunday School classes that morning. Then join us that evening for a come-and-go prayer time and communion in the Chapel from 6:00-7:00 PM. On December 31, the nursery will only be available for the morning Worship Service.

Shower Ministry Donations

As the weather turns colder, the needs of the shower ministry to the homeless shifts to supplying jackets, blankets, and wintry weather items like scarves and gloves. If you have new or used items to donate, you can drop them outside the double doors of the education building labeled “Shower Ministry.” Thank you for your continued support of this ministry.

Worship Center Flowers

The flower chart for 2024 is posted in the foyer. We invite you to sign up for one or more dates to supply altar flowers for our Sunday worship service. You might choose a special date to give flowers in celebration of a family birthday or anniversary or dedicate the flowers in honor of or in memory of a loved one. If so, we would be glad to create a slide that will be shown as part of the announcements before the service.

If needed, we can help provide you with contact information for a florist who is willing to deliver flowers on Sunday mornings, or you are welcome to create an arrangement and bring it before the service. Flowers may be taken home with you following the service or left at the church. If you would like to take part, just sign your name next to your chosen date on the chart.

Church staff will contact you ahead of time to remind you of your date and to discuss the wording of the announcement if you like. Thank you for helping to enhance the beauty of our sanctuary as we gather to worship!

Sunday Evening Activities

Sunday Evening Bible Study, Kidzone, and Student Ministry Activities are currently on Christmas Break. Core and Fuse resume on January 7th at normal times and places. The All-Church Bible Study, Bible Quiz, and Kidzone will resume on January 14th.

Summit

Friends Summit 2023 begins tomorrow, and it would be so sweet to have this event covered in prayer. Would you consider taking an hour of your time to pray for us? Follow the link for how you can sign up to be a part of the prayer team. As you are incorporating Summit into your regular prayer time, pray for the young adults, mentors, and all attending Summit 2023, as they have conversations that could change their lives and the life of the Friends Church.

  • Pray that we would be equipped with a growing understanding of spiritual leadership and how it works in the life of a Friends leader.
  • Pray that the Summit environment gives freedom to dream for the kingdom and church, and practice discerning steps.
  • Pray for the intergenerational relationships with leaders, ministries, and resources connected to the Friends Movement.

Summit 2023 Team

Katelyn Sanders – Mentor Advocate

Joshua Bunce – Speaker and Mentor Advocate

Jennifer Barmore – Mentor Advocate

Randall Bridges – Mentor Advocate

Markeze Collick – Young Adult

J.T. Roher – Young Adult

Audrey Bunce – Young Adult

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Matthew 2:10