| It was a perfect spring Saturday morning as I sat in my chair having my quiet time with the Lord. At the time I was still teaching but had been asked to consider the job as Children’s Pastor here at the church. My first instinct was to say “no”, but I had committed to taking a week to really spend time in prayer seeking the Lord’s direction. In Mark 10:17-26, we encounter the story of the rich young ruler—a man who had everything the world could offer but lacked the one thing that mattered most. This story is not just about wealth; it is about the condition of the heart and the challenge of surrendering what we hold most dear to follow Jesus. Jesus saw deeper into the rich man’s heart. “You lack one thing,” Jesus said. “Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Mark 10:21). The young man walked away grieving because he had great wealth. He wanted to follow Jesus, but he wasn’t ready to let go of the security he had built for himself. For years, I read this passage and thought, how sad—this man was so close to Jesus and still walked away. I could never completely understand how he could just turn his back on the Lord. That is, until I found myself in the middle of my own decision to let go. As I sat praying about whether to leave my teaching position and step into the role of children’s pastor I began to realize several things. Teaching was safe. It was familiar. I was good at it, and parents specifically requested me for their children. I had a steady income, retirement benefits, and a clear path of my future. But as I prayed, I felt the Lord whisper something unexpected to my heart: “You are the rich man in this story.” At first, I resisted that idea. I wasn’t rich—not in money, at least. But God wasn’t talking about finances. He was talking about security. Like the rich young ruler, I was clinging to something I had built, something I trusted, something that made me feel comfortable, afraid of what it might cost to let go. And Jesus was asking me to lay it down. I wrestled with this for a long time. I knew the right answer was to trust God, but my mind kept listing reasons to stay where I was: What about retirement? What if I fail? What if this isn’t really God’s plan? But then, God gently reminded me—I had already been prepared for this moment. My first degree before teaching was in Bible and Children’s Ministry. Long before I ever stepped into a classroom, He had planted in me a heart for ministering to children. Not only that, but He had already walked my family and me through some of the hardest seasons of our lives. In those darkest times, I had learned, over and over, that He is faithful, that He provides, and His promise through scripture said: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6. He would NEVER leave me or forsake me! I was not stepping into something new—I was stepping into something God had been equipping me for all along. So I stepped out in faith. As I sat in my chair that morning weeping, all I could say over and over again was a simple “OK”. An “OK” of obedience and complete trust. It wasn’t easy, but God had been faithful before and I was trusting He would be faithful again. Since that day He has provided in ways I never expected. He has stretched me, grown me spiritually, and allowed me to work alongside Him in ways I never dreamt possible. And He has reminded me that my security was never in my job—it has always been in Him. This passage is not about money alone—it is about surrender. We all have things we cling to, whether it’s material possessions, personal achievements, the busyness of our activities, comfort, or even relationships. Jesus is not saying that wealth is bad, but He is challenging us to examine our hearts. What are we holding onto so tightly that it keeps us from fully trusting Him? If you’re facing a decision that requires trust, I encourage you: Don’t walk away grieving like the rich young ruler. Instead, step forward in faith. Jesus calls you, not to burden you, but to free you. What He asks you to release is nothing compared to what He has in store for you. Let go of whatever is holding you back, because what Jesus offers is far greater than anything we leave behind. Blessings sweet friends, Tena |
| Digital Lenten Devotional |
| If you would like to join us this Lenten season in devotion, we will be reading and praying through the 40 Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This 40 day devotional will explore the meaning of faith, suffering, and grace, and it can be accessed by clicking the button below. You can simply bookmark that page and move through each day on your own. Through the link, there is also an option to sign up for daily email reminders. We recommend signing up for the email reminders on March 5th, the official first day of Lent. Contact the church office if you have any questions. |
| Link to 40 Day Devotional |
| Church Family Directory |
| Our church will be using Instant Church Directory as the platform for the new directory. It will have mobile and printable capabilities. Step 1 to this process is filling out this simple online form. Once we have collected data, we will upload your information to Instant Church Directory and let you know how to access the directory and add more detail, like a photo, to your profile. We anticipate sending instructions for Step 2 on March 4th. To be included in the printed version of the online directory, both steps must be completed by March 25th. If you have any questions about the process or need help completing any of the steps, please contact the church office. We are happy to help! See our website for basic safety information on Instant Church Directory. |
| Directory Step One |
| Children’s Corner |
| VBS Registration for church families is coming soon! On March 2nd and March 9th, Jennifer and Tena will be registering any and all church family potty-trained 3 year olds – 5th graders. Registration opens to the community on March 11th. VBS is June 23rd-27th and will cost $45 per child. We will also need many hands to help put together a successful VBS program. Be praying about how you can be of service for VBS. Volunteer registration will also open on March 2nd. |
| Dude Camp Registration |
| Register for Dude Camp! |
| Student Ministries Update |
| The Junior High Bible Quiz Team is traveling this weekend to Derby, Kansas. Pray for safe travel, good quizzing, and a good time together building community and having fun! Thanks for all you do as a church for our quizzers and quiz program! |
| Scholarship Application |
| The Patricia Ann and Robert Ladd Spencer Allen Scholarship is awarded annually to an incoming college freshman or a continuing college student. The recipient is chosen based on a strong Christian faith, active involvement in Friendswood Friends Church, character, leadership, academics, interest in Christian ministry, and financial need. The deadline for submission of applications is May 1st.Apply Here! |
| Camp Quaker Haven Registration is Open! |
| Click Here for Registration! |
| Love. Learn. Listen. |
