This past week, my family and I were able to take some time away and enjoy a vacation together. One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Niagara Falls. This massive waterfall is truly an experience. Its scale is impossible to capture in a photograph, and the roar of the rushing water can only be described as a feeling rather than just a sound. It definitely makes a person feel small.

We also hiked through the Finger Lakes region of New York. Along many of the trails were several waterfalls. One two-mile hike featured as many as 19 waterfalls. At the beginning of the hike, we found ourselves eagerly chasing one waterfall after another, excited to see if the next would be even more breathtaking than the last. I loved how, as you got closer to a waterfall, you could hear it before you could see it. Then, as you passed each one, the sound of rushing water would slowly fade into silence.

As beautiful as the waterfalls were—and after all, they were the main attraction of the hike—I found myself increasingly drawn to the quiet spaces in between. Instead of rushing to the next waterfall, I began to slow down and appreciate the stillness. In those moments, I could clearly hear the birds singing and the giggles of our girls. I felt a deep sense of peace. That space became a kind of sacred quiet time for reflection and prayer. By the end of the hike, I realized I had come to value the silence and stillness even more than the exhilarating roar of the falls.

Truthfully, I’m not great at silence and solitude. It’s a discipline I have to keep practicing. I am the one who struggles during Open Worship to truly settle into the quiet. But this hike made me reflect on the power of peace that exists in the silence between the loud moments.

Our lives are full—often exciting, often meaningful. Like waterfalls, our experiences are powerful and worth being present for. But how much more do we appreciate the beauty and scope of life when we give ourselves space to step back? To breathe? To be still?

When I think about Jesus and His ministry on earth, Scripture tells us He often withdrew into the wilderness to rest and pray: “But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds were gathering to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray.”  Luke 5:15–16 (NRSV)

What we do matters—but so does how we show up for those things. When we rest, when we pull away to pray, when we give ourselves space to recover, we’re able to show up renewed by the Spirit.

As a new school year begins and new activities fill our schedules, may we also earnestly seek the silence. May we resist the temptation to run from one thing to the next. And instead, may we take time to appreciate the space between—the quiet that allows us to be refreshed, restored, and ready to engage life more fully.
Blessings,
Jennifer Barmore
 
Donuts and Discussions
Begins this Sunday, August 10th!!
Children 3 years old – students in 12th grade meet Ms. Tena and Luke in the Friends Center kitchen Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM for a donut and conversations about how Jesus shows up in our lives.
 
Family Promise
We have been hosting two families this week with Family Promise. We are so thankful to our many volunteers who are serving meals and staying over night to help our guests feel at home. You are a gift to this ministry.

If you are available to help transform bedrooms back into classrooms on Sunday morning, August 10th, please meet us in Friends Center at 7:30 am. Thank you again for serving this ministry so well.
 
24-7 Global Week of Prayer
Last year our Children’s Pastor, Tena Roher, and our Coordinating Elder, Michelle Hancock, attended a National 24-7 Prayer Gathering. It was a moving conference that ultimately inspired our Prayer Journey during Holy Week and participation in the 24/7 Global Week of Prayer. This global prayer experience begins on September 1st and runs through September 7th. We will host an opportunity to participate in this global experience by opening the chapel and turning it into a prayer room during this week.

We are excited to share more information on this event and a weekly, Wednesday evening prayer experience soon.
 
Texas Area Friends Church Meeting
Join us on Sunday, August 24th at 5:00 pm in the Coffee Cafe to gather with other Friends Churches in our area for a time of worship and celebration.
 
Women’s Bible Study
A Women’s Fall Bible Study will meet on Thursdays in the Coffee Cafe from 9:30 – 11:00 AM beginning on September 4th. The nursery will be available for anyone needing childcare. Information on how to register coming soon.
 
Greek Cohort
If you have interest in participating in a Greek language learning cohort, there will be an informational meeting on Sunday, September 7th at 11:00 AM. Contact Bobby Kirkpatrick for more information.Contact Bobby Kirkpatrick
 
Sunday Evening Bible Study
Beginning September 7th, a Bible Study led by Bobby Kirkpatrick over the book of Acts resumes on Sunday evenings from 5:00-6:00 pm in the Coffee Cafe. This study is designed for you to attend as your schedule allows, so no pressure if you miss a week or if this will be your first time to attend. Nursery care will be provided. We hope you will join us.
 
Children’s Corner
Promotion Sunday
On August 10th during Children’s Church, kids 3 years – entering 5th grade will level up in their classes.
Kidzone Returns!
Ms. Tena is excited to welcome kids 3 years – 5th grade at Kidzone! We meet on Sundays at 5:00 pm in the gym beginning on September 7th.
 
Student Ministries Update
Back to School Pool Party
We are excited to kick off the school year with a Back to School Pool Party at the Kirkpatrick House.
Junior High Students (incoming 6th-8th graders) swim 5:00-6:30 PM
High School Students (incoming 9th-12th graders) swim 7:00-8:30 PM

Parents, join us at one of the two informational parent meetings:
Sunday, August 10th in the Chapel at 11:00 AM
or
Sunday, August 17th at the Kirkpatrick house from 6:30-7:00 PM
Sunday Evening Activities Resume Aug. 24
Fuse (6th-8th Graders) | 6:00 PM
Core (9th-12th Graders) | 7:30 PM
 
Bell Friends
Bell Friends is looking for a few more ringers in our handbell choir! Basic note reading is recommended, but we will meet weekly for rehearsals starting in August. If you have questions or would like more information contact Nancy Hansen by email, [email protected].